Compass Inc. Welcomes Ethan Glass as Chief Legal Officer

On September 9, 2025, Compass Inc. (NYSE: COMP), the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States, announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Ethan Glass as its new Chief Legal Officer. Glass, a seasoned expert in antitrust law, brings a wealth of experience that is expected to bolster Compass's mission of enhancing seller choice and challenging restrictive industry practices.

Ethan Glass's career spans decades, during which he has led pivotal antitrust investigations and litigation while serving in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). His tenure at the DOJ included directing teams that scrutinized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) organizations for anticompetitive behavior. Most recently, he served as the Head of the Global Antitrust and Competition Practice at Cooley LLP, a prominent technology law firm.

Glass's appointment comes at a crucial time when the real estate industry faces challenges from MLS regulations and platforms like Zillow, which are often criticized for their restrictive practices that hinder agents and homeowners. His deep understanding of the complexities surrounding MLS governance and platform policies is expected to play a vital role in Compass's efforts to advocate for homeowners and real estate agents alike.

In his new role, Glass will work to ensure that agents have the freedom to market listings without undue restrictions from MLSs or third-party platforms. Compass Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin emphasized the company's stance on this issue, stating, "At Compass, we firmly believe agents should not be fined by MLSs or banned by Zillow for marketing listings off their platforms." This philosophy underlines Compass's commitment to empowering agents and enhancing the experience for sellers, giving them more control over how their properties are marketed.

Glass's extensive background in real estate antitrust issues positions him uniquely to lead Compass in its ongoing legal battles. He previously represented the National Association of Realtors (NAR) against DOJ scrutiny and various private antitrust lawsuits, showcasing his capability to navigate complex legal landscapes.

Notably, while at Cooley LLP, Glass led Compass's lawsuit against the Northwest MLS (NWMLS), a case designed to restore homeowners' rights in Washington State. His expertise in this area will be instrumental as Compass continues to challenge coercive practices in the industry that may limit seller choice and agent autonomy.

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Compass, Glass stated, "I'm honored to join Compass, a company committed to empowering agents and ensuring homeowners retain control over how their properties are marketed. This is a pivotal moment for the real estate industry, and I am excited to provide my expertise to a company that is so clearly aligned with supporting both its agents and the homeowners they serve."

His arrival signals a proactive approach by Compass to not only defend its interests but also to advance a broader agenda that prioritizes the rights of homeowners and the independence of real estate agents.

Founded in 2012 and based in New York City, Compass is a tech-enabled real estate services company that has rapidly ascended to become the largest residential real estate brokerage in the U.S. by sales volume. The company offers a comprehensive platform that equips its agents with cloud-based software for various functions including customer relationship management, marketing, and brokerage services. The Compass network also includes Christie's International Real Estate, further amplifying its reach in the luxury market.

As Compass prepares to navigate the evolving landscape of real estate, the appointment of Ethan Glass as Chief Legal Officer marks a strategic step toward reinforcing its commitment to innovation, agent empowerment, and consumer choice.