Associate Counsel

Job Description

At CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, we believe in the power of relationships. With 200,000 members across California, we’re dedicated to supporting REALTORS® as they help communities thrive. We foster innovation, collaboration, and a healthy work-life integration while offering meaningful opportunities for growth.

About the Role

California Association of REALTORS® is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Associate Counsel to join its Corporate Legal team. This role will provide legal advice and counsel to the trade association, its subsidiaries, and affiliates on a wide spectrum of topics including contracts, governance, compliance, non‑profit issues, intellectual property (copyright and trademark), corporate transactions (e.g., investments and mergers and acquisitions) and general business matters. Additionally, the Associate Counsel will also draft a high volume of contracts (including speaker agreements, vendor contracts, licenses, events contracts, partner agreements, and other commercial agreements), and from time to time, will draft educational and other materials. Limited travel within California may be required.

Job Title : Associate Counsel

Reports To : Assistant General Counsel

Group : Corporate Legal

Compensation : $110,000 to $130,000 annually

Status : Full‑Time, Exempt

Benefits : Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, PTO, and more!

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiate, draft and review a variety of contracts.
• Provide legal advice and counsel on a wide spectrum of topics including governance, compliance, non‑profit issues, intellectual property, corporate transactions, and general business matters (some of this will overlap with working on contracts).
• Keep abreast of legal developments affecting trade associations, including corporate transactions, non‑profit matters, intellectual property, and other topics relevant to this role.
• Legal research and memoranda as needed.

Key Requirements

• Experience :
  • 5+ years’ experience working in a law firm or comparable in‑house experience.
  • Experience in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts.
  • Experience with governance, compliance, non‑profit issues, intellectual property, and/or corporate transactions (e.g., investments and mergers and acquisitions).
• Education :
  • J.D. from ABA‑accredited law school.
  • Member of California State Bar.
• Skills :
  • Able to work independently and take ownership of projects.
  • Excellent legal reasoning, written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and judgment.
  • A collaborative, team‑oriented attitude with superior interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances as needed.
  • Driven and proactive, with a desire to learn and grow.
  • Comfortable with AI and other technology (including Word, Slack, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Westlaw, internet research and use).
• Travel :
  • Travel to business meetings three times per year (possibly).
  • Minimal additional travel may be required.

C.A.R. and/or its subsidiaries and agents will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.