Senior Counsel

National Association of REALTORS®; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The National Association of REALTORS® is seeking a Senior Counsel for its Legal Affairs team, based in Chicago or Washington D.C. The role involves providing essential legal counsel on matters including tax-exempt and employment law, corporate governance, and privacy law.

The ideal candidate will have a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, an active license to practice law, and over 5 years of relevant legal experience, with a strong focus on risk management and compliance. Comprehensive benefits and a hybrid work schedule are included.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal experience preferably in-house counsel for a corporation or trade association.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Understanding of real estate law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on tax-exempt and nonprofit law.
• Draft, review and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Conduct legal research and prepare guidance on relevant issues.

Skills

Legal analysis

Communication skills

Tax-exempt law

Corporate governance

Employment law

Privacy law

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

This position can be based in the Chicago or Washington D.C. office.

Position Summary

The Senior Counsel, Legal Affairs is a key member of the National Association of REALTORS Legal Affairs team and provides high‑quality legal counsel and risk management support across the organization. This position advises NAR staff, leadership, affiliates, and subsidiaries on a broad range of legal issues affecting the National Association of REALTORS, with a particular focus on tax‑exempt and nonprofit law, corporate governance, employment law, and privacy law. The Senior Counsel partners closely with internal stakeholders to support NAR’s mission, ensure legal compliance, and proactively mitigate organizational risk.

Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Counsel and Risk Management

• Provide ongoing legal advice and practical guidance to NAR staff, affiliates, and subsidiaries on organizational legal matters, including tax‑exempt law, corporate governance, employment law, and privacy and data protection issues.
• Assist internal clients in identifying legal risks and developing compliant, business‑focused solutions consistent with NAR policies and objectives.
• Respond to general legal inquiries from NAR staff and stakeholders in a timely and service‑oriented manner.

Tax-Exempt and Governance Support

• Advise on issues affecting NAR’s tax‑exempt status, including governance, programs, activities, and compliance considerations.
• Review and provide guidance on governing documents, policies, and board‑related matters, including fiduciary duties and best practices for association governance.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of governance‑related policies and internal protocols.

Employment and Privacy Law

• Provide legal support on employment‑related matters, including policy review, compliance issues, and risk mitigation, working collaboratively with Human Resources and outside counsel as appropriate.
• Advise on privacy and data protection matters, including internal policies, compliance obligations, and emerging legal risks related to data use and protection.

Contracts and Legal Review

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents involving NAR, its affiliates, and subsidiaries.
• Provide guidance and develop resources to address recurring contract‑related issues and reduce organizational risk.

Legal Research, Education, and Resources

• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda, guidance, articles, and risk management materials on issues relevant to NAR and REALTOR associations.
• Assist in the development and delivery of educational programming, presentations, and training for NAR staff, association executives, and other stakeholders on legal and compliance topics.

Collaboration and Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other members of the Legal Affairs team on cross‑functional initiatives and projects.
• Coordinate with outside counsel as needed.
• Stay current on legal developments affecting trade associations, nonprofit organizations, and the real estate industry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, or eligibility for admission as in‑house counsel, as applicable.
• 5+ years of legal experience as in‑house counsel to a trade association or corporation/company, or at a law firm advising trade associations, nonprofit organizations, or corporate clients.
• Demonstrated experience advising on:
  • Tax‑exempt and nonprofit law
  • Corporate or association governance
  • Employment law
  • Privacy or data protection law
• Understanding of, or experience with, real estate law is a plus.
• Strong legal analysis, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance for non‑legal audiences.
• Sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to NAR’s mission and service‑oriented culture.

Compensation

Compensation: $180,000-$200,000 depending on office location.

Benefits

NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.

NAR is on a hybrid schedule and in the office 3 days a week.