Staff Counsel 1 - Legal Collections

Applicants must have current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Staff Counsel I

Annual Salary: $94,500 (Compensation is based on office location, relevant experience, skills, and competencies.  Plus Sign-on Bonus!

Recently Passed the CA Bar? Start Your Legal Career at MCM.

Newly licensed and ready to put your JD to work?

Midland Credit Management (MCM), an Encore Capital Group company, is looking for newly admitted and early-career California attorneys who are ready to build their litigation skills, gain courtroom experience, and grow their careers within an established corporate legal environment.

No prior attorney experience required. This opportunity is open to entry-level candidates making it an ideal next step for recent California Bar recipients looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience.

Build Real Legal Experience From Day One

As Staff Counsel, you won't just observe the legal process—you'll be an active part of it. You'll manage your own collection litigation matters, draft and file pleadings, negotiate resolutions, participate in hearings and trials, and advise business partners on legal and regulatory matters.

This role provides an opportunity to strengthen your legal judgment, courtroom confidence, negotiation skills, and understanding of how an in-house legal team supports a highly regulated business.

What You'll Do

• Manage and resolve collection litigation matters while partnering with business leaders and legal support teams.
• Draft, review, and file legal pleadings and other litigation documents.
• Conduct and respond to discovery.
• Negotiate with opposing counsel and work toward appropriate resolutions.
• Prepare for and participate in hearings, mediations, and trials.
• Represent the company in contested matters, including counterclaims, appeals, and cross-claims.
• Partner with consumers and counsel to evaluate appropriate resolutions, including situations involving financial hardship.
• Provide legal guidance supporting compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with internal teams, outside counsel, courts, and other legal partners.
• Contribute to special projects and broader legal initiatives.

Who We're Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are a newly admitted California attorney or an early-career lawyer looking for an opportunity to develop practical legal experience and grow within a corporate legal organi

zation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Passed the California Bar and eligible to practice in California
• Current authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Sound legal judgment and discretion
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and execute effectively
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• A willingness to learn, take ownership, and grow as an attorney

Why Consider MCM?

Starting your legal career is about more than earning a title—it's about gaining the experience that builds your foundation as an attorney.

At MCM, you'll have the opportunity to gain exposure to litigation, courtroom advocacy, negotiation, regulatory compliance, consumer law, and corporate legal strategy while developing skills that can support your long-term legal career.

If you recently passed the California Bar and are wondering, “Who will give me an opportunity to gain experience?” — this could be that opportunity.

#LI-MCM

Starting Compensation

Annual Salary: $85,000.00 - $94,500.00 (Amount based on office location, relevant experience, skills, and competencies)

If you are wondering why you should work for us, here is something to help you decide:

• Pay and Bonuses: Earn a competitive salary. All employees are eligible for monthly incentives or annual bonus.

• Career Progression: Grow at MCM with paid training and development programs – including our very own MCM Academy – as well as a promote-from-within philosophy.

• Reward and Recognition: We are committed to honoring great results – ranging from informal accolades to formal company-wide awards and prizes like all-inclusive vacations.

• Tuition Assistance: Pursue a degree or coursework related to your current role, or the role you are striving for.

• Healthcare Insurance: Take advantage of comprehensive healthcare plans and options to ensure your continued health, plus fitness membership reimbursements, weight watchers, our wellness rewards Program and more.

• Volunteering Opportunities: Enjoy up to eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer. We also offer volunteer grants and matching financial donations, up to US$ 2,500 per employee annually.

• Retirement Savings: Build a strong financial foundation and reach your goals for the future. With all the effort you invest in us, we’re proud to invest in you.

• New Family Support: Celebrate your new arrival with company paid leave, new parent flex time, and child back-up care options.

• Team-building: Enjoy experiences that inspire bonds with your colleagues through a wide range of company-sponsored team-building events, such as holiday celebrations and department outings.

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy paid and floating holidays, as well as generous paid-time-off.

Our compensation and benefits programs were created with an 'Employee-First Approach' focused on supporting, developing, and recognizing YOU.  We offer a wide array of wellness and mental health initiatives, support volunteerism, and environmental efforts, encourage employee education through leadership training, skill-building, and tuition reimbursements, and always strive to provide promotion opportunities from within.

About Us

Headquartered in the United States, Encore Capital Group (Encore) is a publicly traded international specialty finance company operating in various countries around the globe. Through our businesses - such as Midland Credit Management and Cabot Credit Management - we help consumers to restore their financial health as we further our Mission of creating pathways to economic freedom. Our commitment to building a positive workplace culture and a best-in-class employee experience have earned us accolades including Great Place to Work® certifications in many geographies where we operate. If you have a passion for helping others and thrive at a company that values innovation, inclusion and excellence, then Encore Capital Group is the right place for you.

Encore Capital Group and all of its subsidiaries are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected under applicable law. If you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment, please contact [email protected].