New Petition Seeking Rehearing in DOJ Dispute

Louisiana REALTORS® • May 21, 2024

Update from Katie Johnson, NAR Chief Legal Officer and Chief Member Experience Officer

I am writing to share an important update regarding our ongoing dispute with the Department of Justice (DOJ). 


Please note that the following update is unrelated to the private class action litigation in which NAR is a defendant and NAR's recent Settlement Agreement that, if approved, would resolve nationwide litigation over claims from home sellers related to broker commissions.


On May 20, 2024, NAR petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for a rehearing, challenging its ruling that would allow DOJ to reopen a previously closed investigation into NAR's policies. You may recall we reached an agreement in 2020 to end an investigation into certain NAR policies-including the cooperative compensation rule and clear cooperation policy-provided that NAR modify four of its policies. NAR fully complied with that agreement.


Eight months later the DOJ resumed that same investigation, violating our agreement. We subsequently asked the DC District Court to prohibit the DOJ from pursuing its investigation. While the D.C. District Court ruled in our favor, DOJ appealed that decision, and it was subsequently reversed by the D.C. Circuit. This leads us to our challenge today.


It is important to underscore that this dispute focuses only on DOJ's ability to unilaterally withdraw from its settlement agreement with NAR, it does not address any of the Department's claims about NAR policies or antitrust topics. We believe this is a highly consequential government-contract-interpretation case and the impacts are far reaching. We are pursuing a rehearing as a step to continue to forcefully advocate for the interests of our members and underscore the flaws in the D.C. Circuit Court panel's split ruling.


REALTOR® Magazine has written up the petition where you can find additional information. I've also attached a copy of our petition to this post.


As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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2025 Fall Governance Meetings Recap

By Louisiana REALTORS®  • October 17, 2025
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
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