Debt Defense Litigation Attorney - Remote

About this role

Bernhardt Riley, Attorneys at Lawis a boutique law firm serving clients throughout New Mexico in debt defense, real estate litigation, business litigation, and criminal defense. We combine personal care with efficient, strategic advocacy to protect our clients’ legal interests and help them resolve difficult problems.
Bernhardt Riley is hiring a full-timeDebt Defense Litigation Attorneyto manage an active caseload of consumer debt lawsuits from initial appearance through resolution or trial. This is a fully remote role, although occasional in-person court appearances may be required.
We are looking for an attorney who understands that effective debt defense requires more than processing cases. The right attorney can quickly evaluate a lawsuit, identify leverage, develop the appropriate defense and settlement strategy, and move the matter toward the best practical outcome for the client.
This role also provides the opportunity to help strengthen and improve a growing practice area through better strategies, processes, technology, and team development.
Compensation: $100,000+/year DOE
Bar licenses in multiple jurisdictions is preferred but not required.
Benefits
Bernhardt Riley offers a strong compensation and benefits package for attorneys seeking meaningful litigation work, professional autonomy, and a healthier long-term practice environment.
Benefits include:

• Competitive salary of $100,000+ DOE

• 401(k) with firm matching

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Paid holidays, including an additional firm-designated holiday

• Paid vacation, sick, and personal time

• Half-day Fridays for Division Leads and employees who have been with the firm for more than two years, subject to litigation demands, court deadlines, and client needs

• Gym membership reimbursement/stipend

• Annual bonus opportunities

• Professional development support, including CLEs, training, and leadership growth

• Fully remote work environment

Why This Role Exists — and Why It’s Different

Debt defense is a high-volume litigation practice, but we do not believe it should be practiced with a high-volume mentality.
Every lawsuit presents different facts, documentation, procedural issues, settlement opportunities, and client objectives. We expect our attorneys to understand the case, identify the strongest available strategy, and exercise professional judgment rather than simply moving files through a standardized process.
At the same time, technology and automation are rapidly changing legal practice. We are building a modern debt defense practice in which technology handles more of the routine administrative work so our attorneys can spend more time on strategy, advocacy, negotiation, client communication, and results.
If you enjoy finding weaknesses in a case, solving problems, negotiating from a position of strength, and taking ownership of matters from beginning to end, you will fit well within our firm.
What You’ll Handle
You will manage consumer debt defense matters from initial appearance through resolution, including cases involving credit cards, consumer loans, debt buyers, and other consumer debt claims.
Case Strategy & Ownership

• Evaluate each case and develop a case-specific defense and resolution strategy

• Manage matters from Notice of Appearance and Answer through settlement, dismissal, summary judgment, mediation, or trial

• Identify procedural, evidentiary, standing, documentation, and other potential defenses

• Maintain proactive case timelines and ensure matters continue moving toward resolution

• Balance legal strategy with the client's goals, financial circumstances, risks, and practical realities

Motions & Discovery

• Draft and respond to written discovery

• Analyze documents produced by plaintiffs and identify evidentiary or substantive weaknesses

• Prepare and argue motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, motions to compel, and other appropriate dispositive and non-dispositive motions

• Handle discovery disputes and related hearings

• Prepare for and conduct or defend depositions when appropriate

Hearings & Trial

• Attend Zoom and remote hearings throughout New Mexico

• Attend in-person proceedings when necessary; coverage counsel may be utilized for certain routine appearances

• Prepare matters thoroughly for contested hearings and trial

• Organize evidence, witnesses, exhibits, legal arguments, and trial strategy

• Comfortably advocate for clients before judges and opposing counsel

Negotiation & Resolution

• Evaluate settlement opportunities throughout the litigation process

• Negotiate strategically with opposing counsel

• Provide clients with clear recommendations regarding litigation risk, settlement options, and next steps

• Resolve matters through dismissal, settlement, mediation, arbitration, judgment, or trial as appropriate

Client Communication & Trust

• Communicate clearly and consistently with clients

• Explain litigation strategy and options in understandable terms

• Set realistic expectations while giving clients confidence that their matter is being actively managed

• Provide practical recommendations rather than simply presenting legal analysis

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Work closely with legal assistants, paralegals, and other attorneys within the Debt Defense Division

• Provide direction and guidance regarding case strategy and litigation priorities

• Help develop team members and improve consistency across the practice

• Collaborate effectively within a remote environment

Modern Practice & Continuous Improvement

• Continuously improve legal strategies, templates, workflows, and internal processes

• Utilize legal technology, AI, and automation tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency

• Identify recurring patterns across cases that can strengthen future defense strategies

• Contribute ideas that improve client experience, case outcomes, and division performance

What Success Looks…