Jobs › First American

Commercial Underwriting Counsel

First American · CA · Remote available · $97,700–$130,300 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found a way to get a deal to close that others thought couldn't be insured.

What they are checking: Whether they solve problems creatively while still keeping the company's risk at an acceptable level.

Tell me about a time you explained a complex legal issue to a non-lawyer in a way they could act on.

What they are checking: Whether they can make underwriting guidance usable for agents, escrow staff, and customers.

How do you stay current on Illinois title law and changes to underwriting guidelines?

What they are checking: Whether they keep their knowledge current, since outdated guidance can create claims.

What would you do

An agent calls asking you to insure over an unreleased mortgage from fifteen years ago on a commercial property in Chicago. How do you think through it?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh real risk, documentation, and indemnity options instead of giving a reflexive yes or no.

A sales rep is pushing you to approve coverage quickly because a big client is waiting. You have concerns. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold firm on underwriting standards under business pressure while staying a helpful partner.

You're juggling underwriting questions from five transactions closing the same day. How do you prioritize?

What they are checking: Whether they can triage by closing timing and risk without letting a dangerous issue slide.

About the work

How do you decide when a request falls within your delegated authority and when it needs to go up the chain?

What they are checking: Whether they respect underwriting authority limits, which protect the company from taking on risk nobody approved.

Walk me through the common endorsements you see on a commercial policy and when a lender will insist on them.

What they are checking: Whether they know commercial title coverage well enough to guide agents and customers with confidence.

How would you handle a survey that shows an encroachment onto a neighboring parcel?

What they are checking: Whether they can assess survey issues and choose sensible exceptions or coverage for a commercial deal.

Explain how a mechanics lien risk affects a commercial policy when construction just finished.

What they are checking: Whether they understand construction lien exposure, a common and costly commercial title risk.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at First American from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by First American.

Who We Are Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. 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. 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. • 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. • 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. • 5-7 years title underwriting experience. • Must be familiar with real estate law. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) • Strong understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of real estate title and settlement process. • General knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to real estate title insurance and settlement services. • General 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. • Good organizational skills, able to multi-task, prioritize, and follow up in a timely manner. • Strong negotiation skills. • Requires abstract thinking and creative solutions. Pay Range: $97,700.00 - $130,300.00 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. ** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. ** First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act). First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements. 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.

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