Senior Counsel, Industry Data

Overview

This role supports strategic technology transactions and industry data operations, helping shape how industry data is acquired, used, and operationalized. The position partners with teams across Industry, Product, Engineering, and Operations to negotiate and operationalize agreements with MLSs, brokerages, and other industry participants, and to translate complex data rights into practical guidance that enables continued product and AI-enabled innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead or materially support structuring, drafting, negotiating, and managing strategic agreements with MLSs, brokerages, franchisors, and other industry partners to advance the organization’s 2026-2027 priorities
• Advise Industry Development and senior management on deal strategy, commercial structure, and risk tradeoffs—from early concept through execution and ongoing relationship management
• Develop negotiation strategies, positions, and playbooks balancing commercial objectives, legal risk, relationship considerations, and operational feasibility across markets
• Engage directly with counterparties and their counsel to manage complex, relationship-sensitive external matters
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on MLS data, advising on acquisition, licensing, display, use, and governance of MLS data across products and experiences
• Advise on rights, restrictions, and governance considerations for using MLS and other industry data in AI-enabled products and consumer features, and partner with Product and AI/ML teams on practical guardrails
• Interpret and provide practical counsel on MLS data license agreements, MLS rules and policies, and related industry requirements, including market-specific implications for consumer and agent-facing products
• Draft, negotiate, and manage MLS data licensing agreements supporting consumer display sites and agent-facing software products, balancing legal risk, business objectives, and operational feasibility
• Partner with Industry, Product, and Engineering teams across the product lifecycle to identify and manage legal considerations when new products launch and as industry policies evolve
• Help build internal data-management frameworks, policies, and controls to support responsible, scalable use of MLS data and alignment with contractual and industry obligations
• Proactively partner with Legal and Compliance teams on issues involving privacy, data governance, intellectual property, and enterprise risk
• Monitor MLS, trade association, litigation, and regulatory developments and translate them into actionable guidance for business leaders
• Create training, guidance, and scalable resources to help Industry, Product, and business partners understand MLS and industry requirements and make informed decisions while maintaining velocity

Requirements

• 6+ years of relevant experience with a national or regional law firm or in-house legal department, with meaningful commercial transactions or data licensing experience
• Meaningful commercial transactions or data licensing experience; experience at an MLS, brokerage, real estate trade association, or prop tech company strongly preferred
• JD with active state bar admission in at least one jurisdiction
• Deep knowledge of the residential real estate industry, including MLS structures, rules, and data licensing, brokerage operations, and the role of industry associations
• Direct experience with MLS data licensing or policy (significant plus)
• Track record negotiating complex commercial agreements (e.g., data licensing, technology, strategic partnership agreements), including ability to lead consequential negotiations while protecting and strengthening long-term industry relationships
• Working familiarity with legal frameworks relevant to real estate and data, such as fair housing, copyright, data privacy, and state real estate licensing laws
• Experience advising product and engineering teams, with a working understanding of data feeds and data systems
• Familiarity with AI and machine learning technologies, including data rights, fair housing, and listing data concerns in real estate; knowledge of emerging state and federal AI regulation is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to clearly convey implications of legal issues and risk to non-lawyers and senior leaders
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with ability to independently manage competing, time-sensitive projects
• Sound judgment on when to decide independently, when to consult a subject matter expert, and when to elevate matters for broader alignment
• Team-first attitude and demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across departments and levels, as well as with external industry organizations and leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with MLS data licensing or policy
• Knowledge of emerging state and federal AI regulation

Compensation & Benefits

• Remote role.
• Standard base pay range by location:
  • In California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington state, and Washington DC: $164,400.00 - $262,600.00 annually
  • In Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia: $156,200.00 - $249,400.00 annually
• In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for equity awards based on factors such as experience, performance, and location. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.
• Employees will not be paid below the salary threshold for exempt employees in the state where they reside.

Location

• Remote position; work from a physical location of choice identified to the employer.
• U.S. employees may live in any of the 50 United States, with limited exceptions.

Additional Information

• Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and employer policies.
• Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position, including the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the employer’s reputation.
• Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.