Senior Claims Counsel – Title Insurance (Hybrid)

Join a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all.

About the Role

The Senior Claims Counsel position with First American Title Insurance Company provides an excellent opportunity for counsel to engage in complex legal analysis, craft creative solutions to difficult problems, manage their own caseload, oversee outside litigation counsel, and engage in high-level problem solving, negotiation and legal analysis in a stimulating and collegial environment with an opportunity for long-term growth and advancement. Senior Claims Counsel are responsible for managing all aspects of title insurance and escrow claims and claims against the company from initial investigation, coverage determination through final resolution.

Responsibilities

• Investigate the facts and issues of the claim, determine whether coverage exists, evaluate loss under the title policy, assess defenses for the insured and/or the company, determine need to retain outside counsel, develop and carry out a plan to address the claim and manage the claim and/or litigation through to final resolution
• Negotiate settlements and resolutions with claimant / opposing counsel / third parties
• Appear as company representative in court proceedings, mediations, settlement conferences and trials
• Manage claim budget, review and approve outside counsel invoices and other expenses and determine settlement and expense reserves
• Direct outside counsel on litigation strategy through the course of claim administration and litigation
• Identify and pursue sources for recovery

Requirements

• 12+ years of experience with emphasis on real estate matters (title/ownership of real property, liens/easements/encumbrances, escrow, etc.) insurance coverage, including some litigation, mediation, and arbitration experience
• Specific expertise with title insurance, escrow and lender matters highly desirable
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and organizational skills
• Law Degree required
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in any state of the United States
• Experience handling claims and insurance coverage
• Ability to work independently and to exhibit originality and ingenuity is required

Qualifications

• Ability to develop, evaluate and implement resolution strategies to fully conclude a claim

Skills

• Excellent analytical and legal skills

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan

Pay

$129,300.00 - $172,300.00 Annually

Schedule

This role is open to remote candidates across the U.S. However, employees who live within commuting distance of our Santa Ana office are expected to work in a hybrid capacity.