What does a real estate lawyer do?

What is a Real Estate Lawyer?

Real estate lawyers are attorneys who specialize in matters related to real estate transactions and property law. Their expertise covers the legal aspects of buying, selling, leasing, or managing real property, which includes land, buildings, and associated assets.

Real estate transactions often involve significant financial investments and complex legal issues. A real estate lawyer safeguards clients' interests, minimizes risks, and ensures compliance with all requirements, providing peace of mind during what can be a high-stakes process.

What does a Real Estate Lawyer do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The real estate lawyer’s key responsibilities include:

• Drafting and Reviewing Contracts – Preparing and analyzing purchase agreements, lease contracts, and deeds to ensure clear and fair terms
• Conducting Title Searches – Verifying that the seller has a legal right to transfer the property and checking for liens or other encumbrances
• Resolving Legal Issues – Addressing boundary disputes, zoning problems, and contract breaches
• Overseeing Closings – Managing the legal side of property transfers, including document signing and fund disbursement
• Advising on Transactions – Guiding clients through buying, selling, or leasing property, and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations
• Client Representation – Represent clients in litigation, foreclosure matters, or disputes related to property ownership

Types of Real Estate Lawyers
Now that we have a sense of the real estate lawyer’s work, let’s look at some different types of these lawyers, each specializing in specific areas of real estate law:

Residential Real Estate Lawyers

• Focus on transactions involving homes, condos, or apartments
• Assist buyers, sellers, and landlords / tenants with contracts, closings, and disputes

Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

• Handle legal matters related to commercial properties, such as office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, and multi-unit developments
• Specialize in drafting complex lease agreements, zoning compliance, and development contracts

Land Use and Zoning Lawyers

• Deal with laws regulating property development and use
• Help clients with zoning approvals, environmental compliance, and building permits

Real Estate Litigation Lawyers

• Represent clients in disputes, such as boundary disagreements, title defects, or breaches of contract
• Handle cases in court or through arbitration and mediation

Landlord-Tenant Lawyers

• Work on disputes and agreements related to leasing residential or commercial properties
• Represent landlords or tenants in matters like evictions, lease violations, or rental agreements

Title / Escrow Lawyers

• Specialize in title searches, resolving ownership disputes, and ensuring the legal transfer of property ownership
• Address issues like liens, easements, or title defects

Foreclosure Lawyers

• Assist homeowners facing foreclosure or lenders enforcing foreclosure proceedings
• Handle mortgage modifications, refinancing, settlements, or defense against foreclosure

What is the workplace of a Real Estate Lawyer like?

Real estate lawyers can be employed by various entities and individuals involved in property transactions or disputes. Here are the main groups that typically hire real estate lawyers:

• Homebuyers and Sellers – To handle contracts, title searches, and closing processes
• Landlords and Tenants – To draft leases or resolve disputes related to rental agreements or evictions
• Real Estate Companies – Developers, property management firms, and real estate brokerages hire lawyers to manage legal aspects of property sales, purchases, and development.
• Corporations – Businesses and corporations hire real estate lawyers for leasing office spaces, purchasing property, or managing large real estate portfolios.
• Financial Institutions – Banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders hire real estate lawyers to handle foreclosures, loan documentation, and financing agreements.
• Government and Public Entities – Local, state, and federal government agencies may hire real estate lawyers to manage public land acquisitions, zoning regulations, and urban development projects.
• Non-Profit Organizations – Charities and non-profits may employ real estate lawyers for property acquisitions, zoning matters, or managing affordable housing projects.
• Law Firms – Real estate lawyers may work in specialized or general practice law firms, serving a range of clients from individuals to large corporations.
• Educational and Healthcare Institutions – Universities, schools, and hospitals often hire real estate lawyers for property acquisitions, expansions, and compliance with zoning or environmental regulations.
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) – These entities employ lawyers to handle the legalities of large-scale property investments and portfolio management.

While the workplace of a real estate lawyer can vary depending on their role, employer, and area of specialization, there are some typical features of the environments in which these lawyers find themselves:

• Office Setup – The usual office space includes desks, computers, and access to legal databases for drafting and reviewing contracts, researching laws, and preparing documents.
• Collaborative Environment – The role often involves working with other professionals like brokers, developers, or engineers.
• Home Office or Remote Work – Some real estate lawyers operate from home offices, especially if they handle freelance or consultancy work.
• On-Site Visits – Real estate lawyers may visit properties for inspections, meetings, or negotiations, especially when working on commercial developments or zoning cases.
• Travel – Depending on the job, travel to courtrooms, properties, or client offices may be required.