Get in touch: (800) 551-3410
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 11/07/23
Real estate law can be a rewarding and lucrative career. Read on to learn more about how to become a real estate lawyer and what to expect.
When people think about lawyers, they generally think of criminal cases—hotshot attorneys helping victims get justice and felons getting persecuted. However, criminal law is only one specialty in the legal field, and it isn’t for everyone!
If you’re uninterested in dealing with criminals, real estate law could be the perfect profession for you. This guide will go into more depth about real estate lawyers’ roles, the steps required to become a real estate lawyer, their salary, and more.
Becoming a real estate lawyer typically requires seven years of post-secondary education. Here are the steps you need to take:
Before you can begin gaining an advanced education in law, you’ll have to complete an undergrad at an accredited university. Law schools do not have a preference over the major you pursue. While you may think it wise to pursue a Bachelor’s in Real Estate, you should reconsider!
While this degree can certainly prepare you for a career as a real estate agent, broker, or leasing manager, it will do little to prepare you for the legal side of real estate.
Instead, choose an academically challenging major that you have a genuine interest in. Take diverse electives to expand your knowledge base and skillset, and focus on maintaining a high GPA. Your GPA will influence the type of law school you get accepted into.
While completing your undergrad, you should look into your law school options. It’s generally advised that students who go to high-ranking law schools have the most opportunities and job prospects.
However, getting into these law schools is challenging and requires a strong application. To ensure you meet the requirements of your desired law schools, research their admission expectations beforehand, so you can begin preparing your application early.
Apply to law schools that offer concentrations, courses, or experiential learning clinics in real estate law.
Pursue valuable extracurriculars, volunteer, work, and research opportunities during your undergrad. Your law school will likely require a resume as part of its admissions process and will question any big gaps.
To avoid this, you should keep busy throughout your undergrad! This doesn’t mean you have to pick up a new job each year, but you should contribute to a few organizations or clubs consistently. If you're unsure how to best position your experiences for law school applications, expert application guidance can help you craft a compelling resume and overall application.
Ensure you also maintain close connections with your professors to secure stellar letters of recommendation by the end of your undergrad.
Depending on the law schools you apply to, you might have to write the LSAT or GRE. Choose the exam that reflects your abilities and give yourself adequate time to prepare for and retake your chosen exam.
Your standardized test score is one of the most crucial application materials the admissions committee will use to assess your candidacy for law school! You may have an outstanding application otherwise, but a low LSAT score can make the committee hesitate to accept you into their program.
A study period of four months is ideal for students to study for the LSAT full-time. Part-timers should study for five to six months to achieve the same results.
After perfecting your application, you should be rewarded by receiving multiple offer letters to your top law school choices. Choose the school that can provide you with the best resources to fulfill your personal and professional career goals.
You can expect your JD degree to be much harder than your undergrad, so you should be willing to put in the effort to succeed. Much like your undergrad GPA, your JD GPA is crucial in your legal journey. It will determine the types of internships and job prospects you have during and after your JD.
Be sure to participate in legal journals, moot courts, externships, and experiential learning opportunities, especially if they involve real estate law. This experience will make you a more qualified applicant post-graduation!
Once you’ve completed your JD, you have the necessary training and skills to practice real estate law. While you do not have to pursue any higher education, some real estate lawyers pursue LLMs in Real Estate Law.
This degree will take one year to complete and can provide you with more specialized training in the field. It can also lead to higher pay potential and more job opportunities!
After completing all the necessary degrees and certifications to become a real estate lawyer, the final step is to pass the bar exam!
This exam will confirm that you meet the necessary standards to begin practicing as an independent attorney. Ensure you end on a strong note and dedicate at least a few months to prepare for this exam. It will cover a wide range of material and will require diligent studying!
A real estate lawyer specializes in legal matters related to property transactions, ensuring the process is smooth and legally sound. Their responsibilities include:
A large part of real estate law is paperwork, namely ensuring all contracts and agreements are fair and follow regulations.
The average annual salary for a Real Estate Attorney in the United States is $167,950. However, this salary can increase based on your clientele, location, and experience.
Real estate lawyers are generally always in demand, despite the fluctuations in the housing market. Considering that about 61% of Americans are homeowners, these professionals are needed to ensure smooth property transactions.
To become the best real estate lawyer you can, you should hone the following skills:
Both written and oral communication must be excellent, as you’ll draft contracts, explain legal concepts, and advise clients on property transactions.
You need strong negotiation abilities to mediate disputes and secure favorable outcomes for your clients.
The ability to resolve issues in contracts or disputes is vital to avoid legal complications during transactions.
Precision is key when reviewing contracts, titles, and other legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.
A deep understanding of real estate laws and regulations is necessary to analyze cases and provide sound legal advice.
You must be adept at researching property records, laws, and precedents to support your client’s case effectively.
Lawyers must also be excellent teachers. You’ll guide your clients on laws and topics they likely have little experience or knowledge of. It’s your job to simplify complex legal jargon so they understand the proceedings involved in buying or selling property.
For any remaining questions about how to become a real estate lawyer, read on to find your answers.
It will take at least seven years to become a real estate lawyer: four years for an undergraduate degree, three years for a JD, and an optional additional year for an LLM.
Top real estate lawyers can make up to $202,488 annually. This amount varies based on location, experience, and level of education.
To become a real estate lawyer in Colorado, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree (4 years), pass the LSAT, and earn a JD degree (3 years) from an ABA-accredited law school. After graduation, you must pass the Colorado Bar Exam and complete the "Practicing with Professionalism" course required for new attorneys. The entire process typically takes about 7–8 years.
No, you do not need a real estate license to become a real estate attorney. Real estate lawyers only focus on the legal aspects of property transactions, such as drafting contracts, conducting title searches, and resolving disputes.
Buying a house is a huge milestone! Real estate lawyers ensure this milestone is memorable and positive by handling all the technical legal aspects, so their clients can avoid any complications. Follow the steps and tips in this guide to join this essential profession and have a prosperous legal career!
Reviewed by:
Former Head of Northeastern University's Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University
