A property attorney specializes in real estate law and helps ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws during property transactions. To become one, an individual must complete the necessary education, pass the bar exam and gain practical experience.
A property attorney is an attorney who has chosen to focus their practice in the area of real estate or real estate law. The requirements needed to become an estate attorney will vary by jurisdiction of purchase; however, in most countries, the requirements are similar. An aspiring property attorney generally must complete the necessary educational requirements to obtain the appropriate degree, pass a standardized exam, and then gain practical experience in the field of property law.
Typically, a property attorney works for a real estate company, a title company, a real estate developer, or a government agency that enforces property laws. Whenever a property is bought, sold or improved, there are usually a number of laws and regulations that must be considered during the process. A property attorney is often consulted to ensure that the buyer, seller, or developer complies with all local, state, or federal laws to avoid future litigation surrounding the property. A property lawyer can also work on the other side, applying existing laws to the government.
In the United States, the necessary first step to becoming an estate attorney is to complete the necessary education. A future lawyer must first earn a bachelor’s degree in the field of their choice. While all undergraduate degrees are considered for acceptance to law school in the United States, a student who ultimately hopes to become a real estate attorney may want to consider an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Completing three years of study at an American Bar Association-accredited law school is the next step on the path to becoming a real estate attorney. In most cases, property law is a required course during law school; however, a student who plans to focus on property law may want to take advanced classes in property law, real estate law, or business transactions as well. Additionally, in law school, a student should take advantage of internship opportunities, as well as part-time or summer employment with real estate companies, developers, or local government offices responsible for enforcing property laws and regulations.
Upon completion of law school, an individual planning to become an estate attorney must successfully pass the bar exam in the state in which they plan to practice law, as well as the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). Additional requirements for licensure often include a character and suitability background check. Once licensed, a future property attorney should seek employment as an in-house attorney with a large real estate or development company, or with a local, state, or federal agency that enforces property laws.
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