Production Underwriting Attorney (TX)

Overview

This role involves underwriting real estate transactions and evaluating title-related documents to determine ownership, insurability, and conditions required for title insurance issuance. The position coordinates with title examiners, title agents, escrow staff, and internal teams to support timely closings and compliance.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Work with title examiners, title agents, and other transaction parties to determine title conditions and insurability by analyzing the impact of documents such as deeds, mortgages, mechanics liens, tax liens, judgments, assessments, probates, and other matters of record.
• Analyze and evaluate recorded documents to determine ownership, ensure accurate legal descriptions, and assess any effects on real estate title.
• Explain chain of title, exceptions, and related requirements to customers and managers.
• Identify title defects and formulate curative solutions.
• Assess risks and liabilities that may jeopardize the company and escalate matters to the appropriate local title manager, state title manager, or underwriter as needed.
• When required by a specific closing file, review surveys prepared on properties and other proposed documents to be insured (e.g., mortgages, mortgage modifications).
• Coordinate with the title agent and escrow staff to meet closing deadlines and assist with questions related to issuance of title commitment policies.
• Respond promptly to calls and emails from all parties involved in the title transaction.
• Advise title insurance agencies on regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and deliver seminars to title agents and others on real estate topics and related matters.
• Prepare written underwriting guidelines and memoranda as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between the Underwriting Department and other departments (as needed), including Title Plant, Agency/Sales, Claims, and Corporate Legal.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager or Senior Counsel.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of Real Estate Law/underwriting real estate transactions in Texas or one of the surrounding 4 states, including general understanding of law related to probate, intestate succession, marital property, homestead, bankruptcy, contracts, corporate law, and trial and appellate procedure.
• At least 5 years of experience working in title insurance, preferably in Texas or one of the surrounding 4 states (preference given to those with greater experience).
• Familiarity with the rules and procedures contained in the Texas Basic Manual for Title Insurance.
• Strong legal research skills using Westlaw or Lexis to handle unique situations.
• Public speaking experience, including drafting and creating PowerPoints and outlines for professional education courses suitable for real estate agents, escrow officers, and attorneys.
• Ability to collaborate, act decisively, apply abstract thinking to develop creative solutions, and demonstrate strong negotiation skills.
• Adaptability, patience, and understanding of customer needs and the pressures they work under (preference given to candidates demonstrating strong people skills).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting regulatory compliance and/or agency guidance in title insurance.
• Greater than 5 years of title insurance experience in Texas or one of the surrounding 4 states.

Compensation & 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.

Location

• Texas and the 4 surrounding states (with travel within the region as needed).

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Mostly sedentary; ability to sit for long periods each day.
• Regularly required to communicate orally and through e-mail.
• Requires use of hands and fingers for typing, handling, and reaching.
• Ability to operate office machinery (e.g., computer, phone, copier, printer) as part of daily duties.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Candidate should be prepared to travel within Texas and the 4 surrounding states by car or airline.
• May need to stand or sit for extended periods to teach courses for real estate agents, escrow officers, or attorneys.
• Office noise level is usually moderate; role may involve working remotely and telecommuting.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role.