NAR appoints Jonathan Waclawski as its general counsel

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has a new general counsel as Jonathan Waclawski is joining the national trade group. The story was first reported by Bloomberg Law. 

Waclawski is succeeding Katie Johnson, whose 17-year tenure at NAR ended in October 2024. 

While new to this role, Waclawski is not a stranger to the trade group. He previously worked for NAR from 2017 to 2022, serving as a political law attorney and later as vice president of political advocacy, where he led strategy for NAR’s federal, state and local political programs. 

In addition to his work at NAR, Waclawski has also served as general counsel for former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s presidential campaign in 2016, and he has served as counsel for both the Republican National Committee and the Republican Party of Wisconsin. 

“We are pleased to announce that Jon Waclawski has been appointed General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Legal for the National Association of Realtors,” a NAR spokesperson wrote in an email. “This promotion reflects Jon’s exceptional leadership and deep legal expertise, and it demonstrates NAR’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our organization and showing value to our members.”

Waclawski is walking back into a trade association that is currently navigating the business practice changes mandated by its commission lawsuit settlement agreement. It is also facing several antitrust lawsuits from brokers, along with allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination.