Claims Counsel (Hybrid) - First American Financial Corporation

Who We Are

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 nine 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. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Are you ready to join a diverse team of attorneys with full responsibility for your own title insurance claims? Do you want to be the decision maker rather than just an advisor?  Are you seeking a change, or maybe you have just been waiting for the right in-house opportunity to become available?

If you are an independent and self-motivated worker who appreciates the opportunity to engage in complex legal analysis and craft creative solutions to difficult problems in a supportive team-oriented environment, then the Claims Counsel position with First American Title Insurance Company provides an excellent opportunity for you. Claims Counsel manage their own claims load, 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.

What You'll Do:

• 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 and settlement conferences
• 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

What You'll Bring:

• 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
• Ability to develop, evaluate and implement resolution strategies to fully conclude a claim.
• Experience handling claims and insurance coverage
• 4-8 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.
• Ability to work independently and to exhibit originality and ingenuity is required.

We are looking for a self-motivated attorney who shows initiative, has the ability to work independently, and who will be able to thrive and learn their new role. Our ideal candidate exhibits sound judgment, can make independent decisions, is a team player, has excellent analytic and legal skills and has experience in matters involving complex legal issues, including managing litigation or managing outside counsel.

This role is located in Seattle, WA or Santa Ana, CA. This role is currently hybrid with 2 days per week onsite if located in WA and 3 days per week onsite if located in CA. Hybrid status is subject to change.

Pay Range: $104,025- $138,675 Annually

This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting.  Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.