Job Title: Lead Collections Specialist
Department: Finance
Office: Boston, New York, or Washington .
Reports to: Director of Billing and Collections
Status: Exempt
Summary
The law firm is committed to being enterprising, respectful, inclusive, insightful, and tenacious in every aspect of its operations. These core values guide the firm's interactions with clients, colleagues, and the communities in which it operates. The firm serves clients in key practice areas and industries, including crisis management (restructuring, investigations, and special situations), global litigation, life sciences, technology, and brand and reputation protection.
The Lead Collections Specialist plays a crucial role in managing the collections process to ensure timely payments, maintaining client relationships, and addressing outstanding balances. This position requires strong collaboration abilities, excellent communication skills, and organizational proficiency to thrive in a fast-paced legal environment. The specialist reports directly to the Director of Billing and Collections.
Job Responsibilities
- Monitor and manage accounts receivable to identify overdue payments and contact clients regarding outstanding balances.
- Collaborate with attorneys, billing specialists, and the finance team to address potential client billing errors and disputes.
- Negotiate payment plans and settlements with clients as needed while maintaining professionalism and alignment with firm policies.
- Track and document all collection efforts and communications in the firm’s accounting system, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies and procedures.
- Provide regular updates to management on the status of overdue accounts and escalate issues as necessary.
- Develop and implement collections strategies that align with the firm's financial goals.
- Assist with month-end and year-end reporting related to collections and accounts receivable.
- Stay current with client collection information, maintaining accurate records of accounts.
- Keep track of activity and communications with clients regarding payment due dates using the firm's collection software.
- Stay up to date on legal industry standards and regulations related to collections and maintain compliance in all activities.
- Assist on additional projects and tasks as assigned.
Education and Experience Information
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
- A minimum of 6 years of experience in legal collections within a law firm setting.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to maintain positive client relationships while addressing sensitive financial matters.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with legal billing and collections processes.
- Understanding of cash applications and best practices.
- Proficiency in billing and accounting software (., Aderant, Starcollect or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
- Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership over projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively.
- Ability to interact with all levels of legal staff and personnel, including management and support staff.
- Team-oriented and able to work in a multi-office environment across all technology platforms.
- Strong organizational, writing, communications, and time management skills.
Salary Information
The salary range for the Lead Collections Specialist, based on experience level and location, is estimated to be between $90,000 and $115,000.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The law firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to recruiting, developing, and advancing talented professionals from diverse backgrounds. All employees and applicants are evaluated based on their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, religious beliefs, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as defined by applicable laws.
