Underwriting Counsel

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Underwriting Counsel
Location: Metairie, Louisiana

Position Summary
Underwriting Counsel is responsible for evaluating risk, advising on underwriting decisions, and ensuring compliance with title insurance standards in the State of Louisiana. This role provides practical legal guidance on underwriting matters, supports title agents and internal teams in resolving complex title issues, and contributes to the company’s overall risk management objectives within a civil law framework.

The primary focus of this position is assisting agents in bringing transactions to a successful close by carefully analyzing risk and identifying effective ways to mitigate that risk. The role requires a strong working knowledge of Louisiana property law, title insurance practices, and applicable regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate demonstrates a client focused approach, responds promptly to inquiries, and provides clear, timely, and solution-oriented guidance to support efficient and successful transaction outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting & Risk Analysis

• Review and evaluate title searches, commitments, policies, and supporting documentation for residential and commercial transactions
• Analyze and resolve complex title issues, including ownership disputes, encumbrances, servitudes, liens, successions, and curative matters
• Provide underwriting decisions consistent with company guidelines, state law, and risk tolerance
• Draft or approve endorsements, policy exceptions, and coverage determinations

Legal Guidance & Support

• Provide legal guidance and support to independent title agents and internal teams to ensure compliance with underwriting standards and state regulations, while serving as a primary resource for related legal and operational matters across Louisiana.
• Provide guidance on Louisiana legal concepts, including community property, successions, mineral rights, and civil law principles, while interpreting and advising on state statutes, regulatory requirements, and agency underwriting agreements.
• Assist with regulatory inquiries, and internal compliance reviews while supporting the claims department with analysis of potential title insurance claims and coverage issues.

Business Support & Development

• Partner with sales and operations teams to support business growth while maintaining sound underwriting practices
• Conduct training sessions for agents and internal staff on underwriting practices, legal updates, and risk mitigation
• Develop strong relationships with agents, attorneys, and industry stakeholders in the Louisiana market
• Contribute to underwriting policy development, process improvements, and best practices

Qualifications Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in Louisiana (required)
• 5+ years of experience in real estate, title insurance underwriting, or related legal practice
• Familiarity with commercial transactions, multi-state issues, and complex title matters is a plus

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of Louisiana civil law system, including property, succession, and real estate law
• Knowledge of ALTA policies, endorsements, and underwriting practices
• Excellent analytical, legal drafting, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to both legal and non-legal professionals
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment

Technical Skills

• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Key Competencies

• Sound judgment and risk assessment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Client service orientation
• Collaboration and relationship building
• Adaptability in a regulatory and business-driven environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience)
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), etc.)
• Continuing legal education (CLE) support
• Paid time off and holidays