Virginia Senior Underwriting Counsel

First American; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

First American is seeking a senior title underwriting attorney in Virginia, with a JD and active license to practice. This remote-eligible role requires 8–10 years of title underwriting experience and strong knowledge of real estate law and settlement processes.

The successful candidate will provide underwriting support, guidance on title insurance issuance, and collaboration with agents and internal teams to ensure compliant settlements, with occasional travel within Virginia.

Qualifications

• Law degree required and admitted to practice in the state of employment.
• Eight to ten years of title underwriting experience.
• Virginia title underwriting experience.
• Strong knowledge of real estate law and settlement processes.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support and counsel to company personnel, agents, and customers, related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies.
• Underwrite title insurance within delegated authority limits and guidelines.
• Guide company personnel in the performance of real estate settlement services.
• Issue underwriting standards and guidelines in accordance with established company processes.
• Communicate underwriting and real estate settlement services information to the team.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Law degree

Licensed attorney

Virginia title underwriting experience

8-10 years title underwriting

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Agency Division is dedicated to providing our policy-issuing agents with resources, services and underwriting guidance needed to achieve new levels of success. 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

Provides underwriting support and expertise to company personnel, agents, and customer(s), related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies. Utilizes underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits, to underwrite the issuance of title insurance and provide guidance in the performance of real estate settlement services.

This position is remote within driving distance of Virginia as it requires occasional local travel for business meetings and events.

What You'll Do:

• Provides underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel, agents, and customer(s), related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies.
• Utilizes underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits to underwrite the issuance of title insurance.
• Provides guidance to company personnel in the performance of real estate settlement services.
• Issues underwriting standards and guidelines in accordance with established company processes.
• Responsible for communicating information related to underwriting and real estate settlement services to team.
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Bring:

• Law Degree required.
• Admitted to practice in state of employment.
• Licensed to practice law, in good standing.
• 8-10 years title underwriting experience.
• Virginia title underwriting experience.
• Must be familiar with real estate law.
• Excellent understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of real estate title and settlement process.
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to real estate title insurance and settlement services.
• Understanding of underwriting real estate transactions for the issuance of title insurance policies.
• Ability to collaborate and act decisively.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, able to multi-task, prioritize, and follow up in a timely manner.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Requires abstract thinking and creative solutions.
• Ability to 'think outside the box' and make unique yet sound decisions to resolve complex issues.
• Ability to build relationships and create rapport.

Pay Range: $129,300.00 - $172,300.00 Annually

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.