A property lawyer is a lawyer who has chosen to concentrate his or her practice in the field of real estate or property law. The requirements for becoming a property lawyer vary by jurisdiction, but they are generally the same in most countries. Typically, an aspiring property lawyer must complete the educational requirements for the appropriate degree, pass a standardized examination, and then gain practical experience in the field of property law.
A property lawyer usually works for a real estate firm, a title firm, a real estate developer, or a government agency that enforces property laws. When a property is bought, sold, or improved, there are usually a number of laws and regulations that must be taken into account. In order to avoid future litigation surrounding the property, a property lawyer is frequently consulted to ensure that the buyer, seller, or developer is abiding by all local, state, and federal laws. A property lawyer may also work on the government’s side, enforcing existing laws.
In the United States, completing the required education is the first step toward becoming a property lawyer. A future lawyer must first earn a bachelor’s degree in the field of interest. Although all majors are considered for admission to law school in the United States, a student who aspires to be a property lawyer may want to consider a business major as an undergraduate.
The next step on the path to becoming a property lawyer is to complete three years of study at an American Bar Association accredited law school. Property law is usually a required course in law school; however, a student who wants to specialize in property law, real estate law, or commercial transactions may want to take advanced classes in property law, real estate law, or commercial transactions. A student should also take advantage of any internship opportunities as well as summer or part-time employment with local real estate firms, developers, or government offices that are responsible for enforcing property laws and regulations while in law school.
An individual who wishes to practice law as a property lawyer must pass the Bar examination in the state where he or she intends to practice law, as well as the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). A character and fitness background check is usually required as part of the licensing process. Once licensed, a future property lawyer should look for work as in-house counsel for a large real estate or development firm, or as a property law enforcement officer for a local, state, or federal agency.