National Commercial Counsel

Job Description

Fidelity National Financial, Inc. – Title Insurance

Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) is a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries.  FNF is the nation’s largest title insurance company through its title insurance underwriters – Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, Alamo Title, and National Title of New York – that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States.  Fidelity employs some of the brightest talent in the industry in title and escrow officers, underwriters, closers, legal counsels, and managers.

Our National Commercial Services (NCS) operations are strategically located in major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. and serve as a single point of contact to expedite commercial transactions on a local and nationwide level, from simple to complex multi-state transactions, and everything in-between.

POSITION SUMMARY
FNF is currently seeking an outstanding individual to fill the role of National Commercial Counsel in Chicago Title’s Washington, DC NCS office. NCS Commercial Counsel provides advice on legal matters, risk evaluation, underwriting policy and procedures, and escrow transactions; assists management in training staff in these areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Negotiates with customers, potential customers, and attorneys to provide adequate coverage and exemplary service for local and multi-state customers.
2. Working with sales staff and management, reviews and approves written proposals to customers for new business, which includes policies and endorse­ments to be issued, Company requirements to provide same, and appropriate pricing to cover reinsurance expenses and still maintain profitability.
3. Coordinates with other parties to assure uniform underwriting, risk evaluation and policy language in local or multi-state transactions to the extent permitted by law and works to resolve complex legal and underwriting problems.
4. Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal documents related to closing complex real estate transactions, e.g. indemnity bonds, escrow instructions, and agreements with national and local customers.
5. Drafts commitments/binders, policies and endorsements for specific situations involving local and national customers.
6. Attends and/or coordinates large local or multi-state closings on behalf of the Company and marks up the policies or prepares specimen policies as appropriate. May supervise and instruct others who attend or coordinate local or multi-state closings on behalf of the Company.
7. May supervise title attorneys, underwriting or closing personnel within the National Commercial Services (“NCS”) operation.
8. Promotes national sales by facilitating problem-solving during pending and completed closings, engaging in strategic discussions during the bidding stage to devise prudent yet competitive transactional underwriting approaches.
9. Accompanies sales staff in meetings and at Company sponsored events with customers, potential customers, and attorneys. Delivers formal and informal presentations showcasing the Company's national capabilities and pertinent underwriting considerations, as well as educational programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILIT­IES

1. Strong knowledge of real estate investing and lending practices and of title insurance produc­tion, underwrit­ing, and closing procedures.
2. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, both in person and by telephone.
3. Good negotiat­ing and decision-making skills.
4. Possess strong leadership skills to effectively motivate and counsel colleagues.
5. Strong analytical and reasoning abilities.
6. Familiar with escrow accounting procedures and maintenance of case files.
7. Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
8. Good sense of humor and works well in a team environment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSING

Law degree from an accredited college or law school. Licensed to practice law in a state (preferably in District of Columbia, Maryland, and/or Virginia).  Minimum of three to five years of conveyancing, real estate law or title insurance experience on real estate transactions.