This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Counsel, Industry Data based in the United States.
The Senior Counsel, Industry Data will play a strategic legal role at the intersection of residential real estate, technology, data licensing, and AI-driven innovation. You will advise business leaders and cross-functional teams on complex industry relationships, commercial transactions, and the acquisition, licensing, and use of multiple listing service (MLS) data. Working closely with Industry, Product, Engineering, and Operations teams, you will help shape agreements and legal frameworks that support evolving business priorities and innovative consumer experiences. You will also lead strategic negotiations with MLSs, brokerages, and other industry partners while ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and operational requirements. A key focus will be enabling the responsible use of industry data in AI-powered products and services. This is an exciting opportunity to influence industry-wide developments within a fast-paced, technology-driven environment that values collaboration, sound judgment, and forward-thinking legal expertise.
- Lead and support the structuring, drafting, negotiation, and management of strategic commercial agreements with multiple listing services (MLSs), brokerages, franchisors, and other industry partners.
- Advise industry development teams and senior leadership on transaction strategy, commercial structures, legal risks, and negotiation priorities from initial discussions through execution and ongoing relationship management.
- Develop negotiation strategies, legal positions, and scalable playbooks that balance business objectives, contractual obligations, relationship considerations, and operational feasibility.
- Engage directly with external counterparties, industry stakeholders, and their legal representatives to manage complex negotiations and maintain productive strategic relationships.
- Serve as a legal subject-matter expert on MLS data, advising on its acquisition, licensing, display, use, and governance across consumer-facing platforms and agent-facing products.
- Provide legal guidance on data rights, restrictions, and governance requirements associated with AI-enabled products and consumer experiences, partnering with Product and AI/ML teams to establish practical safeguards.
- Interpret and advise on MLS data licensing agreements, industry rules, policies, and market-specific requirements, translating complex legal provisions into actionable business guidance.
- Draft, negotiate, and manage data licensing agreements that support consumer platforms and professional real estate software solutions while balancing legal, commercial, and operational considerations.
- Partner with Industry, Product, and Engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle to identify legal implications, support new product launches, and address evolving industry requirements.
- Contribute to the development of internal data governance frameworks, policies, and controls that promote responsible and scalable data use while ensuring compliance with contractual and industry obligations.
- Collaborate with Legal and Compliance colleagues on matters involving privacy, intellectual property, data governance, commercial strategy, and enterprise risk.
- Monitor developments involving MLS organizations, industry associations, litigation, and regulatory requirements, translating emerging issues into practical recommendations for business leaders.
- Develop training materials, internal guidance, and scalable resources to help business teams understand industry requirements, manage legal risks, and make informed decisions efficiently.
- Advise legal leadership on complex, market-specific, cross-functional, or relationship-sensitive matters requiring broader strategic alignment.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active admission to at least one U.S. state bar.
- At least 6 years of relevant legal experience within a national or regional law firm or an in-house legal department, with substantial exposure to commercial transactions or data licensing.
- Deep knowledge of the residential real estate industry, including MLS structures, licensing arrangements, industry rules, brokerage operations, and the role of real estate trade associations.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements, including data licensing, technology transactions, and strategic partnership agreements.
- Strong ability to independently lead high-impact negotiations while protecting commercial interests and maintaining long-term relationships with industry partners.
- Experience working with MLS organizations, brokerages, real estate trade associations, or property technology companies is strongly preferred.
- Direct experience with MLS data licensing, policies, or industry requirements is a significant advantage.
- Working knowledge of legal frameworks relevant to real estate and data, including fair housing regulations, copyright, data privacy, and state real estate licensing laws.
- Experience advising Product and Engineering teams, with a practical understanding of data feeds, data systems, and technology-driven product development.
- Familiarity with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, particularly the data rights, fair housing considerations, and listing data challenges associated with their use in real estate.
- Knowledge of emerging federal and state AI regulations is an additional advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal matters, risks, and recommendations clearly to non-legal stakeholders and senior executives.
- Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to independently manage multiple complex, time-sensitive priorities.
- Excellent commercial judgment and the ability to assess when to make independent decisions, consult subject-matter experts, or escalate issues for broader alignment.
- A collaborative, team-oriented mindset and proven ability to establish trusted relationships across departments, seniority levels, and external industry organizations.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation: Salary varies according to experience, performance, and work location.
- Location-based salary ranges:
- $164,400–$262,600 annually in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington State, and Washington, DC.
- $156,200–$249,400 annually in Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.
- Equity opportunities: Eligibility for additional equity awards based on experience, performance, and location.
- Fully remote work: Work from anywhere within the 50 United States, subject to limited location exceptions.
- Flexible working environment: Distributed-work model designed to support productivity, autonomy, and collaboration.
- Professional development: Opportunities to work on complex legal matters involving real estate technology, data governance, AI, and strategic industry partnerships.
- Innovative environment: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams shaping the future of real estate technology and digital consumer experiences.
- Inclusive workplace culture: Join an organization committed to diversity, collaboration, employee growth, and equal employment opportunities.
- Career growth: Contribute to high-impact strategic initiatives while developing expertise in emerging technologies and evolving industry regulations.
