Associate General Counsel

Associate Counsel Job Description and Duties

08-07-25 draft

Job Listing

The Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® (RIAR) is seeking an attorney with 0 – 4 years’ experience for a new associate counsel position in the legal / government affairs department of an association for real estate professionals.  Duties include assisting with reviewing and drafting contracts, forms, legislation, testimony, fact sheets, and other documents as needed; educating association members about real estate-related legal issues in various formats; staffing committees of volunteers; and providing analysis for government affairs programs.

The ideal candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills; the ability to research and analyze laws, legislation, and regulations, and explain them in layperson’s terms. The candidate will also have the ability to collaborate with other departments, association members, and other organizations.

The candidate will have a hybrid option after an initial training period. RIAR offers a competitive benefits package and a collaborative work environment.

Experience in the field of real estate law and a demonstrated interest in public policy are preferred but not required. Admission to the Rhode Island Bar is required.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Vacancy@rirealtors.org  No phone calls please.

Job Duties :

Reports to General Counsel

▪Assists the General Counsel with risk management and helps the association comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

▪Assists with association’s Legal and Forms Hotlines ; answers members’ questions about real estate-related laws and professional standards.

▪Researches and analyzes laws, legislation, regulations and case law affecting the real estate profession and private property rights.

▪Manages and serves as a liaison to various committees and work groups with volunteers.

▪Advises political action fundraising committee on campaign finance laws and national goals.

▪Assists the Advocacy Manager with the management of the State Political Coordinator and Federal Political Coordinator programs.

▪Reviews and prepares testimony

▪Drafts contracts and fill-in-the-blank forms for real estate transactions.

▪Educates association members about legal and legislative issues in various platforms.

▪Writes articles and guides about relevant legal topics for publication.

▪Assists with professional standards reviews and hearings.

▪ Assists with organizing political events such as REALTOR Day on the Hill

▪Occasional travel – mainly in-state - to perform job functions as needed.

Experience and Qualifications :

▪Juris Doctor Degree and member of the Rhode Island Bar in good standing.

▪0 – 4 years’ experience as an attorney

▪Ability to explain laws, regulations, forms, and court decisions in varied written formats to internal and external audiences.

▪Ability to analyze legislation / regulations.

▪Strong legal research skills.

▪Strong interpersonal, public speaking, presentation, communication, and time management skills.

▪Ability to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders.

▪Knowledge of Rhode Island real estate law and having an interest in politics are helpful but not essential.

▪Experience with Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

▪Performs other duties as assigned by the General Counsel or the Chief Executive Officer

Job Type : Full-time