If you’re looking to attend law school and are interested in real estate properties, then becoming a real estate attorney may be a great career for you. Real estate attorneys support homeowners and buyers by handling the legal aspects of various real estate transactions. It is important for real estate attorneys to have experience in real estate law to succeed in this position.
Real estate attorneys are primarily responsible for preparing and reviewing all documents and contracts related to the sale and purchase of a home or property. Real estate attorneys are required to minimize legal and financial risk in real estate documents and advise clients in a way that will be most beneficial to them.
This career opportunity is incredibly rewarding for any aspiring lawyer. Real estate attorneys are not only paid generously, but they are able to work with a wide range of customers. You will usually be dealing with happy situations such as refinancing to save money or purchasing a new home. Real estate attorneys are needed during market upturns and downturns, making it a stable and lasting career path.
Sample job description
Real estate attorneys are lawyers who specialize in the legal aspects of real estate transactions. They prepare and review legal documents relating to real estate, negotiate the terms and conditions of real estate transactions, and facilitate the transfer of titles. Real estate attorneys should have excellent negotiation and analytical skills, exceptional decision-making abilities, and solid research skills. [Your Company Name] is hiring an experienced real estate attorney. As an ideal candidate, you have experience handling clients’ legal risks in real estate transactions, as well as ensuring compliance with real estate laws and regulations.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Advise and counsel clients on real estate matters, including sales transactions, disputes, zoning, subdivision, and frauds involving real estate disclosures or mortgages
- Litigate real estate disputes in court if necessary
- Draft sales and transfer of title contracts
- Write and file claims, motions, and court briefs
- Negotiate real estate agreements
Education and experience
This position requires a Juris Doctorate as well as a license to practice law in the state where the candidate will work.
Employers prefer candidates who have taken college coursework in business law, real estate law, and related topics, and completed internships with real estate law firms.
Required skills and qualifications
- Expertise in written and verbal communication
- Knowledge of state and federal laws regarding transfer and sale of real property
- Research skills
- Analytical thinking
- Negotiation skills
- Litigation experience
Preferred qualifications
- Five years to ten years of commercial real estate experience
- Experience working on commercial real estate transactions
- Excellent organizational and drafting skills
Typical work environment
Real estate attorneys typically work in legal offices but also spend time in courtrooms and law libraries. They can meet clients in various locations. Some travel is involved. Many real estate attorneys work extended hours as needed.
Typical hours
The typical work hours in an office setting for a real estate attorney are from 9 AM to 5 PM. Many attorneys work more than 40 hours a week or on weekends, especially when nearing deadlines.
Available certifications
Real estate attorneys represent a wide range of clients, and many institutions offer certification programs to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Here are some of the best certifications for real estate attorneys:
- Board-Certified for Real Estate Law. A number of states offer a specialized certification in real estate law. The requirements are particular to each state. The minimum standards for certification include being a member in good standing in the state bar and a certain number of years practicing law in the US. The exams are generally written tests that demonstrate special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in real estate law.
- Master of Laws (LLM) in Real Estate. Most colleges of law offer Master of Laws (LLM) in Real Estate and certificates in real estate to practicing attorneys. The programs don’t require earning a master’s degree, but it is beneficial. And can lead to more career opportunities. The programs normally include courses in commercial real estate, real estate in federal tax law, and real estate finance. Electives such as affordable housing, construction law, historic preservation law, and real estate litigation are helpful.
Career path
Real estate attorneys are required to have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school and a license to practice law in the state where they work. College coursework in areas like in business law, real estate law and related topics is helpful and can make candidates attractive to employers, as are internships at law firms.
Most attorneys start in law firms as associates, then progress on either a partner or non-partner track, leading to positions as partners, senior attorneys, or of counsel.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 23-1011
| 2020 Employment | 804,200 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 875,700 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 9% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 71,500 increase |
Position trends
The nature of real estate development is changing as people’s needs change, and real estate attorneys need to stay on top of current trends to best serve their clients. According to the American Bar Association’s Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Journal, there has been a growth in the demand for “co-living” arrangements. In this, customers rent living space in a multi-unit dwelling for less than market value and share communal space with other renters.
This newer arrangement and the increasing demand for it are several trends in commercial real estate. It creates a unique set of challenges for real estate attorneys handling the development of this type of property, especially when it comes to issues of zoning and subdivision.