Degree in Real Estate Law – What is it and is it for you?
What is a Degree in Real Estate Law?
The practice of law has undergone important changes in the last 20 years. Today’s real estate attorneys work on varied and complex transactions, from simple residential home purchases to commercial projects.
This degree is a mix of law, business, and dispute resolution. It will prepare you to deal with issues beyond law school, by understanding how the law interacts with tax, corporate, and environmental law. You will tackle issues such as workforce housing, urban redevelopment, commercial leasing and training, and energy conservation. It will prepare you to deal with transactions when the economy is booming and when it is not.
What can I do with this type of Law Degree?
Real estate lawyers advise their clients on the sale of real estate, financing and promotion, construction contracts, investments, environmental compliance and real estate management. They assist clients with government zoning restrictions necessary to move projects forward.
With this type of law degree, you could work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. You could work in large companies, in the building and zoning departments of counties and municipalities. You could also work for corporations, development companies, or title companies. If you decide to work alone or in a very small company, you will most likely focus on residential housing. In this profession, you will work alongside title insurers, brokers, environmental attorneys, litigation departments, and bankers.
You would spend much of your day drafting documents, reviewing them, advising clients, and negotiating terms. A foundation of business law, as well as negotiation skills, are critical to success in this area of the law.
Courses and Study Plan
Most students start their studies with a basic introductory course, transactions and finance. After this entrance course, you will be exposed to courses in finance, mortgages, intermediate loans, bond financing, leasing, acquisitions, foreclosures, and community association law.