Most homebuyers focus on location, price, and curb appeal, completely overlooking the vital legal shield that protects their investment: title insurance. Behind that protection stands an unsung hero: the general counsel who keeps the whole operation running.
Attorney Marc Rovner, with over 38 years of experience handling title insurance complexities, knows exactly what makes the role critical. General counsel typically operate behind the scenes, but their work prevents buyers from losing everything when ownership disputes emerge.
Guardians of Property Security
When you buy a house, you’re counting on it actually becoming yours, legally and completely. The general counsel makes sure that happens.
Marc Rovner explains that many homebuyers face a nightmare scenario: finding their dream home, signing all the papers, moving in, then getting hit with a claim that someone else actually owns part of the property. Good general counsel prevents such devastating situations.
These attorneys don’t sit around waiting for problems. They actively hunt for them before closing, and design systems that catch hidden liens, mystery heirs, and boundary issues that could wreck your ownership rights years later.
General counsel also establishes the protocols for examining court records, tax documents, and property histories. They train title examiners to spot red flags others might miss. When something suspicious appears, they determine whether it’s a deal-killer or something that can be resolved.
Unlike most insurance that covers future accidents, title insurance protects against past mistakes and hidden claims. The general counsel’s knowledge of historical property law becomes gold when an unexpected easement suddenly threatens a homeowner’s backyard plans three years after purchase.
Mastering Regulatory Compliance
Try doing title insurance in New York, then move your operation to Florida. You’ll quickly discover it’s like learning a whole new business. Each state has its own rules, and general counsel must know them all.
Marc Rovner points out that in New York, attorneys remain involved in every step of the process. Moving operations to another state means the entire approach changes. General counsel keep companies from making costly regulatory mistakes when operating across state lines.
These attorneys draft policies ensuring their companies follow state-specific regulations on rates, licensing, and consumer protection. One misstep could trigger investigations, fines, or even license revocation.
The rules constantly change, too. Legislatures pass new laws, courts interpret old ones differently, and regulatory agencies issue updated guidance. General counsel track these shifts, updating company procedures before problems occur.
Marc Rovner sees education as one of the general counsel’s most valuable functions. When staff genuinely understands why certain procedures matter legally, not because someone said so, they handle high-pressure closings much more effectively.
Trust Through Transparency
Nobody likes surprises at closing. The general counsel ensures clients know exactly what protection they’re getting, and what they’re not.
Marc Rovner insists that honest conversations about property limitations create lasting client relationships. General counsel trains staff to explain complex issues clearly without creating panic.
When claims do arise, general counsel balance competing interests masterfully. They protect policyholders’ rights while preventing fraudulent claims from draining resources needed for legitimate issues.
The paperwork underlying title insurance must satisfy courts while remaining understandable to homebuyers. Great general counsel create documents that accomplish both. Legally sound but written in language real people can comprehend during already stressful home purchases.
Risk Assessment Excellence
Some title companies operate on autopilot, using the same basic search processes for decades. Others, led by thoughtful general counsel, continuously refine their approach based on actual claims data.
Marc Rovner has watched how effective general counsel conduct transaction audits, tracking exactly where and why title problems occur. They use these insights to focus searches on high-risk areas that repeatedly cause issues.
Rovner notes that the general counsel’s judgment directly impacts which risks can be insured and which must be fixed before closing. Too cautious, and deals get unnecessarily halted. Too lax, and the company faces avoidable losses.
Technology keeps changing everything. Digital closings, remote notarization, and blockchain property records create entirely new legal considerations. The best general counsel stay ahead of these shifts, adapting protection strategies to match evolving transaction methods.
Through vigilant oversight and sophisticated risk management, general counsel make sure title insurance delivers what homebuyers need most: confidence that their biggest investment stands on solid legal ground.