Legislative Counsel

Description

Florida Realtors, the state's largest trade association, boasts a rich dedicated history of serving our members, the real estate community, and Florida homeowners for over a century. We stand as a key business partner for Realtors statewide, providing value-adding programs and services, outstanding business contacts and networking opportunities, engaging educational opportunities, up-to-the-minute industry data and research, and powerful legislative representation. The association headquarters is located in Orlando, and the Office of Public Policy is located two blocks from the state capital in Tallahassee. We work tirelessly to advocate for our members, for homeownership for all, and to elevate the real estate industry in the Sunshine State.

Who We’re Seeking

We seek an experienced Legislative Counsel to serve as the principal legal and policy advisor for the Association’s public policy efforts. This role is based in the Tallahassee Office of Public Policy, reports to the onsite VP of Public Policy, and functions as the equivalent of General Counsel for legislative and regulatory matters, with responsibility for analyzing and tracking state-level legislation, trends, and political developments that impact the real estate industry. This role has an emphasis of being onsite in the office, however there are opportunities for hybrid work which occur over time.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of the legislative process, with the ability to research and synthesize complex legal and policy issues into actionable guidance for Association leadership. This individual will develop data-driven policy recommendations and support the Association’s advocacy strategy through written analysis, bill drafting, and engagement with lawmakers and regulators.

The Legislative Counsel will serve as a key communicator and liaison to Florida’s Legislative and Executive branches, lobbyist, industry partners, REALTOR® members, and the internal Law & Policy team members in the Association's Orlando HQ. Effectively conveying the Association’s policy positions and legal priorities to a range of audiences is essential.

What You’ll Do

• Establishes and maintains positive contact with members and employees of the Florida Legislative and Executive branches of government lobbyists and other professional, legal, or trade groups
• Keeps informed on proposed and recently enacted legislation and regulations that affect the real estate industry
• Researches and analyzes regulatory activities and political issues that affect the real estate industry. Develops supportive data for Florida Realtor’s policy decisions regarding their issues
• Actively participates in formulation, presentation, and management of Association positions regarding pending and enacted legislation as well as pending and adopted agency regulations, and litigation. Participates in legislative, regulatory, and litigation related coalitions where necessary, appropriate, and beneficial to the Association
• Advises and assists members, committees, and forums on federal and state legislative and regulatory issues
• Participates in drafting, production, and delivery of all legislative communications to members regarding legislative and regulatory issues
• Establishes and maintains positive contact with the Association Executives, Government Affairs Directors, and members of local Boards/Associations regarding governmental activities
• Maintains positive working relationships and communications with the Association Leadership Team, Management Team, Association members, local Board/Association staff, and issue appropriate NAR Management Team members
• Maintains membership in the Florida Bar Association
• Provides legal advice regarding office administration, labor issues, contractual matters, and lease agreements
• Prepares agendas and coordinates meeting materials for appropriate Public Policy Committees, Breakout Groups, and other committees and forums as needed
• Serves as association liaison to appropriate Public Policy Committees, Breakout Groups, and other committees and forums as needed

Requirements

Qualified applicants will prosses:

• Law Degree and member of the Florida Bar required
• At least 6 years of legal experience required with an emphasis in real estate related matters
• Have a thorough understanding of the legislative and regulatory process
• Understand the REALTOR Association as it relates to the legislative and regulatory needs of its members
• Possess strong administrative and organizational skills
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills and be able to relate to a wide variety of people
• Proficiency with MS Office suite, work collaboration platforms like Zoom (or others), legal practice management and case tracking software
• Be able to travel occasionally to fulfill the duties of the position
• Be capable of performing multiple tasks under pressure and time deadlines

Benefits

Along with our growth-oriented, collaborative team environment, our full-time people are offered a complete suite of great benefits.

• Rewarding 401k plan with 6% company match, fully vested
• Free medical insurance for you as an employee
• Availability of dental, vision, FSA, disability coverage, company-paid life insurance, EAP, and more
• Partial remote and flexible work environment
• Generous paid vacation days and sick days, and 9 company holidays
• Vacation buy-back plan
• Opportunities for ongoing education
• Possible $5000 grant on the purchase of your first home
• And a whole lot more

What You Need-to-Know

• Florida Realtors is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.
• Florida Realtors is an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory verification of a pre-employment criminal background check and driving record check.
• Applicants need to be eligible to be employed in the United States.
• This role is based in Tallahassee, FL, and the ability to work in-office or onsite is prioritized.
• Pay is commensurate with education and experience.

 

Our people are passionate about what they do, the members they serve, the products they support, and the continued growth of the association. If you value collaboration, innovation, exceptional service, and dedication to a cause, all within a modern established professional environment, explore Florida Realtors and our commitment to the real estate community and Florida homeowners. Visit floridarealtors.org and connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.