Production Underwriting Attorney (TX)

Ardán, A Community of Companies • Austin, TX

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves working with title examiners, title agents, and other parties in real estate transactions to determine title conditions and insurability. The attorney will analyze and evaluate recorded documents to establish ownership, verify legal descriptions, and assess any impact on real estate titles. Key responsibilities include explaining the chain of title, exceptions, and requirements to customers and managers, identifying title defects, and formulating solutions. The position requires assessing risks and liabilities that could affect the company and reporting them to management. Additionally, the attorney will review surveys and other proposed documents for insurance, collaborate with title agents and escrow staff to meet closing deadlines, and answer questions regarding title commitments and policies. The role also involves advising title insurance agencies on regulatory compliance, preparing and presenting seminars on real estate topics, and drafting underwriting guidelines and memoranda. A liaison function between the Underwriting Department and other Westcor departments (Title Plant, Agency/Sales, Claims, Corporate Legal) is also part of the role. Other duties may be assigned by a Manager or Senior Counsel.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of Real Estate Law/Underwriting Real Estate Transactions in Texas or one of the surrounding 4 states as it relates to real estate, a general understanding of the law regarding probate, intestate succession, marital property, homestead, bankruptcy, contracts, corporate law, and trial and appellate procedure.
• At least 5 years' experience working in title insurance, preferably in Texas or one of the surrounding 4 states (preference will be given to those with greater experience).
• Familiarity with the rules and procedures contained in the Texas Basic Manual for Title Insurance and strong legal research skills using Westlaw or Lexis in order to handle unique situations.
• Public speaking skills and experience as it relates to drafting and creation of PowerPoints and outlines for professional education courses suitable for real estate agents, escrow officers and attorneys.
• Ability to collaborate and act decisively with abstract thinking with creative solutions and strong negotiation skills.
• Adaptability, Patience, and understanding of customer needs and the pressures they work under (Preference will be given to those evidencing strong people skills).

Nice To Haves

• greater experience in title insurance, preferably in Texas or one of the surrounding 4 states
• strong people skills

Responsibilities

• Works with title examiners and title agents and other parties to the real estate transaction to determine the conditions of the title and insurability by considering the effect of documents such as deeds, mortgages mechanics liens, tax liens, judgments, assessments, probates and other matters of record.
• Analyze and evaluate pertinent recorded documents for determination of ownership, accurate legal descriptions, and any effect on the title to real estate.
• Explain chain of title, exceptions, and requirements to customers and managers.
• Recognize title defects and formulate curative solution.
• Assess risks and liabilities that may jeopardize the company, and bring these matters to the attention of the local title manager, state title manager or underwriter, as appropriate.
• If required by a specific closing file, review surveys prepared on properties and other proposed documents to be insured such as mortgages, mortgage modifications, etc.
• Works closely with the title agent and escrow staff to meet deadlines for closings and assist with answering questions related to issuance of the title commitment policies.
• Return all calls and emails from all parties to the title transaction in a responsive and timely manner.
• Advise title insurance agencies on regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present seminars to title agents and others relating to real estate topics and other relevant matters.
• Prepare written underwriting guidelines and memoranda as needed.
• Liaison between the Underwriting Department and other departments in Westcor such as Title Plant, Agency/Sales, Claims, and Corporate Legal as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or Senior Counsel.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer paid disability and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401K with company match.
• Paid time off and company paid holidays.
• Wellness resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed