New York Agency Team

Margaret T. Ling, Esq., is in the role of New York State Agency Underwriting Counsel, Education Director, and Agency Business Development for the New York State Agency Division of Amtrust Title Insurance Company. 

Margaret has been a Title Underwriting Counsel at several NYS Underwriters and Agencies. She has experience in title underwriting in residential and commercial transactions and title claims and litigation.

Margaret is a Certified Continuing Legal Education Presenter and organizes and speaks at many informative and relevant Amtrust Title Insurance real estate programs and webinars.
In addition, Margaret is a Member of the Amtrust Financial Multicultural Network where she is responsible for the Asian Segment. Margaret is also a Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the American Land Title Association,

Margaret received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum Laude and Dean’s List from Barnard College-Columbia University and her Juris Doctor Degree from New York Law School.

With over 30 years of experience John Lopez has rolled up his sleeves and touched every aspect of the title insurance closing process.  Direct agent turned Underwriting agency sales has got you covered. Like any other drummer, John knows the pulse and heartbeat of what makes an agent successful and wanting to be part of the AmTrust family.  He brings many years of experience, passion, and a warm smile. 

James Thanasules was with First American Title Insurance Company for 19 years, most recently as Vice President and Senior Underwriting Counsel for the New York Agency Division. James began his title career from the ground up, involved in production, sales, claims and underwriting, both on the Direct and Agency sides. James’ extensive Agency experience offers a unique perspective. He understands the interplay between agent and underwriter; the need for responsiveness and sound decisions; and working together to achieve a common goal. James has presented CLEs and CEs on a wide variety of hot topics, including Claims, Short Sales and Reverse Mortgages. He also provides training courses for agents and the NYSLTA. James’ background includes private practice, finance and advertising.

Michael P. Sasso joined First Nationwide Title, an AmTrust Financial Company, in May, 2016 as a Divisional Senior Vice President and Senior Underwriting Counsel. Prior to joining First Nationwide, Michael was senior underwriting counsel with First American Title Insurance Company.

Prior to moving into the title insurance industry Michael was in private practice where he worked for a boutique bankruptcy firm where he was the senior associate in the bankruptcy and reorganization department. Subsequently, he joined the staff of a Bankruptcy Panel Trustee in New York City.  

Most recently Michael served as an editor of the 4th Edition of Real Estate Titles (The Practice of Real Estate Law in New York) and contributed to the chapter on bankruptcy.

Michael is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School (1988), and received his BS in finance from St. John’s University (1985).