NAR appoints Leslie Nettleford-Freeman to lead legal affairs, brand protection

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has named Leslie Nettleford-Freeman as its new associate general counsel and vice president of legal affairs and brand protection. In her newly created role, she will focus on strengthening the organization’s trademark defense and intellectual property strategy.

Nettleford-Freeman is a nationally recognized expert in trademark law with more than 20 years of experience in brand enforcement and legal leadership.

“I am honored to join NAR and look forward to contributing to the stewardship of one of the most respected trademarks in business,” Nettleford-Freeman said. “Protecting the Realtor brand is not just about legal enforcement — it’s about preserving the trust and professionalism that our members represent.”

She will join the NAR legal team Aug. 4, reporting to general counsel and senior vice president Jonathan Waclawski.

“Leslie’s deep expertise in intellectual property law and her innovative approach to brand protection make her the ideal leader to champion the Realtor brand, reinforcing its unique value for both the professionals who carry it and the consumers who rely on it,” NAR CEO Nykia Wright said.

Before joining NAR, Nettleford-Freeman served as associate general counsel at AARP, where she led large-scale trademark enforcement initiatives.

Her work included dismantling a network of more than 50 fraudulent websites that misused the AARP brand. She also built a cross-functional brand protection team across departments like marketing, digital and IT.

She also developed internal training programs to promote copyright and trademark compliance while reducing legal risk.

NAR said Nettleford-Freeman will also oversee efforts to protect and elevate the Realtor name, ensuring its proper use among consumers and real estate professionals.

While all Realtors are licensed agents, not all licensed agents are Realtors. NAR members pledge to uphold a strict code of ethics and benefit from exclusive resources and professional development opportunities.

“Leslie’s strategic vision and proven track record will complement NAR’s existing efforts, allowing the legal team to elevate its trademark defense and education work so that the Realtor brand is recognized and used properly by consumers and professionals,” Waclawski said.

Outside of her corporate experience, Nettleford-Freeman teaches at Georgetown University Law Center as an adjunct professor, focusing on intellectual property monetization and brand protection.

She has received numerous honors for her work, including the Outstanding In-House Counsel Award from the Association of Corporate Counsel.