Larson Skinner hires veteran real estate counsel Andrew Mathews

Larson Skinner, PLLC said Seattle attorney Andrew L. Mathews will join the firm Oct. 5, expanding its MLS and brokerage practice as organized real estate faces antitrust, competition and technology pressures. Mathews brings in-house, regulatory and litigation experience from Stoel Rives, John L. Scott Real Estate and other roles.

Why it matters: - Larson Skinner is adding a lawyer with deep MLS and brokerage experience at a time when real estate firms are facing rapid change in competition, data access and regulatory scrutiny. - The hire strengthens the firm's ability to advise clients on governance, policy, licensing and strategic issues across the residential and commercial real estate market.

What happened: - Larson Skinner, PLLC said Seattle-based attorney Andrew L. Mathews will join the firm on Oct. 5. - Mathews is joining from Stoel Rives LLP. - His practice has focused on brokerage matters, regulatory and licensing compliance, risk management, real estate transactions and disputes. - Larson Skinner said Mathews will expand its MLS and brokerage practice.

The details: - Mathews serves as outside counsel to the Commercial Brokers Association. - He has advised multiple listing services and brokerages on brokerage regulation, industry forms, competition, compensation and emerging legal risks. - Earlier in his career, Mathews was general counsel of John L. Scott Real Estate, where he advised the company and affiliated offices across multiple states. - He also served as general counsel of a Seattle-based property management company. - Mathews practiced commercial litigation at Reed Smith LLP in Chicago. - He clerked for U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice of the Southern District of Ohio. - Mathews earned his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and his B.A. in political science from the University of Michigan. - He is a licensed real estate instructor in Washington. - Larson Skinner said its current client work includes MLS governance and policy, brokerage matters, technology and data licensing, intellectual property, contracts and industry strategy. - Larson Skinner is a Minnesota-based law firm serving MLSs, real estate trade associations and brokerages nationwide.

Between the lines: - The move signals that Larson Skinner sees continued demand for legal help tied to organized real estate's shifting rules and business models. - Mathews' mix of in-house, outside counsel and litigation experience gives the firm both operational and disputes experience in one hire. - Mitchell Skinner said Mathews understands MLSs and brokerages as operating businesses dealing with changes in rules, technology, competition and consumer expectations. - Mathews said he is joining a firm focused on helping real estate organizations adapt and succeed.

What's next: - Mathews will start at Larson Skinner on Oct. 5. - His arrival is likely to deepen the firm's national advisory work for MLSs, brokerages and industry organizations navigating antitrust and technology-related change.

The bottom line: - Larson Skinner is betting that seasoned real estate counsel will be a growth driver as MLSs and brokerages face mounting legal and business pressure.