#United States #New York #Compass #Ethan Glass #DOJ Antitrust

Ethan Glass Takes on Chief Legal Officer Role at Compass

In a significant development for the real estate industry, Compass, Inc. has appointed Ethan Glass, a former leader of antitrust efforts at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), as its new Chief Legal Officer. Known for his extensive background in antitrust litigation, Glass is expected to play a vital role in reinforcing Compass' commitment to empowering sellers and promoting agent independence.

Compass, recognized as the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States and a pioneer in tech-enabled real estate services, aims to challenge prevailing industry norms that restrict agents and homeowners. Glass' invaluable experience includes directing investigations into anticompetitive behaviors by Multiple Listing Service (MLS) organizations, making him well-versed in the complexities of real estate regulations. He previously served as the Head of Global Antitrust and Competition Practice at Cooley LLP, a firm renowned for its technology legal practices.

Robert Reffkin, Founder and CEO of Compass, expressed the company’s vision, stating, "At Compass, we firmly believe agents should have the freedom to market listings without penalties from MLSs or third-party platforms like Zillow. Our belief is that agents should retain autonomy in their interactions with clients."

The appointment of Ethan Glass is pivotal in promoting the principle of seller choice. His expertise will aid Compass in navigating industry barriers that impact how properties are marketed. This aligns perfectly with Compass' philosophy of ensuring that homeowners and agents alike are not constrained by regulations imposed by MLSs, nor should they face penalties for advertising their properties through various channels.

Glass's Impressive Background

Ethan Glass' career reflects a robust focus on real estate-related antitrust matters. During his tenure at the DOJ, he led teams that scrutinized MLS organizations for engaging in practices considered anticompetitive. Beyond the DOJ, he represented the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in significant legal defenses against scrutiny and lawsuits targeting antitrust issues. Notably, while at Cooley LLP, he spearheaded Compass' lawsuit against Northwest MLS (NWMLS), emphasizing the necessity of homeowner rights and marketing control.

Upon joining Compass, Glass stated, "I am honored to be a part of a company that empowers agents and ensures homeowners maintain control over their property marketing strategies. This is a crucial moment in the real estate sector, and I look forward to contributing to a mission so aligned with supporting its agents and the clientele they serve."

Pivotal Moments Ahead

Glass has always been an active participant in pivotal legal discussions surrounding antitrust laws, MLS governance, and competition in real estate. His insights offer a unique perspective on how regulations shape the landscape of residential real estate, fostering a competitive environment that benefits both agents and homeowners.

About Compass

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City, Compass is not only the largest residential brokerage regarding sales volume in the United States but also a leading provider of tech-enabled real estate solutions. The company is committed to supporting agents with an end-to-end platform that enhances efficiency and client service. Their network includes prestigious partners, like Christie's International Real Estate, extending the reach of quality real estate service worldwide.

In summary, the addition of Ethan Glass to Compass is more than just a staffing change; it's a strategic move aimed at reinforcing the company’s mission of seller empowerment and challenging the restrictive practices currently influencing the real estate market landscape.