When MaryAnn List decided to launch Lawyers Title Company in the Bay Area, she wanted

more than an office — she wanted a distinctive culture. “Our focus is to create and maintain

a very collaborative business environment,” she explains. “People are our heartbeat and

there is no business without the people.”

That mindset has carried the company from its 2015 launch to four thriving offices across

San Mateo County, backed by the strength of Fidelity National Financial, their parent

company. “What appealed to me about Fidelity National Financial, a Fortune 500 company, was how they built their business with multiple brands, each with their own culture. I was charged

with curating our brand from amongst some of the best in the industry,” MaryAnn adds

with a touch of pride.

Deep Local Roots

MaryAnn, President, grew up in San Francisco, attended Heald College, and has been in the

title industry for over 35 years. Along the way she completed advanced leadership

programs with Dale Carnegie, the Disney Institute, and Management Action Program, all of

which shaped her leadership style.

Meghan McKinley, Sales Manager, who grew up in Redwood City, graduated from UC

Berkeley with a degree in architecture before finding her footing in title work: “I started in

title through family connections, as both of my parents worked in the industry,” she shares.

“I have been fortunate to learn all aspects of the business over my 20+ years.”

Those deep local roots extend to the rest of the operation who, if not born and raised here,

are long-time Bay Area locals. The original leadership team brought together by MaryAnn,

includes Karen Anderson, Branch Operations, and Meghan. The escrow teams, the

Business Development Executives — Carey Gorgolinski, Nicole Aissa, Andrea Simons,

Patricia Pantazis, and Arthur Navarro — serve as the face of their brand in the field.

Four Offices, One Goal

Today, Lawyers Title Company Bay Area operates four successful offices in San Mateo

County:

San Carlos – 530 El Camino Real

Escrow Teams: Ron DeChaine; Danny Perez

Menlo Park – 1460 El Camino Real #150

Escrow Teams: Art Fuenzalida; Susan Burnett; Loren Frediani

Burlingame – 1440 Chapin Ave #250

Escrow Teams: Alma Prince; Cheryl McDonald; Carlota Villatoro & Aileen Michael

Half Moon Bay – 785 Main Street #101

Escrow Team: Melisa Lozano

“We have 30 employees, and every single one of them is integral to our success,” MaryAnn

emphasizes. “The longevity and loyalty here are a testament to the culture we’ve built.”

Building Something Different

Lawyers Title Company Bay Area stands out in a crowded industry because of its

responsiveness and relationships. “We differentiate ourselves through service, years of

proven expertise, and a personalized approach,” MaryAnn elaborates.

This ideology is expressed best within the business development team and their

association with the real estate and lending communities. It brings it back to the company

tagline that says it all: ‘People are the Heartbeat of Lawyers Title.’ That philosophy applies

equally to clients and to the internal team.  “Our long-standing collaboration has fostered deep bonds, making the workplace not just productive, but genuinely enriching and nurturing,” Meghan says with commitment. Much of the company’s ethos can be traced back to MaryAnn’s vision to create something distinctive. She drew on her experience from other larger firms and curated a brand rooted in collaboration, authenticity and excellence. “I carefully brought together talented people, including some I had worked with before knowing we could create something extraordinary together,” she elaborates.

Meghan and the Business Development team all agree that one of the biggest influences in

their business would have to be MaryAnn’s leadership: “Her decision to start Lawyers Title

and keep us together as a team has shaped everything,” Meghan acknowledges.

For Meghan, success is measured by more than numbers. “I measure it by the feeling at the

end of the day. Did we accomplish what we needed to move forward in our business?” she

reflects. “There will always be those days with setbacks, but it’s how we rebound from

them that matters.”

For MaryAnn, fulfilment comes from seeing her employees rise to challenges. “I am most

proud of hiring and engaging with people that are interested in the challenge of building a

brand from the ground up,” she beams.

Giving Back to the Bay Area

Lawyers Title Company Bay Area is deeply woven into the fabric of its local communities.

The company supports organizations such as Shelter Network, HIP Housing, Relay for Life,

Women’s Council of Realtors, multiple local Realtor associations, and Rotary chapters,

along with local chambers of commerce and education foundations.

“We have a huge community presence,” MaryAnn emphasizes. “Giving back has always

been part of our DNA.”

The culture at Lawyers Title Company also encourages balance and personal growth.

Employees are artists, competitive bodybuilders, cooking and yoga enthusiasts, nutrition

coaches, and more. MaryAnn herself practices guided meditation and often leads the team

in sessions. “It helps us gain clarity on our goals and the outcomes we want to achieve in

our profession and private lives,” she points out.

For Meghan, recharging comes from time with family and friends. “We’d say we’re a family-

oriented team,” she notes. “Spending time with family and friends is how we stay

grounded.”

On The Horizon

Even in a changing market, there is no question that Lawyers Title Company is thriving.

Technology and regulations continue to evolve, but the company’s core remains steady by

focusing on its people. With plans to expand further into the South Bay and North of San

Francisco, their future outlook is strong. 

 

“We’re having a very good year in very difficult times,” MaryAnn affirms. “It all goes back to

the people. ‘People are the Heartbeat of Lawyers Title Company’.”

To connect with MaryAnn, Meghan, and the full team at Lawyers Title Company Bay Area,

call 650-801-3530 or visit www.LawyersTitleBayArea.com