Member Highlight – Underwriter: Zachary Atwood

Zachary (Zac) Atwood was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and grew up an hour south in Ellisville. Growing up in that small town, Zac discovered early on that he had a natural drive for understanding how people and communities fit together—an interest that would ultimately guide his path to the legal profession.

When Zac enrolled at the University of Mississippi School of Law (Ole Miss), he started with dreams of contract law and did well in Professor Bradley’s classroom.  However, a rare chance at a “Land Title” course offered by an adjunct professor would have an impact on him and introduce him to the world of title examination. As a prior double major in history and political science, title examination and research drew Zac’s interest. During his time at Ole Miss, Zac also gained hands-on experience as a limited practice student attorney, which helped him sharpen the legal skills he’d need after graduation.  He clerked for Chancellor Ed Roberts, Jr. and used his early admission to the Mississippi Bar in practicing for the Criminal Appeals Clinic, Mississippi Innocence Project, Tax Clinic, and the University of Mississippi General Counsel’s Office.

Zac graduated in 2013 and initially launched his career as a litigation attorney working across the Southeast. Yet, that fascination with land title never left him. He often found himself drawing on the techniques he learned in his law school class while handling various real property cases. In 2019, when an opportunity arose at Stewart Title Guaranty Company—he signed on as Mississippi State Counsel, merging his background in litigation with his passion for title work.

These days, Zac serves as Associate Senior Counsel at Stewart, advising title agents and partners in Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Along the way, he earned the designation of ALTA National Title Professional, a recognition that underscores his expertise in the field. He’s also served the Land Title Association of Mississippi (LTAMS) as Education Committee Chair and currently fulfills the role of Secretary for the Association.

Every morning brings new challenges and opportunities for Zac. One moment he’s diving into underwriting guidelines and real property law for Stewart’s various state partners, and the next, he’s on the road visiting current and new agency partners for education and social events. Zac also dedicates time to teaching and presenting at industry seminars, conventions, and webinars, making sure that seasoned pros and new hires alike stay up to date on best practices. Mentoring fresh faces on Stewart’s legal team is another aspect of the job he finds incredibly rewarding as a committee member for Stewart’s Underwriting Mentorship Program.

For Zac, it’s all about relationships. He believes the title industry is built on personalities and personal connections—a belief he attributes to the late Stewart Morris, who famously said, “The world turns on personalities.” That sentiment resonates in Zac’s day-to-day work, whether he’s collaborating with title agents, abstractors, or colleagues. In his eyes, strong bonds and clear communication open the door to creative solutions and meaningful progress.

Zac often points to a sign at Taylor Grocery in Taylor, Mississippi, reading, “Eat or we both starve.” That simple statement sums up his approach perfectly: by sharing ideas and resources, everyone thrives. At Stewart, he finds that his coworkers share that philosophy—together, they fuse a storied history with fresh energy, new ideas, and a vision for helping the entire title industry flourish.

Over the years, Zac’s proudest moments have come from the support and recognition of his peers. In 2023, LTAMS named him Volunteer of the Year. He also received the National Title Professional designation from ALTA and has earned officer nominations in multiple state land title associations. Through it all, he’s stayed grateful for the chance to serve agents in multiple states.

Not every day in the title business is routine. One of Zac’s most unforgettable requests involved issuing an owner’s policy on a property sold in exchange for a brand-new Cadillac Escalade. The seller wanted the car; the buyer insisted on a deed. In a world of wire transfers and land swaps, that transaction stood out for its old-fashioned bartering flair.

Despite the fun and successes, Zac recognizes the title industry faces some tough hurdles: potential federal overreach, public misconceptions about what title companies do, and market reforms that might squeeze out smaller agencies. Wire fraud and land scams continue to be everyday threats, and without robust state regulations, out-of-state conglomerates can dominate. Zac believes smart collaboration and advocacy will be key to protecting the industry’s future.

Outside the office, Zac enjoys life with his wife, Mary (née Jones of Hattiesburg, MS). They first crossed paths during a lifeguard training course at the Hattiesburg YMCA and have been inseparable ever since—just recently celebrating twelve years of marriage. They’re also proud parents to Ella, a spirited six-year-old bursting with creativity, and Ben, a bright-eyed eight-month-old with a surprisingly calm nature.

Zac’s personal passions include cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels, reading, and traveling with Mary and the kids. When adventure calls, they answer—Mary’s zeal for fitness and exploring has led them everywhere from marathons and races across the Southeast and yoga sessions at Red Rocks Amphitheater to scuba diving in Hawaii and Mexico. Zac also ranks watching Ole Miss win the national championship at the College World Series in Omaha among his top life experiences.

With a career that merges deep legal expertise and a knack for relationship-building, Zac continues to find fresh enthusiasm in his professional and personal pursuits. If one thing is clear, it’s that this Mississippi native brings a genuine spirit of collaboration to everything he does, leaving a positive mark on coworkers, friends, family, and the title industry at large.