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Sr. Commercial Underwriting Counsel / Sr Underwriter (Remote US)

First American · CA · Remote available · $129,300–$172,300 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 multi-state commercial deal you underwrote. How did you deal with different state laws?

What they are checking: Whether they can work across state rules, since National Commercial Services handles multi-state transactions.

Tell me about a time you collaborated with sales and escrow to find a solution on a deal that looked stuck.

What they are checking: Whether they combine analytical rigor with teamwork, which the posting emphasizes.

How do you keep up with changes in energy regulation and title practice?

What they are checking: Whether they stay current in a fast-changing area where outdated knowledge creates claims.

What would you do

A developer's counsel wants coverage over a severed mineral estate that could allow surface access. How do you think about it?

What they are checking: Whether they can weigh surface damage risk and offer appropriate endorsements or exceptions.

A lender demands coverage that your guidelines say needs higher approval, and closing is tomorrow. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they respect authority limits and move fast through proper channels under deadline pressure.

How do you explain a decision to decline coverage to a customer in a way that keeps the relationship?

What they are checking: Whether they deliver hard answers with clear reasons and alternatives, which keeps clients coming back.

About the work

You'd join the Energy Group. What title issues come up on wind, solar, or oil and gas projects that you don't see on a typical office building?

What they are checking: Whether they understand energy-specific risks like severed mineral rights, easements, and leasehold interests.

How do you underwrite a leasehold policy on a solar farm that crosses dozens of parcels?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle multi-parcel, leasehold coverage common in energy deals without losing track of risk.

How do you decide whether to issue a zoning or access endorsement on a project where the facts are uncertain?

What they are checking: Whether they make careful, documented decisions on endorsements that carry real financial exposure.

How do you evaluate an ALTA survey for an energy project before committing to coverage?

What they are checking: Whether they can read surveys critically to spot access, boundary, and easement issues.

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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 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 an Sr. Underwriter to our growing Energy Group. This position plays a key role in transforming the commercial real estate experience by empowering our employees and customers to deliver next-generation solutions and results. What You'll Do • 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 (for Counsel role). • Licensed to practice law, in good standing. • 8-10 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: $129,300.00 - $172,300.00 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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