December 4, 2025

Advocus expresses its deep appreciation and heartfelt wish for a long and happy retirement to Augie Butera, EVP - General Counsel, retiring in January 2026 after 40 years of service!

Augie is one of the main characters in the ATG-now-Advocus cast of characters who has been central to our success. His understanding of all matters related to real estate transactions, title insurance, and the search process gave him a solid base upon which he built his long and successful legal career. He grew to be a steady voice for our staff and agents, often guiding complex decisions—always with great intellect and fair-mindedness, a lawyer's lawyer.

Peter Birnbaum, our Executive Chairman (44-years of service, former President and CEO since 1991) recently reflected on his law school days as a Law Bulletin employee doing title searches and meeting Augie in the basement of the Cook County Recorder's office. A fortuitous next-meeting at a bar association event turned into a 40-year work relationship and deep friendship.

We will miss you, Augie! It's difficult to imagine this place without you, but like all great leaders, you have trained and mentored those who remain. You are leaving the Legal Department in good stead, poised to continue providing excellent service and stewardship. See Legal Department Promotions, below. Also retiring, Arden Miner, after 25 years, see our November write-up, here.

Advocus Agents and Friends: Send Augie or Arden a note!

Photo Captions Top row, left: Our photo tribute to Augie's 40 years of service. Right: Hank Shulruff, Augie Butera, Peter Birnbaum. This trio has provided leadership to ATG-now-Advocus and its agents and staff for decades. Middle row, left: Lynne Crotty, Jill Cadwell, Mare Acosta, Greg Miely. Right: Augie's family was on hand to celebrate. Tim, daughter-in-law Tressa (married to Bryan) and grandson Sonny, Augie and his wife Katie, Bryan, and Tricia Butera. Bottom row, left: Advocus Legal Department - Front Row: Greg Miely, Beth Faber, Arden Miner, Kelli Fogarty, Alisa Swerdlove. Back Row: Nathan Smith, Andrew Thompson Lowell Krahn, Peter Birnbaum, Augie Butera, Hank Shulruff, Karen Courtney, and Ami Oseid. Right: Erika Guzman Viruegas, Arden Miner, Wendy Morales. View more photos, here!

CONGRATULATIONS

Legal Department Promotions

Advocus is thrilled to announce the promotions of two experienced members of our legal staff. Please join us in congratulating Karen Courtney and Beth Faber!

Karen Courtney, SVP - Lead Counsel

Karen's new role elevates her to the most senior attorney at Advocus and includes continuing the management of the Commercial Title and Construction Escrow Departments and overseeing several new areas: Underwriting, Claims, Litigation, Licensing, and Compliance. She will advise executive leadership, manage company forms, handle complex files, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide product and service strategy. In addition, she will report key legal and business issues to our parent company's General Counsel.

Beth Faber, VP and Counsel - Claims, Litigation, Compliance

In this new role, Beth will continue to lead the internal Claims team in investigating and resolving title insurance claims, collaborating on loss mitigation and subrogation, managing licensing applications, and working with regulators, lenders, and internal teams. As we continue expansion into new states, work surrounding licensing and regulation has become even more important. The position provides legal guidance on compliance matters and represents Advocus externally.

Both Karen's and Beth's new roles include developing staff and coordinating with our parent company’s legal department. We are looking forward to many great years ahead as we take on new challenges. Congratulations!

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