First American

Relationship Manager, Legal Counsel

First American$148K — $198K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Santa Ana, CA
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
  • Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
  • 5–12+ years of experience in trust law, estate planning, estate settlement, trust administration, or related legal field
  • Preferred experience in client relationship management
  • Strong understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and trust administration

Responsibilities

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with firm clients and internal stakeholders
  • Provide legal advice and guidance on trust-related matters, including compliance and risk management
  • Review, draft, and interpret trust documents, agreements, and related legal materials
  • Partner with business units to ensure trust services are delivered in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with trust activities
  • Support client onboarding, account maintenance, and issue resolution
  • Stay current on applicable laws, regulations, and industry trends impacting trust services

Benefits

  • High attention to detail and organizational abilities
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally
  • Foster strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor
  • Keep accurate records of client interactions and transactions, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality
Full Job Description

What We Do
The Relationship Manager, Legal Counsel – Trust is responsible for managing client relationships while providing legal guidance related to trust services. This role serves as a key point of contact for clients, ensuring high-quality service, regulatory compliance, and alignment with organizational policies. The position combines relationship management with legal expertise to support trust operations and client needs.

What You’ll Do:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with firm clients and internal stakeholders
  • Provide legal advice and guidance on trust-related matters, including compliance and risk management
  • Review, draft, and interpret trust documents, agreements, and related legal materials
  • Partner with business units to ensure trust services are delivered in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with trust activities
  • Support client onboarding, account maintenance, and issue resolution
  • Stay current on applicable laws, regulations, and industry trends impacting trust services
  • Monitors account activity ensuring compliance with established company policies and procedures, rules and regulations, including completion of annual Reg. 9 reviews.
  • Foster strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted advisor and addressing their financial concerns with professionalism and expertise.
  • Keep accurate records of client interactions and transactions, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
  • Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
  • 5–12+ years of experience in trust law, estate planning, estate settlement, trust administration, or related legal field
  • Experience in client relationship management preferred
  • Strong understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and trust administration
  • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • High attention to detail and organizational abilities
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally

Pay Range: $148,600.00 - $198,200.00 AnnuallyThis 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.

 

** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **

About First American

First American provides financial services through its Title Insurance and Services segment and its Specialty Insurance segment. The First American Family of Companies' core business lines include title insurance and closing/settlement services; title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust, and investment advisory services.

First American Careers

Join the vibrant team at First American, a leading company renowned for its commitment to innovation, leadership, and professional excellence. As one of the most respected names in the industry, First American offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Work You’ll Do

At First American, your work transcends ordinary job responsibilities. You will be part of a dynamic team that drives industry standards through innovation and leadership. Engage in projects that transform our services and, by extension, the industry itself, making an impact that matters.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, First American presents a spectrum of career paths across various departments. Our job opportunities are designed to foster professional growth and personal achievement.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with First American’s internship programs. These opportunities are perfect for gaining real-world experience, enhancing your skills, and networking with industry leaders. Our internships provide a robust foundation for future employment and are a stepping stone to full-time positions within the company.

Culture and Benefits

First American is committed to creating a workplace where every team member feels valued. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. Our benefits package is comprehensive, supporting both your professional and personal life, including health, wellness, and continuous learning opportunities.

Professional Development and Training

We believe in nurturing our team’s skills through targeted training programs, including leadership development and diversity training. These initiatives ensure that you are equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and personal growth.

Join Our Team

Embark on your First American journey today by exploring the various positions available. We are actively hiring and looking for talented individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel. Check out our open positions, tailor your resume, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique abilities.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest in career tips, industry news, and job openings at First American. Subscribe to our job alert emails and never miss an opportunity to advance your career with us.

Networking and Growth

At First American, career growth is complemented by opportunities to connect and collaborate with professionals across the company. Engage in networking events that can open doors to numerous career paths and professional relationships.

Why First American?

Choosing First American means opting for a career where your skills are appreciated and your contributions are valued. Here, every employee is empowered to reach their full potential, supported by our culture of growth, leadership, and innovation. Join First American today and be part of a team that is reshaping the future through exceptional service, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Explore the positions we have available and take the first step towards a rewarding career at First American.
Learn more about First American
Size
22,233 employees
Market Cap
$5.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$696.4 million
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+10.6%
Revenue
$7 billion
NASDAQ

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