Law Clerk/Claims Handler

Company Summary

Come work for a company that’s committed to the success of each and every employee. A place where innovators and collaborators come together and build on each other’s talents. Where diversity is welcomed  and celebrated.

FCT provides industry-leading title insurance, default solutions and other real estate related products and services to legal, lending, valuation and real estate professionals across Canada. With FCT, you will have the opportunity to build a meaningful career. Join us as we continue to do exciting work and make a big impact on our colleagues, customers and communities.

Job Summary

We are continually searching for great talent; individuals who possess a deep commitment to the customers and markets we serve. If you would like to join a company that is committed to the success of each employee and offers challenge, purpose and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally in a team-oriented environment, you'll enjoy a career with us! We understand that fostering a diverse and inclusive environment is critical for the success of our business, and we actively work towards it every day.

As a Law Clerk/Claims Handler you will be responsible for high level decision-making, assessing title insurance claims on behalf of property owners and lenders. In your role as a Law Clerk/Claims Handler, you will be required to independently determine and apply appropriate coverage positions for residential, commercial and loan policies accounting for the varying regulatory requirements in all provinces and territories across Canada (excluding Quebec).

As a Law Clerk/Claims Handler, you will:

• Investigate, assess and manage claims made under the title insurance policies, including but not limited to claims related to title defects, survey issues, building and zoning matters.

• Communicate with our customers (including property owners, lawyers and lenders, as well as all internal business partners) the coverage available under the respective policies and accurately identify the applicable exceptions and exclusions to coverage relating to the title insurance policies.

• Determine and communicate claim resolution options and retain and instruct third party experts as needed (i.e. outside counsel, adjusters, appraisers etc.)

• Negotiate settlements and release provisions and conduct review of files for potential recovery.

HERE’S HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE:

• Review and authenticate new title claims relating to various areas of coverage across Canada (excluding Quebec) for accuracy

• Initiate contact with the claimant within timelines required to meet service levels

• Determine and communicate next steps by applying Provincial/Territorial knowledge as well as identifying the correct area of coverage applicable to each claim

• Retain and instruct external professionals as needed (adjuster, lawyer, surveyor, appraiser, contractors etc.).

• Manage service levels of retained third parties to ensure they are aligned with FCT’s service levels

• Correspond and communicate with customers regarding decisions, timelines, options under the policy, etc.

• Analyze third party reports including legal opinions, surveys, appraisals etc. for accuracy, coverage determination or to assist with determining next steps in the claim resolution process

• Communicate denied claims with internal business partners and external parties as required

• Negotiate settlements and release provisions, and conduct review of files for potential recovery

• Manage escalations and disputes surrounding the coverage positions in a professional manner

• Identify potential business concerns with respect to a coverage position and escalate as needed

• Determine, set and maintain settlement and expense reserves

• Post financial transactions as required

• Follow standard internal guidelines and processes with respect to file management

• Maintain a flexible and co-operative approach towards changing business needs

• Communicate denied claims with internal business partners and external parties as required

• Maintain a flexible and co-operative approach towards changing business needs

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL BRING:  

• Law Clerk designation from Ontario post-secondary institution

• Minimum 5-10 years of experience as a real estate law clerk in a firm and/or title insurance environment

• Strong knowledge of Ontario Land Titles System and terminology (knowledge of Land Tites systems across Canada would be considered an asset)

• Strong ability to read and understand Ontario title searches as well as identify title defects (ability to read title search for provinces across Canada would be considered an asset)

• Familiarity with building and zoning regulations and land use laws that affect real estate transactions

• Strong ability to read and understand surveys

• Ability to interpret and apply legal principles and decisions to specific real estate issues, claims, and transactions.

• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to make difficult decisions with confidence 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate, collect, organize, analyze and disseminate significant amounts of information with extreme attention to detail

• Effective oral and written customer communication, oriented towards delivering a superior customer service experience even in circumstances that may be adverse

• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple files in parallel and meet deadlines

• Ability to work independently as well as with a team

• Positive attitude and good team spirit evidenced through comfort in developing relationships with people throughout the company

• Excellent ability to prioritize tasks and highly organized

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook ...) and will need to use corporate claims file management and finance software platform daily

HERE’S WHAT SETS US APART: 

Through mentoring, innovative tools, and a variety of programs that engage and reward, we empower each employee to be great and drive results.

• Comprehensive benefits that include Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and Wellness Essentials

• Group retirement savings plan with company match

• Paid holidays and generous paid time off

• Hybrid work arrangements

• Paid volunteer opportunities and charitable donation matching

• Employee recognition programs that include referral incentives

• Potential for performance-based incentives 

• The opportunity to participate in our stock purchase plan

• And more!

*As per terms of the employment agreement

The Great Place to Work® Institute has named FCT one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Workplaces, Best Workplaces in Canada for Financial Services & Insurance, Best Workplaces in Canada for Women, Best Workplaces in Canada for Inclusion and Best Workplaces in Canada for Mental Wellness. We’re also one of Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ in North America.

By joining us, you will not only be part of an award-winning organization, you will be part of a workforce that is engaged and empowered to succeed.

Thank you for considering FCT. We look forward to meeting you.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of FCT’s hiring process.

To avoid any delays in the recruitment process, if you require accommodation to apply, please provide your accommodation needs in advance. You may also be required to submit adequate medical/other documentation to Human Resources to support your request for accommodation.

FCT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers, promotions, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and other terms and conditions of employment will be on the basis of the qualifications of the individual regardless of race, colour, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, handicap (including mental and physical disability), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, creed (religion), marital status, family status (being in a parent/child relationship), age, or any other basis prohibited by the applicable provincial or federal human rights legislation.