Jobs › First American

Commercial Underwriting Counsel (Hybrid)

First American · Chicago, IL · $97,700–$130,300 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 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What they are checking: Whether they keep their knowledge current, since outdated guidance can create claims.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.

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The full job description

As published by First American.

Who We Are Join a team that puts its People First! As a member of First American's family of companies, National Commercial Services provides single-point service for simple to multi-property/multi-state national commercial real estate transactions. 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 Enable you to apply your passion for law and risk analysis to real estate transactions. If you excel in collaborating with others to assess possibilities and discover solutions, it may be time to combine your analytical rigor with a premier brand in the commercial real estate space. First American is looking to add a Commercial Underwriting Counsel to our growing team. This position plays a key role in transforming commercial real estate experience by empowering our employees and customers to deliver next-generation solutions and results. What You’ll Do: • Provide underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel and customers related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies • Utilize underwriting standards and guidelines within delegated authority limits, to underwrite the issuance of title insurance • Provide guidance to company personnel in the performance of real estate settlement services • Issue underwriting standards and guidelines in accordance with established company processes What You’ll Bring: • 5-7 years title underwriting experience, commercial experience preferred • Law Degree required and admitted to practice law in state of employment • Licensed to practice law, in good standing • Must be familiar with real estate law • Strong understanding of fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of real estate title and settlement process • Strong analytical rigor and business acumen • Strong negotiation skills and ability to provide alternative solutions or convey unpopular information with tact. • Ability to collaborate and act decisively; build relationships internally and externally • Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills • Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize and timely follow up • 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. 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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