May 01, 2026

It’s hard to keep track of the constant changes to real estate laws, know what the latest legal risks are in the business world, and understand how court cases could affect brokers and agents. Texas REALTORS® is here to help.

The Legal Affairs Department gets you the forms you need to conduct business while protecting you and your clients. Texas REALTORS® lawyers also answer your questions on the Legal Hotline, monitor and get involved in court cases that affect REALTORS®, and administer fair processes for ethics complaints and commission disputes. The 13-member team also looks at the fine print of new laws and proposed regulations so you don’t face any unwelcome surprises.

Lori Levy is Vice President of Legal Affairs/General Counsel, and Robin Harris is Deputy General Counsel. Here’s how their team supports your business.

Form updates keep you safe

Levy: There are a lot of forms changes right now. We track real estate practices and relevant court cases. For example, a national legal settlement required many form changes, and the lease agreement recently changed because of a court case.

But practices also evolve. We get member input and rely on REALTORS® on forms task forces to address needs and concerns, improve clarity, and reflect changes in terminology. All these changes ensure the forms you use comply with the latest legal guidance and practices.

Texas REALTORS® forms save you money

Levy: If the association didn’t provide 150-plus forms that address situations not covered by TREC forms, you would have to hire an attorney to create each form, lease, or contract you need for all kinds of circumstances and transactions.

More information is only a call away

Harris: The Legal Hotline is one of our most popular member benefits. Here’s a tip: Write down a short summary of your issue before calling. It’ll help the attorney help you. Remember that the attorney cannot give you legal advice on your specific issue but can explain real estate rules, laws, and forms, among other topics.

Get answers to frequently asked questions any time

Levy: Another tip: Talk to your broker before calling the hotline to get his or her input. And you might find the answer you’re looking for among the hundreds of Texas REALTORS® Legal FAQs at texasrealestate.com/faq.

Professional Standards can help you resolve conflicts

Harris: It can be hard to resolve disputes with clients or other agents, especially when things become heated. The association handles ethics complaints and commission disputes for all members. The process can take months to ensure a full, fair hearing.

Texas REALTORS® also offers an ombudsman program to informally resolve ethics complaints. The association acts as an impartial third party to help sort things out, sometimes as quickly as a couple of weeks. It’s a way to avoid the more-involved complaint process.

Texas REALTORS® is your voice at TREC

Levy: Many important decisions that affect your business come out of the Texas Real Estate Commission. Texas REALTORS® works with TREC staff and we share our opinions with commissioners about what actions or strategies would benefit REALTORS® and their businesses. Our staff and leadership have strong relationships at all levels over there, working to ensure your interests are protected when a new rule is made or procedure is implemented.

Access updates online

Harris: Texas REALTORS® shares legal information across a variety of communications channels you use, from Texas REALTOR® magazine to email newsletters to social media. If you want a single place to go for the latest information on legal and risk reduction topics, texasrealestate.com/legalupdates is a great resource to remember and check when you’re looking for updates.