The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) today announced the appointment of Leslie Nettleford-Freeman as its Associate General Counsel, Vice President of Legal Affairs and Brand Protection, a new position on NAR's Legal Team. A nationally recognized trademark protection expert and seasoned legal executive, Nettleford-Freeman brings over two decades of experience in intellectual property, brand enforcement, and strategic legal leadership to the role.
"Leslie's deep expertise in intellectual property law and her innovative approach to brand protection make her the ideal leader to champion the REALTOR® trademark, reinforcing its unique value for both the professionals who carry it and the consumers who rely on it," said NAR CEO Nykia Wright.
Prior to joining NAR, Nettleford-Freeman served as Associate General Counsel at AARP, where she led major trademark enforcement campaigns protecting one of the most trusted brands serving Americans 50 and older. Her efforts included shutting down fraudulent websites and unauthorized entities claiming to offer AARP discounts or partnerships, including one case where she dismantled a network of over 50 domain names misusing the AARP trademark.
Under her leadership, AARP built a cross-departmental brand protection team—spanning digital, marketing, and IT—to respond quickly to emerging threats and protect seniors from scams and misuse of the brand. Beyond enforcement, Nettleford-Freeman provided extensive internal training, developing intellectual property programs to educate AARP staff on copyright and trademark compliance, licensing practices, and risk mitigation.
Nettleford-Freeman's appointment underscores NAR's commitment to ensuring that the REALTOR® brand continues to represent the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and expertise—setting NAR members apart from non-member agents. While all NAR members who are REALTORS® are licensed real estate professionals, not all licensed agents are REALTOR® members of NAR. NAR members pledge to uphold a strict Code of Ethics that goes beyond state licensing requirements and emphasizes honesty, integrity, fairness, and putting clients' interests first. REALTORS® also benefit from exclusive access to advanced training, resources, and tools that empower them to deliver elevated service and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
"Leslie's strategic vision and proven track record will compliment NAR's existing efforts, allowing the NAR Legal Team to elevate its trademark defense and education work so that the REALTOR® brand is recognized and used properly by consumers and professionals," said Jon Waclawski, NAR's General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Legal.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Nettleford-Freeman is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, where she teaches intellectual property monetization and brand protection strategies. Her thought leadership and commitment to legal excellence have earned her multiple accolades, including the Outstanding In-House Counsel Award from the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Top Assistant General Counsel Award from the First Chair Awards Conference.
"I am honored to join NAR and look forward to contributing to the stewardship of one of the most respected trademarks in business," said Nettleford-Freeman. "Protecting the REALTOR® brand is not just about legal enforcement—it's about preserving the trust and professionalism that our members represent."
Nettleford-Freeman will officially start at NAR on Aug. 4.
About the National Association of REALTORS®
The National Association of REALTORS® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes – from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation – visit facts.realtor.