Underwriting Attorney

Monarch Title, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Monarch Title, Inc. seeks an experienced Underwriting Attorney to review and underwrite residential and commercial title transactions, assessing title risk and providing legal guidance through settlements.

The role combines settlement expertise with title underwriting responsibilities, working with processors, lenders, and real estate professionals to ensure insurable, compliant closings.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with active bar admission in the jurisdictions served.
• 10+ years in real estate law, title underwriting, or related fields.
• Experience with title insurance and settlement services.
• Ability to read title abstracts and assess insurability of recorded documents.
• Notary commission and title licenses in applicable jurisdictions preferred.
• Proficiency with Qualia or similar title production software.

Responsibilities

• Review and underwrite residential and commercial title transactions and make independent underwriting decisions.
• Examine title commitments, abstracts, settlements, deeds, and related documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Identify and resolve title defects, curative issues, underwriting exceptions, and legal risks.
• Determine title requirements and documentation needed to insure and close transactions.
• Provide legal guidance regarding real estate transactions, title matters, and settlement procedures.
• Conduct or support residential and commercial closings as needed.
• Research land records and public filings to verify ownership, liens, encumbrances, and other title matters.
• Consult with underwriting counsel on complex matters and assist staff in clearing issues.
• Communicate with buyers, sellers, lenders, attorneys, real estate agents, and internal teams throughout the transaction.
• Manage a high-volume pipeline while maintaining quality, timeliness, and compliance.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and support business development.

Skills

Title underwriting

Legal analysis

Communication skills

Client service

Notary (preferred)

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Tools

Qualia

Job description

The Underwriting Attorney is responsible for reviewing and underwriting residential and commercial title transactions, evaluating title risk, resolving complex title issues, and providing legal guidance throughout the settlement process. This role combines the legal expertise of a Settlement Attorney with the technical underwriting responsibilities of a Title Underwriter. The Underwriting Attorney works closely with processors, settlement agents, lenders, real estate professionals, and clients to ensure transactions are compliant, insurable, and successfully closed.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and underwrite residential and commercial title transactions and make independent underwriting decisions.


• Examine title commitments, title abstracts, settlement statements, deeds, trusts, and related documents for accuracy and compliance.


• Identify, analyze, and resolve title defects, curative issues, underwriting exceptions, and legal risks.


• Determine title requirements and documentation needed to insure and close transactions.


• Provide legal guidance regarding real estate transactions, title matters, and settlement procedures.


• Conduct or support residential and commercial closings as needed.


• Research land records and public filings to verify ownership, liens, encumbrances, and other matters affecting title.


• Consult with underwriting counsel on complex underwriting matters and assist operations staff in clearing title issues.


• Communicate effectively with buyers, sellers, lenders, attorneys, real estate agents, and internal team members throughout the transaction process.


• Manage a high-volume pipeline while maintaining quality, timeliness, and compliance standards.


• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and support business development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active bar admission in at least one jurisdiction served by the company.


• Title insurance underwriting experience and extensive knowledge of title examination principles in DC & MD (VA not required but helpful).


• 10+ years of experience in real estate law, title underwriting, title insurance, settlement services, or a related field.


• Ability to read title abstracts and determine the validity and insurability of recorded documents.


• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulations governing real estate transactions, title insurance, and settlement services.


• Experience with residential and commercial transactions preferred.


• Notary commission and title licenses in applicable jurisdictions preferred.


• Proficiency with Qualia or similar title production software preferred.


• Excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and client service skills.


• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to perform under deadlines.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily operates in an office environment and requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, communicate effectively, and use standard office equipment. Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds may be required. The work environment is generally moderate and free from significant adverse conditions.