Senior Commercial Underwriting Counsel

Overview

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.

Duties

Analyze and underwrite complex commercial transactions, including multi-site and multi-state mattersEvaluate risk and determine insurability, including appropriate requirements, exceptions, and endorsementsIdentify legal and title risks and develop practical, insurable solutionsServe as a primary point of contact for agents, examiners, and escrow teams on commercial filesRespond to a high volume of underwriting inquiries via phone and email, often under tight deadlinesProvide clear, practical guidance on title and closing issuesSupport resolution of underwriting issues impacting closingsMentor junior underwriters, examiners, and agentsDevelop and deliver training on underwriting topics, best practices, and emerging risksContribute to underwriting manuals, bulletins, and internal guidance materialsBuild strong relationships with agents, attorneys, and internal stakeholdersSupport business development by delivering underwriting solutions that facilitate transactions while protecting the companyParticipate in client-facing discussions on complex deals when needed

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Experience

Prior experience with high-liability or national commercial transactionsExperience working with title agents, national accounts, or multi-state transactionsDemonstrated ability to present to groups and deliver clear, engaging webinars on complex topicsProven ability to read, interpret, and analyze boundary, ALTA/NSPS, and construction surveys

Additional Information

Minimum Requirements:

Decisive and self-driven, with a strong focus on responsiveness and delivering practical, high-quality service to agents and internal partnersActive Florida Bar membership preferred; otherwise, must qualify for and obtain Authorized House Counsel status with the Florida Bar within 90 days of employmentAt least 15 years’ experience in commercial title insurance underwriting or commercial real estate lawDeep understanding of title insurance policies, endorsements, and underwriting practices, preferably in FloridaStrong 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 riskDemonstrated commitment to the role, including reliable availability during standard business hoursCollaborative and team-focused professional who fosters a positive, constructive work environment

Key Competencies:

Risk judgment: Ability to balance business objectives with sound underwriting disciplineCommunication: Clear, confident, and practical guidance to agents and stakeholdersProblem-solving: Creative, solution-oriented approach to complex title issuesLeadership: Ability to mentor and influence others without direct authorityResponsiveness: 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