A commercial real estate attorney handles transactions related to commercial properties, advising clients on real estate transactions, negotiating lease agreements, and conducting title opinions. They may work for commercial real estate firms or be hired as general counsel by large developers. They also represent clients in litigation and must stay informed about applicable laws and regulations.
A commercial real estate attorney handles real estate transactions related to commercial properties. Some of the clients this attorney might have are developers, homeowners, and lenders. The cases these attorneys work on often involve property disputes, contract disputes, and zoning issues.
Many of these attorneys work at commercial real estate firms, while others may only work for one firm. Sometimes, a large developer will hire a commercial real estate attorney to act as general counsel. The attorney would be responsible for buying and selling property, reviewing financial records, and communicating with investors. These attorneys are also in charge of filing paperwork for partnerships, corporations, and tax filings.
Other commercial real estate attorneys often work closely with contractors on ongoing projects. The attorney may be tasked with negotiating lease agreements for shopping malls or office buildings. He may also need to review the paperwork and make sure the titles are properly filed with the right municipality.
An important role that a commercial real estate attorney has is to advise his clients regarding real estate transactions. The client may need information on whether or not a particular plot of land is suitable for development. The attorney will provide information on jurisdictional and regional building laws, research to see if there are any unpaid taxes on the area, and assist with closing if the client decides to purchase the property.
Another job a commercial real estate attorney does is title opinions. This is critical to making sure a lot or building has clear title. The attorney conducts a title search, checks liens, and files the appropriate paperwork with the insurance company.
Some lawyers work specifically with commercial real estate mortgages and foreclosures. Mortgage companies often hire commercial real estate attorneys to deal with borrowers and lenders to settle mortgages. These attorneys correspond with defaulted loans, follow up on overdue accounts, and file judgments with the courts.
The commercial real estate attorney must also represent clients in litigation. The attorney may be retained to defend a developer who has been sued by investors. Another client could be a landlord who has been sued by a tenant regarding a lease. The attorney drafts legal complaints, responds to interrogations, or responds to requests for document production. If the case goes before a judge, the attorney will appear in court and plead the case before the judge or jury.
Above all, the attorney has a responsibility to his clients to be ethical while helping them to the best of his ability with commercial properties. Attorneys must continue to stay informed about applicable laws and regulations. Most lawyers do this by attending seminars or courses and keeping up to date with matters involving commercial real estate.
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