Federal Court Dismisses Muhammad v. NAR with Prejudice in Win for National Association of REALTORS®

Norris McLaughlin, P.A. represented the National Association of REALTORS®.

Allentown, PA (August 8, 2025) – The law firm of Norris McLaughlin, P.A. is pleased to share that Norris McLaughlin, P.A. attorneys Richard B. Somach, Esq. and James J. Scanlon, Esq. defended the National Association of REALTORS® (“NAR”) in the case Muhammad v. NAR. On July 31^st, 2025, U.S. Eastern District Court of Pennsylvania ruled in favor of NAR, dismissing Muhammad’s claims with prejudice.

With national implications, the case centered around allegations of monopolization and discrimination regarding the Multiple Listing Service (“MLS”), an online database for licensed real estate agents and brokers to use to help clients sell their property. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. dismissed both counts with prejudice.

“Each local MLS, whether Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® (“GLVR”) or another association, has the right to set their own requirements for access” says Richard B. Somach, Real Estate partner at Norris McLaughlin, P.A. and solicitor for GLVR. “Additionally, NAR has a unified Code of Ethics that differentiates themselves from non-REALTOR® professionals and builds trust with their clients.”

Like other national membership organizations, NAR’s integrated structure is essential to the value they provide their members, including a unified voice on policy issues, a uniform Code of Ethics, and valuable tools and professional development opportunities that help members get to, and execute, their next transaction. As part of the three-level membership agreement (regional, state, and national), GLVR and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (“PAR”) were also involved. This decision reinforces the National Association of REALTORS®’s position that its policies foster competition, transparent markets, and are not discriminatory.

About Richard B. Somach

Richard Brent Somach is a Member of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., with over 45 years of experience in real estate, commercial litigation, and municipal law. He served as solicitor to multiple townships in the Lehigh Valley and as a solicitor for the County of Lehigh. He frequently lectures extensively on sophisticated real estate issues and as a mediator in real estate disputes.

About James J. Scanlon

James J. Scanlon is a Member of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., concentrating his practice in white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and complex litigation. A former federal law clerk and seasoned trial attorney, he represents individuals and companies in high-stakes matters involving fraud, public corruption, and regulatory enforcement.

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Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is a multi-practice, commercial law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, delivering legal solutions to clients wherever they conduct their business, including nationally and internationally. The firm’s nearly 130 attorneys practice in more than 25 legal disciplines and industry-focused groups and serve a wide range of clients, including small businesses, middle-market companies, and Fortune 500 corporations, as well as the private individuals and families who may own, lead, and/or manage those companies. Norris McLaughlin is a member of Meritas®, a global alliance of leading independent law firms. To learn more, visit www.norrismclaughlin.com.