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Graduate Intern- Commercial Title Underwriting (Summer 2027)

First American · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 had to write a clear memo or summary for someone busy.

What they are checking: Concise writing skills that make an intern useful to underwriters quickly.

Why are you interested in commercial real estate and title rather than a traditional law firm path?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in the industry and an understanding of what in-house underwriting work is like.

Tell me about a time you got useful feedback on your work and what you did with it.

What they are checking: Coachability, which matters most in a program designed for learning.

How would you build relationships with people across the company during a summer program?

What they are checking: Initiative in networking and learning beyond assigned tasks.

What would you do

You're asked a question by a title officer and aren't sure of the answer. What do you do?

What they are checking: Honesty about uncertainty and knowing when to check before answering.

How would you organize several research assignments with different deadlines?

What they are checking: Time management in a program with multiple assignments at once.

About the work

What do you know about title insurance and how it differs from other types of insurance?

What they are checking: Basic preparation and understanding that title insurance looks backward at past risks.

Which real property or contracts classes have you taken, and what concepts stuck with you?

What they are checking: Whether their legal training connects to the issues underwriters deal with every day.

Walk me through how you would research a legal question you've never seen before.

What they are checking: Research method and resourcefulness, central to supporting underwriting counsel.

What does a survey tell you about a property, and why does an underwriter care?

What they are checking: Early understanding of how physical property facts create 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 The National Commercial Services Underwriting intern will participate in a program designed to provide graduate and law students with meaningful exposure to the title and financial services industry while developing professional, technical, and interpersonal skills. Interns will gain hands-on experience in a corporate environment through meaningful assignments, opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, networking, and other intern-focused activities, all while working under the guidance of their manager or in-house counsel. 2L and 3L law students participating in the Underwriting program will support assignments related to real estate law and may work on a variety of projects, including legal research for underwriters, preparing indemnity letters, and attending seminars. What You’ll Do • Conduct legal research in support of underwriting decisions • Analyze real estate law issues, including title, lien, foreclosure, and authority matters • Review policy forms, endorsements, and underwriting standards • Participate in underwriting file discussions and risk analysis sessions • Shadow underwriters on active transactions and approval workflows What You’ll Gain • Practical exposure to Real Estate Law in a corporate underwriting setting • Insight into title insurance policies, endorsements, and coverage analysis • Experience navigating underwriting systems and legal workflow tools • Professional development through executive presentations and networking opportunities • Mentorship from experienced underwriters and in-house legal professionals • A foundational understanding of risk management What You’ll Bring • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications • Strong legal research and analytical skills • Interest in Mortgage, Real Estate, Financial Services, Title Insurance, or related industries • Ability to solve problems with attention to detail and sound judgment • Professional maturity and strong written and verbal communication skills • A demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively • Initiative, productivity, and adaptability in a professional environment • A customer-focused mindset and commitment to representing the Company professionally Typical Education • Currently enrolled in an accredited Law School • Rising 2L or 3L law student $30.00-$34.00/hour 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.

Apply at First American