Associate Attorney

Salary Range $125,000 - $140,000 depending on experience

Company Description NVAR – Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS® – is a premier local real estate association serving more than 12,000 members in a dynamic community of over 2 million residents. Established in 1921, NVAR is part of the National Association of REALTORS® network, which includes over 1 million members nationwide. The association is recognized as The Voice for Real Estate in Northern Virginia, offering services such as education, professional standards enforcement, market data, legislative advocacy, and industry tools. NVAR’s mission to promote the right to own, transfer, and use real property extends to national and international communities, supporting real estate associations and leaders around the world.

Role Description Serves as legal resource for the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) - supporting the Association’s operations and serving as the primary resource on real estate law, standard forms, ethics, governance, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with the broader NVAR staff, the position provides legal guidance on standard forms development, member training, and industry updates; oversees corporate filings and contract compliance; reviews all NVAR Agreements; and contributes legal expertise to education programs and communications. The role also supports several NVAR committees, members’ professionalism and understanding of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The role serves as an in-house subject matter expert on real estate law, the NAR Code of Ethics, NVAR Standard Forms, NVAR Governing Documents, and has strong familiarity with Multiple Listing Service Policies. Additionally, the role provides redundant support of the association’s Legal Hotline and serves as a key resource to the Association’s Brokers and Members on a variety of industry and Association issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES/TASKS:

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Operations:

• Serve as a subject matter expert on real estate law, NVAR standard forms library, Code of Ethics, lockbox rules and regulations, association governing documents, and MLS policies.

• Collaborates with the Associate Attorney: NVAR Legal Hotline & Member Support and the Director of Broker & Member Outreach to provide legal insights on the development, management, maintenance and education supporting the NVAR standard forms, create training tools for brokers and members, and be a resource and instructor/trainer/presenter on regulatory and legal developments.

• Responsible for corporate filings, trademark/copyright protections, and outside counsel coordination as directed.

• Responsible for organizing and monitoring contractual deadlines and compliance with a wide variety of vendor, licensing, and service agreements.

• Prepare and create legal content for articles, blogs, videos etc. on trending topics that are relevant and informative to members.

• Be proficient in, promote, and provide guidance on the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and professionalism through training, education and raising awareness.

• Staff liaison support to several NVAR committees, including but not limited to the Standard Forms Committee, Attorney Roundtable, Real Estate Finance & Settlements Forum.

• Provide accurate and informed legal perspective to the CEO as requested.

• Collaborate with the education team to ensure legal accuracy and regulatory compliance for Continuing Education, Post-Licensing Education, specialty courses, and instructor certification and licensing approvals.

• Manages the Professional Standards Cooperative Agreement with the Virginia Association of Realtors®.

• Contribute to departmental performance on key metrics, budget variances, and evolving issues.

EXPERIENCE:

·      Juris Doctor (JD) degree (required).

·      Licensed attorney in Virginia (required).

·      Active Bar membership in good standing (Virginia required).

·      Willingness to obtain licensure in Washington, D.C. and Maryland if not already admitted.

·      Experience in real estate law or corporate law.

·      Experience working directly with clients, customers, and/or members.

·      Public speaking/instructional experience presenting in a classroom setting.

·      Association or non-profit experience (preferred).

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

Ability to:

·      Follow and achieve department goals in conjunction with Association strategic plan.

·      Speak publicly and knowledgeably, both extemporaneously and from prepared text.

·      Create and conduct legal, regulatory, and risk-reduction programs, courses, or classes.

·      Work collaboratively, collegially effectively and harmoniously with Association members, staff and public

·      Write effectively, speak in public, lead productive meetings, and implement programs.

·      Draft articles, contracts, memoranda, legal and educational content.

·      Make informed and timely decisions.

·      Demonstrate strong customer/member service and analytic skills.

·      Strong technology skills, particularly with the Microsoft suite of business tools and adobe software.