Legal Counsel, Underwriting -- CommercialHybrid (1--2 days per week in-office)Position Overview:The Counsel, Underwriting -- Commercial will play a key role in reviewing and resolving underwriting matters and making approval decisions, primarily related to commercial real estate transactions, with occasional involvement in residential files. Key Responsibilities:
- Review and manage title insurance policies for commercial real estate transactions
- Evaluate risk and determine insurability based on established underwriting guidelines
- Respond to internal and external inquiries regarding underwriting issues and provide guidance on Ontario real estate processes and title insurance coverage
- Investigate complex underwriting issues, including title and off-title matters such as Planning Act compliance and estate-related concerns
- Identify and address potential real estate fraud; conduct risk assessments and make insurability determinations
- Draft underwriting clauses, title insurance endorsements, and related documentation
- Review identity verification reports and interpret findings
- Manage a high volume of files under tight deadlines in accordance with defined parameters
- Clearly communicate complex underwriting decisions to clients both verbally and in writing
- Redirect inquiries to appropriate internal teams as needed
- Handle customer service calls through the general underwriting phone queue
- Perform other duties as assignedQualifications:
- Lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
- Minimum 3 years of experience in real estate law or a comparable setting
- In-depth knowledge of commercial and residential real estate transactions
- Understanding of title and off-title issues and their resolutions
- Awareness of real estate fraud trends and fraud prevention tools
- Ability to make independent decisions within established guidelines
- Strong multitasking skills and ability to meet multiple deadlines
- Excellent communication, customer service, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- High attention to detail and a collaborative approach
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and general computer literacy
