Senior Claims Counsel – Title Insurance (Remote)

First American • Santa Ana, CA

4d • $129,300 - $172,300 • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Claims Counsel position with First American Title Insurance Company provides an excellent opportunity for counsel to engage in complex legal analysis, craft creative solutions to difficult problems, manage their own caseload, oversee outside litigation counsel, and engage in high-level problem solving, negotiation and legal analysis in a stimulating and collegial environment with an opportunity for long-term growth and advancement. Senior Claims Counsel are responsible for managing all aspects of title insurance and escrow claims and claims against the company from initial investigation, coverage determination through final resolution. The Senior Claims Counsel role offers a dynamic in-house opportunity for an experienced attorney seeking meaningful, complex work. This position requires someone who demonstrates strong initiative, exercises sound judgment, makes informed independent decisions, and thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate brings excellent analytical and legal skills, along with experience navigating complex legal matters.

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience with emphasis on real estate matters (title/ownership of real property, liens/easements/encumbrances, escrow, etc.) insurance coverage, including some litigation, mediation, and arbitration experience
• Specific expertise with title insurance, escrow and lender matters highly desirable
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and organizational skills
• Law Degree required
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in any state of the United States
• Ability to develop, evaluate and implement resolution strategies to fully conclude a claim
• Experience handling claims and insurance coverage
• Ability to work independently and to exhibit originality and ingenuity is required

Responsibilities

• Investigate the facts and issues of the claim, determine whether coverage exists, evaluate loss under the title policy, assess defenses for the insured and/or the company, determine need to retain outside counsel, develop and carry out a plan to address the claim and manage the claim and/or litigation through to final resolution
• Negotiate settlements and resolutions with claimant / opposing counsel / third parties
• Appear as company representative in court proceedings, mediations, settlement conferences and trials
• Manage claim budget, review and approve outside counsel invoices and other expenses and determine settlement and expense reserves
• Direct outside counsel on litigation strategy through the course of claim administration and litigation
• Identify and pursue sources for recovery

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees