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How to Become a Real Estate Lawyer

Geeta Dhavale
Planning to handle the demanding role of a real estate lawyer? Prepare well, aim right, keep patience and achieve. Simple and easy to understand pointers that would set you thinking.
When it comes to buying or investing in a new property, everyone consults a lawyer known as real estate attorney. These lawyers not only help you understand property laws, but also help you find the right house, right dealer, and will also negotiate a price for you.
They go through all the legal documents you receive, to see that all your rights are protected. Apart from this, they also let you understand your duties, and help you acquire and maintain all the legal documents regarding the property you are interested in.
With increasing frauds in this industry, they come to your rescue and check all the legal documents related to the property, so that you are not cheated by anyone. To be in this field, you must possess these qualities:
  • You should possess good communication skills
  • Great command on the legal language
  • Ability to negotiate and a little of convincing skills
  • The drive to be updated with new laws and amendments in the old laws
  • Be familiar with variety of legal concepts, practices, and legal procedures
  • You must possess the qualities of a legal counsel and legal executive

Steps for Becoming a Lawyer

You should start preparing from your high school days. If you finish your high school with good grades, you can easily get admission into a good law school. You may have to appear for the entrance test, such as law School Admission Test, etc., to avail admission in a law school.
You should also be aware of the standards set by the state bar association. During college days, opt for subjects related to advocacy and plan an internship with a good law firm. If possible, take the research paper topic relevant to this field. Once you get the postgraduate degree in law, you must appear for the Bar exam in your state.
After passing all the required exams, create a good resume with a cover letter highlighting your qualification, knowledge, and skills. Send the resume to all the reputed law firms. After interview rounds in various organizations, go for the law firm that you wish to work with.

Work Scope

  • Helping clients understand purchase contracts, in case of selling the property, prepare a purchase document and sell agreement.
  • Preparing important documents, such as power of attorney or deeds, etc.
  • Arranging for safe transfer of security deposits, and providing clients with legal advice.
  • Checking for covenants, easements, liens, court cases, and other claims registered or pending against the property.
  • Filing all the legal documents concerning the property, and providing clients with litigation support.
  • Dealing with banks and finance companies on behalf of the client.
  • Before the deal is closed, checking for due taxes, utility costs, lawsuit settlements, etc.
  • Reviewing all the legal documents before the deal is finalized.
  • Attending the deal closing meeting and guiding the client throughout.
  • Arranging for insurance of the clients' losses in case of legal loopholes.
  • Must see that the clients receive valid registered ownership documents and reports.
These are some of the things your estate lawyer can do for you. Some of them also give specialized services related to property and land matter disputes.

Average Salary

Yes, the monetary benefits resemble monsoon showers. They earn up to $170,000 per annum. The salary depends on the firm you work with and your experience. As you get more experience in the field your salary increases. Some firms charge per task and others charge per hour. So, it depends on the policy of your firm.
If you pass out from a good law school with good grades, then your chances of getting hired by reputed firms are higher. This fetches you more money. We hope this information was resourceful. Now, go ahead and plan if you think you would fancy this field.