In-House Underwriting Counsel

Capital Title Insurance Agency is one of the most respected title agencies in Michigan. We have established the benchmark for serving the needs of professional real estate agents and brokers, lenders, mortgage brokers, sellers, and buyers. Capital Title is committed to the goal of providing our customers with a superior experience.

Summary: Capital Title Insurance Agency is looking for a highly motivated and energetic individual to join our team. The In-House Underwriting Counsel supports the company’s title insurance operations by advising on underwriting risk, legal issues in real estate transactions, and compliance with the insurer’s underwriting guidelines. This role works closely with internal operations divisions, as well as external partners, to review complex files, resolve title issues, and ensure adherence to company and insurer standards. Additionally, this position plays a key role in maintaining underwriting compliance, supporting training initiatives related to guidelines and risk mitigation, and compliance with best practices guidance provided by local and national industry associations. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and committed to delivering responsive and practical legal support to drive operational excellence. This position offers flexible work arrangements, including remote, in-office (Southfield), or hybrid options.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Underwriting Support: Provide expert legal advice and underwriting guidance to internal teams and clients on complex title insurance matters, inquiries regarding underwriting decisions, and title-related legal concerns.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks in transactions and recommend solutions to minimize exposure for the company.
• Legal Research: Conduct thorough legal research on real estate laws, regulations, and case law to support underwriting decisions and address unique or challenging title issues.
• Training and Education: Develop and deliver training and resources for internal staff on underwriting procedures, legal updates, and risk management practices, including oversight of underwriting provided training for producer license.
• Document Drafting and Review: Draft, review, and interpret legal documents, including title insurance commitments, affidavits, and agreements related to real estate transactions.
• Claims Assistance: Collaborate with claims counsel, as needed.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and improvement of underwriting policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
• Oversight of underwriting operations standards: Monitor and ensure compliance with underwriting standards, as well as federal and state laws affecting title insurance operations. Provide counsel and direction to business operations relating to processes implemented to manage operational underwriting and legal standards. Review all underwriting agreements and provide oversight relating to vetting title production vendors and services. Provide counsel and direction to business operations for the proper completion of underwriting audits.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.
• Must transfer or obtain a Michigan Title Producer License.
• Understanding of underwriting real estate transactions for the purpose of title insurance policy issuance. Prior title underwriting experience preferred but not required.
• Commercial Real Estate transaction and title experience a plus.
• General understanding of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of the real estate title and settlement process.
• Knowledge of Federal and State regulations related to real estate title insurance and settlement services.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate and act decisively.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Who This Role Is For:

• Licensed attorneys with experience in real estate or title law
• Professionals interested in combining legal expertise with underwriting and compliance
• Candidates seeking a strategic, advisory role

Position Location: Southfield office, Remote, or hybrid.