Commercial Underwriting Counsel / Commercial Underwriter (Remote - US)

First American; Missouri; Remote; USD 97,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

PTO / paid sick leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

First American is seeking a Commercial Underwriter / Underwriting Counsel to join our National Commercial Services team. You’ll provide underwriting guidance for title insurance commitments and policies, applying standards within delegated authority to evaluate transactions and support settlement services.

The ideal candidate has a law degree and state bar admission, deep real estate law knowledge, and proven ability to underwrite complex real estate deals.

Qualifications

• Law degree required for Underwriting Counsel and admitted to practice in the hiring state
• Licensed to practice in state of employment for Underwriting Counsel
• Strong knowledge of real estate law and title insurance processes
• Experience underwriting complex commercial real estate transactions
• Ability to interpret regulations and apply underwriting standards

Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support, counsel, and authorization for title insurance commitments and policies
• Apply underwriting standards within delegated authority to evaluate transactions
• Guide internal teams in real estate settlement services
• Develop and communicate underwriting standards in line with company processes
• Share underwriting insights across the team
• Support additional responsibilities as needed

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Creative problem solving

Decision making

Education

Law degree

Admitted to practice in state of employment

Licensed to practice in state of employment

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! As a member of First American's family of companies, National Commercial Services provides single-point service for simple to multi-property/multi-state national commercial real estate transactions. 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

Bring your expertise in underwriting and real estate law to complex transactions that demand both precision and creativity. If you’re energized by evaluating risk, collaborating across teams, and delivering thoughtful solutions, this is an opportunity to make an impact with a trusted leader in the industry. First American is seeking a Commercial Underwriter / Underwriting Counsel to join our team. In this role, you’ll provide critical guidance and decision-making support across commercial real estate transactions, helping drive confident outcomes for our customers, agents, and internal partners.

What You’ll Do

• Provide underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel, agents, and customers related to the issuance of title insurance commitments and policies
• Apply underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority to evaluate and approve title insurance transactions
• Offer guidance to internal teams in the execution of real estate settlement services
• Develop and communicate underwriting standards and guidelines in alignment with established company processes
• Serve as a key resource for sharing insights and information related to underwriting and settlement services across the team
• Support additional responsibilities as needed

What You’ll Bring

• Law Degree required (for Underwriting Counsel)
• Admitted to practice in state of employment (for Underwriting Counsel)
• Licensed to practice in state of employment (for Underwriting Counsel)
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred 5–7 years of title underwriting experience
• Strong knowledge of real estate law, including federal and state regulations
• Deep understanding of title insurance and settlement processes, including core concepts and industry practices
• Proven ability to underwrite real estate transactions for title insurance issuance
• Strong analytical thinking paired with sound decision-making skills
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to act decisively and build strong relationships
• Detail-oriented approach with strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and listening
• Ability to think creatively, apply abstract reasoning, and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges

Pay Range

Pay Range: $97,700.00 - $130,300.00 Annually This 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.

Our people are the foundation of First American’s success and that is the reason we put them first. This philosophy has cultivated a culture of happy employees who are highly engaged, passionate about their work and leave each day feeling they have made a difference.