Defense Attorney at Columbia Debt Recovery LLC – Phoenix, Arizona

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Job description:

Defense Attorney – In-House

Location: Phoenix, AZ (On-Site)
Department: Legal
Reports To: Chief of Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Salary Range: $125,000 – $150,000 (DOE)
Travel: Minimal (0–10%)

Are you looking for Serious litigation and Sustainable career? Leave billable hours behind and lead litigation strategy from the inside!

Join Genesis as a Strategic Legal Partner

Genesis is seeking an experienced Defense Attorney to serve as a key member of our in-house legal team. This is an opportunity for a skilled defense attorney to move beyond traditional law firm practice and take on a strategic, business-facing role with direct executive exposure.

In this position, you will lead the company’s litigation defense strategy, advise leadership on risk and regulatory matters, and play a critical role in protecting the organization’s legal and financial interests. The ideal candidate brings strong consumer defense experience, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys partnering cross-functionally to drive compliance and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Litigation Leadership

• Manage and defend lawsuits involving debt collection and consumer claims in state and federal courts.
• Develop and execute litigation strategy from intake through resolution.
• Draft and argue motions, pleadings, and dispositive filings.
• Represent the company in hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials as needed.
• Negotiate settlements aligned with company risk tolerance and business objectives.

Regulatory & Risk Advisory

• Provide proactive guidance on compliance with FDCPA, FCRA, TCPA, and related state regulations.
• Advise executive leadership on litigation exposure, regulatory trends, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Assist in developing internal policies, procedures, and best practices to minimize future claims.
• Support regulatory matters and agency inquiries (CFPB, FTC, State AG offices).

Cross-Functional Business Partnership

• Collaborate closely with compliance, collections, finance, and operations teams.
• Oversee discovery strategy, depositions, interrogatories, and document production.
• Review contracts, financial documentation, and litigation-related agreements.
• Maintain and enhance internal litigation tracking and reporting systems.
• Lead litigation budgeting and forecasting to ensure fiscal accountability.

What We’re Looking For

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active license in good standing (multi-state admission a plus).
• 5+ years of defense litigation experience, ideally in debt collection, creditor rights, consumer defense, or commercial litigation.
• Deep knowledge of FDCPA, FCRA, TCPA, and related consumer protection laws.
• Proven ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload.
• Strong courtroom presence, negotiation skills, and strategic judgment.
• Excellent legal writing, research, and advocacy skills.
• Experience interacting with regulatory agencies is a plus.
• Comfortable working directly with executive leadership in a highly collaborative environment.

Why This Role Stands Out

• True in-house impact — Direct influence on business strategy and risk management.
• Executive visibility — Work closely with senior leadership.
• Ownership and autonomy — Lead litigation strategy from start to finish.
• Stable corporate environment — No billable hour requirements.
• Professional growth — CLE support and continued development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation and benefits — Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and performance incentives.

If you're an experienced defense attorney ready to transition into a strategic in-house role where your legal expertise directly shapes business outcomes, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• Defense Litigation: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Active license in good standing (multi-state a plus) (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Phoenix, AZ 85053 (Required)

Work Location: In person