Commercial Underwriting Counsel / Commercial Underwriter (Remote - US)

First American; United States; Remote; USD 98,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

5–7 years of title underwriting experience and a Law Degree are required, with bar admission and licensure to practice in the employing state.

Qualifications

• Law degree required and admitted to practice in the employing state.
• 5–7 years of title underwriting experience.
• Strong knowledge of real estate law and title insurance processes.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support and authorization for title insurance.
• Apply underwriting standards within delegated authority.
• Guide internal teams in real estate settlement services.
• Develop and communicate underwriting standards.
• Share insights on underwriting and settlement services.
• Support additional responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Underwriting

Real estate law

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Decision making

Education

Law Degree

Bar admission

Licensed to practice

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: $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.