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What does a Real Estate Attorney do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A real estate attorney is a lawyer who specializes in the legal aspects of buying, selling, and owning property. Real estate attorneys handle everything from negotiating sales contracts to resolving disputes between landlords and tenants. They also handle evictions, foreclosures, and other legal matters related to real estate.

Real Estate Attorney job duties include:

  • Review and prepare real estate purchase agreements.
  • Conduct due diligence on potential real estate purchases.
  • Prepare and review loan documents for real estate transactions.
  • Coordinate closings for real estate purchases and sales.
  • Prepare deeds, mortgages, and other documents related to real estate transactions.
  • Advise clients on zoning regulations and land use issues.
  • Assist clients with obtaining building permits and other approvals from local authorities.
  • Represent clients in real estate litigation matters.
  • Provide advice on tax implications of real estate transactions.

Real Estate Attorney Job Requirements

A Real Estate Attorney generally needs a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and must be licensed to practice law in the state where they work. Many states require continuing legal education for attorneys. Some Real Estate Attorneys may have a certification in real estate law. The majority of Real Estate Attorneys have at least 3 years of experience working in the field of real estate law.

Real Estate Attorney Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Mediation skills
  • Conflict resolution skills

Related: Top Real Estate Attorney Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Real Estate Attorney

There is no one specific path to becoming a real estate attorney. However, there are some common steps that individuals can take to increase their chances of being successful in this field. First, it is important to obtain a law degree from an accredited law school. Second, after graduation, individuals should sit for and pass the bar exam in the state(s) in which they wish to practice law. Third, many real estate attorneys choose to specialize in this area of law by completing a post-graduate program or taking additional coursework in real estate law. Finally, it is also beneficial to get involved with professional organizations and associations related to real estate law. By taking these steps, individuals can improve their chances of becoming a successful real estate attorney.

Related: Real Estate Attorney Resume Example

Related: Real Estate Attorney Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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