Commercial Underwriting Counsel (Hybrid)

First American; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 97,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision plan

401k

PTO

Stock purchase plan

Job summary

First American is seeking a Commercial Underwriting Counsel to join its National Commercial Services team. You will provide underwriting support and counsel on title insurance commitments, ensuring compliance with internal standards while guiding real estate settlement activities.

Ideal candidates have 5–7 years of title underwriting experience, a JD, and active licensure to practice law in the relevant state. Strong negotiation, communication, and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of title underwriting experience, commercial experience preferred.
• Licensed to practice law in the state of employment; JD required.
• Familiar with real estate law and settlement processes.
• Strong analytical rigor and business acumen.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and work with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel and customers related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies.
• Utilize underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits, to underwrite the issuance of title insurance.
• Provide guidance to company personnel in the performance of real estate settlement services.
• Issue underwriting standards and guidelines in accordance with established company processes.

Skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Multitasking

Business acumen

Real estate law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

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

Enable you to apply your passion for law and risk analysis to real estate transactions. If you excel in collaborating with others to assess possibilities and discover solutions, it may be time to combine your analytical rigor with a premier brand in the commercial real estate space.

First American is looking to add a Commercial Underwriting Counsel to our growing team. This position plays a key role in transforming commercial real estate experience by empowering our employees and customers to deliver next-generation solutions and results.

What You’ll Do

• Provide underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel and customers related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies
• Utilize underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits, to underwrite the issuance of title insurance
• Provide guidance to company personnel in the performance of real estate settlement services
• Issue underwriting standards and guidelines in accordance with established company processes

What You’ll Bring

• 5-7 years title underwriting experience, commercial experience preferred
• Law Degree required and admitted to practice law in state of employment
• Licensed to practice law, in good standing
• Must be familiar with real estate law
• Strong understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of real estate title and settlement process
• Strong analytical rigor and business acumen
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to provide alternative solutions or convey unpopular information with tact
• Ability to collaborate and act decisively; build relationships internally and externally
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize and timely follow up
• Abstract thinking and creative solutions

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.

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.

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