IL State Underwriting Counsel/Area Underwriter

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 nine 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.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE

• 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.
• May be an individual contributor or have direct reports.
• Utilizes underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits to underwrite the issuance of title insurance.
• Develops and maintains effective business relationships with assigned agents and brokers as well as internal and other external clients to attract, develop and retain profitable business for multiple Areas/States.
• Reviews and approves draft underwriting standards and guidelines from subordinates, in accordance with established company processes.
• Responsible for communicating information related to underwriting and real estate settlement services to team.
• Responsible for monitoring state law and recommending practice changes to management.
• Participates with regional underwriting staff in underwriting initiatives around product development.
• Analyzes key metrics of underwriters to identify areas of improvement and development opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Required Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure

• Law Degree required.
• Admitted to practice in state of employment.
• Licensed to practice law, in good standing.
• 10-12+ years title underwriting experience.
• Must be familiar with real estate law.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Excellent understanding of concepts, practices and procedures of real estate titles and closing.
• Strong knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to real estate title insurance and settlement services.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to lead others in effectively implementing programs and projects.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Ability to diagnose and analyze problems, identify, and drive appropriate solutions, and achieve desired results.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, able to multi-task, prioritize, and follow up in a timely manner.
• Ability to build relationships and create rapport.
• Requires abstract thinking and creative solutions.
• Ability to ‘think outside the box’ and make unique yet sound decisions to resolve complex issues.

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 celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also 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.