Junior Legal Collections Advisor

**WHAT WE DO**

We're Lula. We build innovative fintech products to help SMEs make cash flow. From instant access to funding to all-in-one business banking accounts and cutting-edge financial analysis tools, we're on it

Our purpose is to help SMEs manage their business better, faster, simpler, Lula, so they can spend more time doing what they love.

Speaking of love, we're looking for Lulas who love to make a difference to join our team and change the game.

**WHY WE DO IT**

We care about our family, our work, our community, our country.

We're passionate about EMPOWERING EVERY SME TO SUCCEED.

And to do it, we're BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FINTECH PRODUCTS TO HELP SMES MAKE CASH FLOW.

Why? Because the more businesses that succeed, the more jobs, money, and opportunities for all South Africans - including Y.O.U.

So get curious.

Rise to the challenge.

Don't settle for average.

Shoot for amazing.

We're here to change the game, the norm, the world,

Because when we change something for the better, we change ourselves too.

You are.

We are.

Lula

**OUR VALUES**

**Collaborative **_- we're a clan and work together as a team, always towards a common goal_

**Committed**_ - we're accountable and follow through no matter the challenge_

**Curious **_- we look for better ways to do things and make a positive difference_

**Connected**_ - we stay close to, learn from and look to understand each other and our customers_

**Compassionate**_ - we go out of our way to care about our colleagues, our customers and our community_

**OVERALL PURPOSE**

As a Junior Legal Advisor with a specific focus on Collections at Lula, you will play a critical role in helping our collections team navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding debt recovery in relation to our unique products and manage the external collections processes with our legal representatives as well as debt collectors. You will work closely with Lula's Head of Legal and Chief Risk Officer as well as the established internal collections team.

In addition to the main focus on collections, you will assist the Head of Legal with legal queries, research and regulatory updates and the vetting of contracts.

**THE COMPETENCIES WE'RE AFTER**
- Collections Strategy: Collaborate with senior legal advisors to develop effective collections strategies, tailored to each product's unique needs.
- Training: ensuring the collections team is adequately trained on all collection and litigation processes and kept up to date with any developments.
- Documentation and Case Management: Prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation for each collections matter handed over, ensuring all necessary information is organized and up-to-date and to ensure the external legal advisors have all relevant information available to them. Provide regular updates to the CEO, Head of Legal and Chief Risk Officer in relation to external collection activities.
- Liquidations and Business Rescue: liaise with liquidators and business rescue practitioners in submitting claims and reviewing business rescue plans and attending the necessary meetings.
- Negotiations: Engage in negotiations with debtors, and when necessary, brief external legal counsel to commence legal actions to recover outstanding debts.
- Compliance: Stay informed about changes in legislation, regulations and court process in order to ensure all collection activities remain in compliance with legal requirements.
- Legal Research: Conduct thorough legal research to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

**THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE'RE LOOKING FOR**

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's degree in law;
- Admission as an attorney with the necessary due completion of articles of clerkship;
- Litigation experience with a strong understanding of collections law and legal processes, including liquidations and business rescue;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to conduct legal research efficiently and effectively;
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills;
- Team player with the ability to collaborate and learn from senior legal advisors;
- A commitment to professionalism, ethics, and client service.