Illinois REALTORS® General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Services

As a member of the senior management team, the General Counsel plays a key leadership role at the association and is responsible for the management and direction of legal and risk management matters.  Key duties include general counseling, contract drafting and management, review of employment matters, maintenance of governance documents, implementation and oversight of intellectual property matters including forms management, oversight of litigation, if any, involving the association, management of other legal filings, oversight of the association legal hotline, assisting Illinois REALTORS® governmental affairs department on legislative matters, and oversight of Illinois REALTORS®’ professional standards/ethics administration department.

Duties and Responsibilities 
Legal Counsel and Strategic Leadership 

• Lead the association’s legal affairs staff and provide counsel to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and senior leadership team on strategic and operational decisions.
• Provide in-house legal services and oversee services delivered by the internal legal team and, when necessary, outside counsel. 
  Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and represent the association to internal and external audiences.
• Maintain relationships with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Real Estate.

Corporate Governance 

• Oversee corporate governance matters and maintain corporate minute books.
• Maintain and update the association’s Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and statements on Policy and Committees.

Risk Management and Litigation 

• Direct the association’s response to matters that could result in legal action and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Advise staff on legal matters involving employment, risk management, insurance, information technology, and volunteer liability.
• Review the purchase and management of the association’s insurance policies.
• Oversee the preparation of amicus briefs submitted on behalf of the association in state and federal cases.

Legislation, Practice Forms, and Professional Standards 

• Oversee and participate in drafting and reviewing legislation affecting the real estate industry, including active participation in drafting and reviewing the Illinois Real Estate License Act.
• Oversee the maintenance, revision, and development of Illinois REALTORS® practice forms.
• Oversee and provide legal guidance on issues arising from the association’s role as statewide administrator of actions and proceedings involving enforcement of the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics.