Samuel Shiel
Chicago
Summary
Seasoned Vice President with expertise in strategic risk management, compliance oversight, and team leadership. Proven ability to streamline operations and deliver impactful training sessions, enhancing organizational effectiveness and decision-making.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President and National Underwriting Counsel
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
Chicago
03.2020 - Current
- Guided agency operations on underwriting policies and procedures, streamlining processes and enhancing operational clarity
- Approved high liability transactions across corporate divisions, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk
- Prepared and delivered webinars on title-related topics to educate internal and external customers
- Created bulletins and memos to provide vital guidance to offices and customers, fostering informed decision-making
Vice President and Midwest Underwriting Counsel
Amtrust Title Insurance Company
Chicago
12.2017 - 03.2020
- Prepared rate and form filings for states to align with regulatory requirements and support market positioning
- Reviewed vendor contracts and non-disclosure agreements to ensure compliance and mitigate risk
- Addressed inquiries from regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with industry standards
- Participated in state rating bureau meetings to advocate for company interests
- Negotiated and prepared agency contracts
- Completed compliance reports and statements
- Developed underwriting manuals and bulletins, offering underwriting support to agents and ensuring consistency in policy application
- Provided training and seminars for agents and attorneys
Director of Title Operations/Sr. Counsel
Proper Title LLC
Chicago
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Underwrote complex commercial transactions
- Managed title operations process to ensure timely and accurate completion of transactions
- Collaborated with underwriters to secure transaction approvals and facilitate claims resolutions
- Developed training programs and provided ongoing support for title and escrow staff
Vice President and Midwest Underwriting Counsel
Title Resources Guaranty Company
Chicago
03.2012 - 01.2015
- Identified new business opportunities through targeted market research and strategic networking
- Delivered training and educational seminars to agents and attorneys, enhancing their expertise and service capabilities
- Supported local title agents and attorneys by addressing their specific needs and challenges
Deputy General Counsel/Title Insurance Supervisor
Illinois Department Of Financial And Professional Regulation
Chicago
09.2009 - 03.2012
- Advised Director and staff on complex legal matters to ensure compliance and informed decision-making
- Drafted orders and negotiated settlements to achieve favorable outcomes for the organization
- Oversaw daily activities of legal staff to ensure compliance with regulations
- Managed administrative hearing caseload, streamlining processes for efficient resolution of cases
- Drafted legislation and administrative rules
- Process Freedom of Information Act requests
- Member of mortgage fraud task force
- Regulated 15 licensed title insurance companies and over 16,000 registered title agents
- Supervised title insurance staff
Court Appointed Receiver
Cook County Circuit Court
Chicago
12.2008 - 08.2009
- Appointed by Cook County Circuit Court to act as receiver for a title agency
- Investigated and settled claims with title underwriter, ensuring compliance and minimizing potential liabilities
- Reviewed and organized subpoena requests for legal compliance
- Delivered monthly reports to the Court, summarizing case progress and compliance status
- Processed requests for final title policies
- Oversaw management of business records and accounts, maintaining accuracy and accessibility for legal proceedings
State Counsel
LandAmerica Financial Group
Chicago
08.2003 - 10.2008
- Drafted legal bulletins
- Trained title agents in Illinois to improve compliance and operational effectiveness
- Coordinated with our claims department
- Assisted in business development initiatives to strengthen client acquisition and engagement strategies
- Created claims notification system to streamline communication and enhance responsiveness
- Provided 1031 Exchange services
- Developed underwriting website and database on fraudulent transactions
Title Officer
Chicago Title Insurance Company
Chicago
04.2002 - 08.2003
- Examined and underwrote large mixed-use real estate projects
- Supported title and escrow personnel in processing transactions efficiently
- Prepared hold harmless letters to clarify liability terms and protect interests
- Managed small claims, achieving timely resolutions for clients
Vice President and Underwriting Counsel
Near North National Title Corporation
Chicago
04.1999 - 04.2002
- Underwrote large mixed-use real estate transactions
- Supervised title production to ensure compliance and accuracy in real estate transactions
- Drafted hold harmless letters to mitigate liability risks in real estate agreements
- Oversaw small claims administration to streamline resolution processes and enhance client satisfaction
- Supported escrow staff
National Accounts Counsel
First American Title Insurance Co
Troy
11.1997 - 04.1999
- Evaluated and underwrote large portfolio commercial real estate transactions to assess viability and risk
- Provided underwriting support to our national offices throughout the country
- Facilitated marketing initiatives in commercial real estate market to enhance visibility and engagement
Legal Counsel
Metropolitan Title Company
Howell
09.1995 - 11.1997
- Reviewed and prepared agency contracts with title underwriters, ensuring clarity and compliance with legal standards
- Administered title claims, facilitating timely resolutions and adherence to company policies
- Reviewed documents for title and escrow staff, ensuring compliance and mitigating potential risks
General Counsel and Senior Examiner
Concord Title Company
Livonia
05.1990 - 09.1995
- Defined and organized general counsel role to align with organizational needs
- Oversaw growth of title examination team and streamlined processes for enhanced accuracy
- Facilitated training sessions for abstracting and examining personnel to improve competency
- Evaluated title documents for accuracy and compliance
- Performed residential real estate closings
Education
J.D. - Law
University of Detroit
Detroit, MI05-1992
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI12-1988
Skills
- Underwriting policies
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment
- Policy development
- Transaction approval
- Legal documentation
- Market research
Certification
- Licensed to practice law in Illinois
Timeline
Vice President and National Underwriting Counsel
Old Republic National Title Insurance Company
03.2020 - Current
Vice President and Midwest Underwriting Counsel
Amtrust Title Insurance Company
12.2017 - 03.2020
Director of Title Operations/Sr. Counsel
Proper Title LLC
01.2015 - 12.2017
Vice President and Midwest Underwriting Counsel
Title Resources Guaranty Company
03.2012 - 01.2015
Deputy General Counsel/Title Insurance Supervisor
Illinois Department Of Financial And Professional Regulation
09.2009 - 03.2012
Court Appointed Receiver
Cook County Circuit Court
12.2008 - 08.2009
State Counsel
LandAmerica Financial Group
08.2003 - 10.2008
Title Officer
Chicago Title Insurance Company
04.2002 - 08.2003
Vice President and Underwriting Counsel
Near North National Title Corporation
04.1999 - 04.2002
National Accounts Counsel
First American Title Insurance Co
11.1997 - 04.1999
Legal Counsel
Metropolitan Title Company
09.1995 - 11.1997
General Counsel and Senior Examiner
Concord Title Company
05.1990 - 09.1995
J.D. - Law
University of Detroit
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Michigan State University