As the trade group’s chief legal officer exits, the National Association of Realtors is preparing to assess its legal exposure and develop a litigation strategy. Is it too little too late?
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Each week on The Download, Inman’s Christy Murdock takes a closer look at the week’s top stories to give you what you need to meet Monday head on. This week: As the trade group’s chief legal officer exits, the National Association of Realtors prepares to assess its legal exposure and develop a litigation strategy. Is it too little too late?
In the past year-and-a-half, the only thing you could count on at the National Association of Realtors was change. Scandals, internal conflicts, and criticism of members from almost every quarter put the organization, its staff, and its volunteers under the microscope.
Now, one of the most prominent members of the leadership team has left, and the prospect of a replacement is very dim.
Just over a year after calls for her to step down came from within the house, NAR’s Chief Legal Officer and Chief Member Experience Manager, Katie Johnson, resigned, effective October 4th.
Johnson leaves after nearly two decades; has led the organization’s legal team since 2014.
Following his departure, NAR CEO Nykia Wright announced a pivot to the trade group’s legal strategy:
“The immediate next step for internal and external legal counsel is to develop a comprehensive strategy for NAR’s approach to all existing cases and begin an assessment of any additional risk the organization has based on current policies and laws. We are hiring additional external consultants this week to focus solely on risk assessment. We will also determine what our internal legal framework should be to prepare NAR for the future.”
READ MORE: NAR vows to assess legal risks of current policies
There is no doubt that things are changing rapidly and look set to continue to change in the coming months and years. NAR’s legal troubles seem to be continuing – the consumer lawsuits are still pending, and the DOJ’s colonoscopy of the industry is beginning.
Fortunately, as always, we have the best contributors in the business offering their insights, strategies and thought leadership to set you up for success. Explore more about accommodations and suites, and take advice from Inman’s experts on staying ahead of the curve both now and in the future.
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