Senior Counsel – Legal Affairs

About the role

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is seeking a Senior Counsel to join its Legal Affairs team. Based in either Chicago or Washington, D.C., the role provides high‑quality legal advice and risk‑management support across the organization.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver ongoing legal counsel on tax‑exempt status, corporate governance, employment law, and privacy/data protection.
• Identify legal risks and create business‑focused, compliant solutions aligned with NAR policies.
• Advise on governance matters, including board duties, governing documents, and policy development.
• Support employment‑related issues in partnership with HR and external counsel.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements for NAR and its affiliates.
• Conduct legal research, prepare memoranda, and develop risk‑management resources.
• Collaborate with the Legal Affairs team and coordinate with outside counsel as needed.

Required profile

• Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree.
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Significant experience in nonprofit, tax‑exempt, corporate governance, employment, or privacy law.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Required skills

• Legal research and writing.
• Contract drafting and negotiation.
• Risk assessment and mitigation.

What we offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunity to influence policy for a leading trade association.
• Collaborative work environment with professional development support.