Richard Sullivan

Richard Sullivan, general counsel at Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, spent 2025 serving as a vital legal architect for the brokerage during a year of unprecedented regulatory shifts. With nearly three decades of real estate law experience—including a tenure as staff counsel for the Greater Boston Real Estate Board—Sullivan was uniquely positioned to guide the firm through the implementation of two major Massachusetts legislative changes.

In August, he overhauled the firm’s rental infrastructure to comply with new compensation laws shifting broker fees to the hiring party. He followed this in October by spearheading companywide training for the state’s landmark law prohibiting the waiver of home inspections, working closely with the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® to ensure seamless agent compliance.

Sullivan’s role has been instrumental in the brokerage’s massive expansion; since he joined the leadership team in 2017, Gibson Sotheby’s has grown from seven offices to 33, including the high-profile acquisition of Advisors Living in late 2025. By blending his background as a licensed real estate instructor with his expertise in civil litigation and regulatory matters, Sullivan has turned the legal department into a proactive resource for agent education. Throughout the complexities of the National Association of Realtors® settlement and evolving state mandates, he has empowered the firm’s 700+ agents to navigate the “new era” of real estate with a focus on consumer protection and absolute transparency.