Record-breaking $37,000 raised for REALTOR® Scholarships at annual Battle of the Barristers

The Battle of the Barristers, our members’ most valued annual event and the scholarship foundation’s primary fundraising event, drew 692 attendees raising a record-breaking $37,000 for the foundation to fund REALTOR® Scholarships. This year’s virtual event included a limited in-studio audience.

Members once again tuned in to an entertaining and informative battle moderated by lawyer and clock-hour instructor Mike Spence with the company of real estate attorneys Annie Fitzsimmons, Lars Neste, Chris Osborn, and Doug S. Tingvall.

The battle began with the latest updates on form changes that take effect on October 3.

The lawyers then debated:

• • Legal description discrepancies and who is responsible between the broker, title and escrow to correct it;
  • The ins and outs of creating and terminating agency relationships;
  • Legal risks associated with making referrals to contractors, vendors, and other service providers; and
  • Unauthorize practice of law.

“Battle of the Barristers always helps with mitigating risks to Brokers by showing critical thinking when faced with transactions and situations that throw red flags,” said Cindy Clement, REALTOR® at RE/MAX.

“I have been attending these Battles for 30 years and they seem to improve yearly,” said Cindy Silverstein, REALTOR® at Windermere Real Estate East/Inc. “The attorneys on the panel are so knowledgeable and it’s a privilege to listen to their insights and advice on our business. I learn so much each time!”

Thank you to nearly 700 REALTORS® and Affiliates for tuning into our biggest event of the year. Since its beginning in 1999, $543k has been awarded in educational scholarships to 315 students.

Stay tuned for our 2023 scholarship applications that will be available beginning in January 2023.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Main Event Sponsor

Gold Event Sponsors