UNDERWRITING AND COMMERCIAL CLEARANCE COUNSEL

Job Description:

The Underwriting and Commercial Clearance Counsel (National) follows a variety of established industry and company guidelines, concepts, best practices and procedures to determine and execute the most effective and efficient method to support national commercial real estate transaction closings. Old Republic Title – National Commercial Services (NCS) transactions characteristically include multiple parties, sites and locations, and involve complex underwriting requirements. 

The Underwriting and Commercial Clearance Counsel position is responsible for confidential and time sensitive material associated with commercial transaction matters and relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish assignments.  The position is responsible for ensuring that assigned pre-closing, closing, and post-closing activities are fully completed in an accurate, timely, and legally compliant manner.

* This is an in-office position and requires regular attendance in our Hoboken, NJ offices. *

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Primarily responsible for providing title insurance underwriting support for national commercial real estate transactions closed by the NCS offices in Hoboken NJ and New York City.

• Review documents, deeds, mortgages, court orders, decrees, regulations, and other legal instruments for legal sufficiency.

• Provide written approval for transactions that exceed single risk liability limits. 

• Provide guidance and direction on general underwriting matters, and as needed, coordinate and assist in closing transactions.

• Assist with claims support, continuing education, and ensuring compliance with state regulations concerning title insurance.

• Save electronically in the file copies of relevant underwriting proofs, approvals and the basis for underwriting decisions. 

ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Ability to work with confidential information.

• Ability to work from 8 a.m. to 5p.m, Monday through Friday. (Or similar schedule as approved in advance by supervisor)

• Regular consistent attendance is required, that could include attendance at after hour Company events.

• Ability to work outside office hours as necessary.

ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS CONTINUED:

• Location:

  • Hoboken office: In office workstation

  • Note: Regardless of assigned location and workstation, all employees will be issued a company laptop and will be expected to be able to work remotely on the occasion that it is not possible to safely be present in the office.

  • This position is eligible for a 1 day per week hybrid work scenario at the sole discretion of the Supervisor, following on-boarding and training.

• Must be personable, positive and a professional representative of the Company.

• Ability to accept supervision; ability to provide supervision.

• Ability to foster, develop and maintain professional and collaborative working relationships. Must be able to get along with others, i.e., peers, supervisors, outside customers, and vendors.

• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of management, employees and customers by Microsoft Outlook email, phone, Microsoft Teams chat and video calls, and in person. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Participate in Continuing Education opportunities offered by / assigned by ORT Corporate

• Take initiative to learn and grow as a team member.

• The ability to read, analyze and interpret complex legal documents.

• The ability to apply logic or legal principles to a wide variety of complex problems.

• Knowledge of the title insurance industry, including knowledge of its products, policies, and endorsements.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Juris Doctor; active and current member of a State Bar.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an underwriting position.

• Experience with multi-state, multi-property commercial title projects required.

• Knowledge of commercial insurance coverage, and real estate terminology.

• Additional experience with / exposure to residential title is a plus.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Proficient in a variety of computer software systems, such as Microsoft Office and RamQuest.

• Willingness and ability to learn and utilize new software systems.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to perform under pressure and be flexible with disruptions throughout the workday.

• Must be able to work approved and requested overtime, by supervisor.

• Repetitive and continual typing motion is required.

​Sedentary work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting a majority of the time.  Walking and standing are required, occasionally.

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We offer a competitive salary, and an excellent benefit package including health, life, and disability insurance; paid time off; and retirement plans