Sr. Commercial Underwriting Counsel (Hybrid)

First American; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 118,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

PTO / paid sick leave

Employee stock purchase plan

Job summary

First American is seeking a Sr. Commercial Underwriting Counsel in Tampa to lead underwriting for real estate title commitments and policies.

You will apply standards within delegated authority to assess risks, advise internal teams on settlement services, and ensure processes meet regulatory requirements. The role requires a Juris Doctor and 8–10 years of title underwriting experience, preferably commercial, with strong negotiation, communication, and detail orientation in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of title underwriting experience, commercial preferred.
• Familiarity with real estate law, including applicable federal and state regulations.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to assess risk and make sound judgments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support and authorization for title insurance commitments and policies.
• Apply underwriting standards within delegated authority to evaluate risks.
• Advise internal teams on real estate settlement services and transaction-related matters.
• Ensure underwriting aligns with company processes, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support day-to-day underwriting operations and mitigate risk.

Skills

Underwriting experience

Title underwriting

Real estate law knowledge

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

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 an Sr. 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, agents, and customers related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies
• Utilize underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority to evaluate and approve title insurance risks
• Serve as a resource to internal teams by providing guidance on real estate settlement services and transaction-related matters
• Ensure underwriting practices align with established company processes, policies, and regulatory requirements
• Support day-to-day underwriting operations and contribute to process consistency and risk mitigation

What You’ll Bring

• Law Degree required; admitted to practice law and in good standing in the state of employment
• 8-10 years of title underwriting experience, commercial preferred
• Familiarity with real estate law, including applicable federal and state regulations
• Working knowledge of title insurance concepts, settlement processes, and underwriting practices
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to assess risk and make sound decisions
• Ability to collaborate effectively and act decisively in a fast-paced environment
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow up in a timely manner

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.

Pay Range: $117,500.00 - $156,700.00 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.