Marissa on the Record – Episode 002 – Allison Kalweit

Welcome back to Marissa on the Record! Our second episode is an interview with a fresh face in the title industry, First American’s own Allison Kalweit! Allison works as underwriting counsel for the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. Allison has shifted her career from private practice to the glamorous world of title underwriting, and she is ready to get her name out as a key player in the Midwest! In our interview, we discuss her approach to underwriting, her viewpoints as a millennial in the title industry, and the importance of due diligence when it comes to real estate transactions. Keep an eye out for upcoming interviews with some individuals with intriguing areas of expertise – you won’t want to miss out!

Episode 002 – Allison Kalweit Interview Questions – March 2026

Underwriting Counsel, IL & WI

First American Title Insurance Company

1. For those outside the title world, how would you explain what an Underwriting Counsel does in the title industry?

When someone buys or refinances property, a full team works behind the scenes to ensure ownership is clear and defensible. As underwriting counsel, my role is to identify and resolve title risks. I use the law, judgment, and sometimes creative solutions to help transactions close with confidence.

2. What skills or experiences best prepared you for this role?

My background in private practice, as well as general problem-solving and critical thinking. Understanding how people think and why they take certain actions. 

3. How do you approach balancing legal risk with practical deal realities?

The statutory law is always the guiding source, but my job is to weigh the risks and practicalities. I always collaborate with other underwriters to make sure I am managing that balance appropriately. 

4. What’s one misconception people have about underwriters in the title industry?

That emailing or asking “simple” questions is bothering us – It’s literally our jobs to help answer these questions!

5. As a millennial, do you think that you approach problem-solving differently than more traditional legal models?

In addition to the traditional legal models, I try to consider what we know about the people involved in the transaction. I think relating to someone’s life experience can add color to decisions. 

6. Do you think millennials view risk tolerance or liability differently? If so, how does that show up in your work?

I tend to focus on understanding the ‘why’ behind risk decisions. That curiosity can challenge long-standing practices and sometimes open the door to better, more thoughtful underwriting outcomes.

7. Would you explain the importance of due diligence and how it affects underwriting decisions?

Without due diligence, I can’t make an informed underwriting decision; it’s critical. 

8. How has technology changed the way underwriting counsel supports title professionals?

Communication has changed with technology. While picking up the phone and talking through a transaction is still so important, we have new ways to collaborate with agents through AI, imaging, and documentation review. 

9. How do you see technology helping reduce risk, and where does human judgment still matter most?

The continuing evolution of GIS and aerial mapping helps us view properties we don’t have the ability to visit in person. We can see some risks that the seller might not even be aware of. We can also use it to view historical images. Human judgment is critical to risk decision-making. No transaction is one-size-fits-all. Nearly every decision depends on the transactional facts. 

10. Where do you see the biggest risks (or opportunities) emerging in the title industry over the next few years?

Risks: Fraud and the misuse of AI. Opportunities: educating the public on title insurance through more collaboration with realtors, attorneys, ROD, and other real estate professionals. A more informed customer makes transactions smoother. 

11. What advice would you give to others considering a career in due diligence, title, or real estate law?

This career area is exciting because every day is different. If you are someone who loves variety, this is the best route. You get exposure to all types of problems and solutions. When you think you’ve seen it all, something new pops up. 

12. What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

Hearing that I helped find a solution to a problem that was deemed “uninsurable” by others. Also, meeting and connecting with others in the industry. 

13. You support agents in both Illinois and Wisconsin – what are the biggest differences between title practices and issues between the 2 states?

Besides statutory law, the biggest difference between WI and IL is the involvement of attorneys in transactions.

14. What sort of involvement do you have with industry groups? What do you think is the best way for someone to get involved and effect change?

I am a member of the American Land Title Association, the Illinois Land Title Association, and the Wisconsin Land Title Association. I think every title professional should join their LTA [land title association]. It’s the best way to stay on top of changing trends in the industry as well as to share your challenges. You also make great connections within the industry, and it makes work more fun!

15. When you’re not wearing your “lawyer” cap, what does your personal time look like?

I am a busy toddler mom! When I have time from those duties, I love reading and trying new restaurants. 

16. If you had no limits (time, money, etc), what would your next vacation be?

One of those over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora with my Kindle!

About the Author

Marissa Berends is a Certified Abstractor and Industry Relations Coordinator at Capitol Lien, a nationwide due diligence and risk mitigation services provider. Since joining the company in September 2021, she has earned abstractor certifications in Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota, and most recently graduated from the Wisconsin Land Title Association’s Title Examiner courses.

Marissa is involved with the following groups: Women in Title (WiT); Wisconsin Land Title Association’s (WLTA) Convention Committee, Membership Committee, and Young Title Professionals; Property Record Industry Association (PRIA) National Education Committee; Illinois Land Title Association’s (ILTA) Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Acceptance (IDEA) Committee; Minnesota Land Title Association’s (MLTA) Education Committee, American Land Title Association’s (ALTA) Title Advisory Network (TAN), Michigan Land Title Association’s (MLTA) New Title Professionals, and the National Association of Land Title Examiners and Abstractors (NALTEA). 

About Capitol Lien

Capitol Lien empowers real estate and title professionals with trusted public record research and due diligence services nationwide. With over 30 years of experience, Capitol Lien specializes in fast, accurate property and title searches, lien reports, and document retrieval that help title agents, underwriters, and legal teams operate their businesses with confidence. The Capitol Lien team takes the hassle out of title research with local experts and innovative tools that make it easier to mitigate risk, stay on schedule, and keep your closings moving smoothly.

Learn more at capitollien.com. Ready to simplify your title research? Send your next order to Capitol Lien and experience the difference trusted diligence makes. Stay in touch with Capitol Lien on LinkedIn for industry updates and information. Reach out! contact@capitollien.com or 800-845-4077