Branch Operations Attorney

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Branch Operations Attorney is a dual-role legal and operational leader responsible for overseeing branch performance while ensuring full compliance with state, federal, and industry regulations governing real estate transactions. This position provides legal counsel, resolves complex title issues, manages risk, and supports the title and escrow teams in delivering accurate, timely, and compliant closing services. The Branch Operations Attorney plays a critical role in maintaining operational excellence, driving branch growth, and upholding the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Legal & Title Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and cure complex title issues, including liens, encroachments, probate, entity documentation, and other matters impacting insurability.
• Provide legal counsel to branch staff on title underwriting, escrow procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and approve legal documents such as affidavits, indemnities, powers of attorney, and supporting closing documentation.
• Serve as the branch's primary legal liaison with underwriters.
• Evaluate and resolve legal inquiries from clients, lenders, real estate agents, and internal staff.
• Ensure all transactions comply with federal, state, and local laws, including RESPA, CFPB guidelines, and state-specific title insurance regulations.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily branch operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and customer-focused workflows.
• Support and guide escrow officers, processors, and title staff in resolving transaction-related challenges.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, quality standards, and best practices for title and escrow operations.
• Monitor branch performance metrics and contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with corporate leadership to implement operational improvements and compliance protocols.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate legal and operational risks in transactions and branch activities.
• Conduct periodic audits to ensure accuracy, security, and compliance in file documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal changes affecting real estate, escrow, and title insurance.
• Assist in training branch employees on compliance, fraud prevention, and legal procedures.

Client & Partner Relations

• Build and maintain professional relationships with Realtors, lenders, builders, attorneys, and other industry partners.
• Provide high-level customer support for escalated or sensitive matters.
• Represent the branch in professional and industry settings as needed.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in the state of operation (or eligible for reciprocity), within 6 months.
Minimum of 3-5 years' experience in real estate law, title insurance, escrow operations, or related field.
Strong knowledge of title underwriting, real estate transactions, and regulatory requirements.
Proven ability to manage people, solve complex problems, and make informed legal decisions.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Preferred Skills

Experience with title software platforms (e.g., SoftPro, RamQuest, ResWare).
Prior branch management or leadership experience.
Strong analytical and risk-assessment abilities.
Customer-centric approach with professionalism and attention to detail.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment is representative of an office setting
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate
• Reasonable accommodation can be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Vision abilities required by the job are close vision. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate office equipment such as a computer, copier, and office supplies. Employee also may have to drive to perform assigned job duties.

In addition, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with their arms and hands, and to stoop, kneel or crouch. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Note: This document describes the minimum, essential duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, effort, and working conditions of the position. It in no way implies that these are the only functions to be performed by the incumbent. Workers are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any job-related functions requested by a supervisor or manager. Successful performance requires that the incumbent possess and utilize the abilities and skills described. All functions are subject to reasonable modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some functions may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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