Commercial Underwriting Counsel

firstam; California (MO); On-site; USD 98,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

PTO / paid sick leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

First American is seeking a skilled attorney with a focus on real estate title underwriting to join our Direct division. You will advise on underwriting standards, oversee title commitments and policies, and guide settlement services in real estate transactions.

Requires a law degree, active admission in the state, 5–7 years title underwriting experience, and strong knowledge of real estate law. This is a full-time on-site role with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of real estate title and settlement processes.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing title insurance.
• Ability to collaborate and make decisive, legally sound judgments.

Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support and guidance on title insurance commitments and policies.
• Ensure underwriting standards are applied per delegated authority limits.
• Guide real estate settlement services and related processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Underwriting knowledge

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Law degree

Admitted to practice

Licensed to practice law

Job description

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Provides underwriting support and expertise to company personnel, agents, and customer(s), related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies. Utilizes underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits, to underwrite the issuance of title insurance and provide guidance in the performance of real estate settlement services.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE

• Provides underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel, agents, and customer(s), related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies.
• Utilizes underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits to underwrite the issuance of title insurance.
• Provides guidance to company personnel in the performance of real estate settlement services.
• Issues underwriting standards and guidelines in accordance with established company processes.
• Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Required Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure

• Law Degree required.
• Admitted to practice in state of employment.
• Licensed to practice law, in good standing.
• 5-7 years title underwriting experience.
• Must be familiar with real estate law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Strong understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of real estate title and settlement process.
• General knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to real estate title insurance and settlement services.
• General understanding of underwriting real estate transactions for the issuance of title insurance policies.
• Ability to collaborate and act decisively.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Good organizational skills, able to multi-task, prioritize, and follow up in a timely manner.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Requires abstract thinking and creative solutions.

Pay Range: $97,700.00 - $130,300.00 AnnuallyThis hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **

First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).

First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality - we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First culture is inclusive for all employees - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.