Attorney Network Manager (On-site)

About the role

At Newrez, we bring big thinkers and caring doers together to make home happen. We’re a team built on heart and hustle, united by a commitment to show up for our customers, our communities, and each other. We believe that when our people thrive, homeowners thrive — and that’s why we invest in your growth, wellbeing, and ability to make an impact. Every day, we work to exceed the expectations of our residential mortgage borrowers and business partners through superior service, simple processes, and clear communication. We do this by empowering our employees, encouraging innovative solutions and recognizing great performance.

The Attorney Network Manager will be responsible for driving the performance of attorney firms and foreclosure trustees within SMS’s Attorney network. This role includes direct management of the Attorney Network Coordinators, collaboration with approved firms and internal stakeholders (Corporate Legal/Compliance, External Audit, and others) to identify areas of opportunity, firm placements, and performance, maintaining GSE compliance for all attorney firms, reviewing and implementing legal updates for new and changed state regulations including State Supreme and Appellate Court Decisions, reviewing and responding to firm escalations and issues, and collaborating with foreclosure and bankruptcy leadership to maximize performance through attorney partners.

Direct Reports: Attorney Network Coordinators.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the network of attorney firms and foreclosure trustees, with a primary focus on maximizing attorney scorecard performance while maintaining effective partnerships.
• Responsible for managing and setting appropriate SMART goals for the Attorney Network Coordinators.
• Oversee special foreclosure program implementation internally and with attorney network.
• Oversee the foreclosure and bankruptcy attorney monthly scorecards, hold process, and maintain regular performance calls with network of active firms.
• Develop, enhance, implement, and maintain a deep understanding of all performance metrics and scorecard methodologies.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the Legal Services Agreement, including understanding and monitoring service level and expectations outlined.
• Examine servicer and state performance regularly and champion strategy action plans on identified areas of opportunity.
• Maintain oversight over state level demand letter process and semi-annual validation to ensure accuracy.
• Manage the new firm boarding process, geared at preparing firms to comply with policies and procedures.
• Assist in the off-boarding process of servicers.
• Work with Default Operation groups to provide scorecard expertise, performance metrics, and guidance on how to handle difficult situations with internal and external customers.
• Identify, protect, and maintain internal and industry resources that are critical to business operations.
• Conduct firm visits and file level audits when necessary.
• Collaborate with Corporate Legal/Compliance and External Auditor to formulate a periodic, comprehensive risk assessment of law firms and foreclosure trustees.
• Perform detailed due diligence on issues prior to sharing findings with an audience.
• Communicate findings regularly to executive management team.
• Ensure full compliance with GSE requirements as it relates to firm assignments, transfers, and performance.
• Provide legal opinions for state and local audits for firm compliance.
• Follow industry trends and work with Corporate Legal, Collections, Loss Mitigation, Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and REO operations teams to ensure that processes and procedures comply with federal and state regulations.
• Coordinate efforts with Corporate Legal, Quality Assurance and External Audit teams to evaluate efficiency of internal and external process controls.
• Identify, protect, and maintain internal and industry resources that are critical to business operations.
• Conduct ongoing risk analysis such as compliance with federal and state laws, regulatory agencies, third-party clients, and direct the audit team towards any high-risk items.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced degree or JD a plus.
• 6–8 years related experience.

Skills

• Working knowledge of foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings as well as internal legal services operations.
• Demonstrated analytical and business communication skills.
• Advanced project management skills.
• Experience managing people is a plus.
• Must be flexible to changing priorities, project scopes, and deadlines.
• Highly proficient in MS Office package, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Up to 2