Debt Recovery Adviser

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.

We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.

Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.

Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.

Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.

The team is responsible for the development and overall control of all matters relating to the firm's financial policies, financial affairs and administration.

Working within the Risk and Compliance team and alongside colleagues from the Credit Control and Disputes Resolution teams, the Debt Recovery Adviser is responsible for managing the escalation and recovery of a portfolio of aged unpaid bills and mitigating the firm’s overall exposure to stubborn or doubtful debts.

• Work alongside the Credit Control Supervisor to review aged debt exposure, weigh up enforcement costs against collection prospects and decide escalation measures on particular balances.
• Liaise regularly with the Risk and Compliance Manager and relevant Solicitors elsewhere in the firm to maintain a consistent approach to client communication and debt-handling protocols.
• Collate client engagement materials (client care letters, cost estimates and updates) and liaise with clients on particular debts, negotiating payment terms and monitoring compliance.
• When required, prepare and send letters before action, issue Court proceedings and manage the conduct of those proceedings (including considering and advancing legal arguments) through to judgement. Thereafter, to progress enforcement and oversee recovery efforts, as necessary.
• Open, maintain and monitor debt-related matters within the firm’s file systems, assist with reviewing and adjusting allowances for bad and doubtful debts.
• Deliver monthly reporting to management on debt recovery progress and maintain activity records on the central ‘Collections’ database.
• Assist the Complaints Officer with costs-related complaints.
• Assist the Risk and Compliance team with the annual internal file review process.
• Provide other ad hoc and project-based support to the Risk and Compliance team on policy matters such as anti-money laundering (AML) controls, regulatory compliance and file closure activities.

• Legal Executive or Solicitor level qualification is required
• Experience in a previous credit control or debt recovery role is preferred
• Experience of working with and influencing partners and other fee earners to prioritise their debt management alongside other client work
• Confident in using MS Office tools, particularly Excel.

• Proactive team player with an enthusiastic manner, approachable to those around him/her and an excellent role model to the rest of the team.
• Confident to work autonomously, prioritise tasks and deliver to deadlines both urgent and longer term.
• Thorough attention to detail, persistent and determined when needed.
• Evident desire to achieve results and seek continuous improvement in policies, processes and behaviour.
• Both full time and part-time applications will be considered.

Our office hours are 9.30am to 5.30pm but it is essential that the applicant is committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond normal office hours when necessary and in response to the demands of the business.

Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which consists of a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.