Senior Commercial Underwriting Counsel

Fidelity National Financial•Maitland, FL

13d•Onsite

About The Position

FNF® is the leading provider of title insurance and settlement services to the real estate and mortgage industries. FNF®'s various mortgage and real estate services companies provide services that complement our title insurance business. From a full-service qualified intermediary, home warranties, UCC insurance, relocation services, and notary services, we provide essential services to fulfill the needs of a changing real estate industry. FNF® believes the power of technology can elevate the real estate transaction. From investments in title and escrow software to industry-leading real estate partner solutions, we take our commitment to provide real estate professionals and consumers with a truly reimagined, transparent, connected, and trusted real estate experience to heart. Fidelity National Financial – Florida Agency’s Underwriting Department is seeking a customer-service-focused Senior Commercial Underwriting Counsel for our Maitland, FL office. As a Senior Commercial Counsel, you will serve as a strategic legal and risk management partner on complex commercial real estate transactions, providing prompt, well-reasoned guidance across a high volume of underwriting matters. In this role, you will deliver high-level underwriting support to agents, examiners, and internal teams, helping to structure and insure transactions in alignment with company guidelines, applicable law, and sound underwriting principles. This position combines both advisory and decision-making responsibilities and requires deep expertise in commercial real estate, title insurance, and risk evaluation.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
At least 15 years’ experience in commercial title insurance underwriting or commercial real estate law
Deep understanding of title insurance policies, endorsements, and underwriting practices, preferably in Florida
Prior experience with high-liability or national commercial transactions
Experience working with title agents, national accounts, or multi-state transactions
Demonstrated ability to present to groups and deliver clear, engaging webinars on complex topics
Proven ability to read, interpret, and analyze boundary, ALTA/NSPS, and construction surveys, depositions, and trials
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Decisive and self-driven, with a strong focus on responsiveness and delivering practical, high-quality service to agents and internal partners
Active Florida Bar membership preferred; otherwise, must qualify for and obtain Authorized House Counsel status with the Florida Bar within 90 days of employment
Strong analytical and risk assessment skills with demonstrated ability to synthesize the full transactional picture and deliver solution-oriented guidance that facilitates successful closings while appropriately managing risk
Demonstrated commitment to the role, including reliable availability during standard business hours
Collaborative and team-focused professional who fosters a positive, constructive work environment

Nice To Haves

Risk judgment: Ability to balance business objectives with sound underwriting discipline
Communication: Clear, confident, and practical guidance to agents and stakeholders
Problem-solving: Creative, solution-oriented approach to complex title issues
Leadership: Ability to mentor and influence others without direct authority
Responsiveness: Ability to manage high-volume inquiries with competing priorities promptly.

Responsibilities

Analyze and underwrite complex commercial transactions, including multi-site and multi-state matters
Evaluate risk and determine insurability, including appropriate requirements, exceptions, and endorsements
Identify legal and title risks and develop practical, insurable solutions
Serve as a primary point of contact for agents, examiners, and escrow teams on commercial files
Respond to a high volume of underwriting inquiries via phone and email, often under tight deadlines
Provide clear, practical guidance on title and closing issues
Support resolution of underwriting issues impacting closings
Mentor junior underwriters, examiners, and agents
Develop and deliver training on underwriting topics, best practices, and emerging risks
Contribute to underwriting manuals, bulletins, and internal guidance materials
Build strong relationships with agents, attorneys, and internal stakeholders
Support business development by delivering underwriting solutions that facilitate transactions while protecting the company
Participate in client-facing discussions on complex deals when needed