Choosing the best real estate law schools usually entails doing some research into the field, reading up on each school’s real estate resources, and interviewing both students and practitioners to gain an understanding of each school’s strengths and weaknesses. Typically, law schools are not divided into subject areas. As a result, there are no true “real estate law schools,” at least not in the sense of schools that only teach real estate law. Most institutions offer some real estate courses, though some people mistakenly believe that schools with particularly strong real estate programs are real estate law schools.
When looking for a law school, keep in mind that, with a few exceptions, you can practice any type of law once you graduate and pass your jurisdiction’s licensing exam. This means that even if you did not attend a prestigious real estate law school, you can practice real estate law. Similarly, if you know you want to pursue a career in real estate, it’s a good idea to focus on schools with stronger programs.
Schools with advanced real estate degree programs are often the best for preparing students for careers as real estate attorneys, but this is not always the case. The doctorate in laws program, which leads to the juris doctor (J.D.) degree, is typically where law schools focus their resources. At the master of laws level, more nuanced programs for post-J.D. students are common in specific legal fields, such as real estate. The legum magister (LL.M.) degree is the most common outcome of these programs.
Real estate LL.M programs are frequently regarded as preeminent real estate law schools. While this may be true for advanced students, these resources are not always available to those who are still pursuing their legal education. You should be certain that these resources will be available to you before enrolling in a law school solely on the basis of its LL.M resources.
Experts in real estate law in your area or in the area where you hope to work are a good place to start. Investigate their educational backgrounds and seek their advice on real estate law schools. Commercial law school prep books may also list schools according to their areas of expertise, though it is usually a good idea to double-check this information with actual practitioners.
You should also look into the top real estate law firms in your desired location. These companies’ new recruit training programs are usually good places to apply. The majority of this information can be found on the websites of law firms.
Schedule informational meetings with admissions representatives after you’ve identified a few promising real estate law schools. Request to observe a real estate law class to get a sense of how the material is taught, and inquire about the school’s real estate strengths. This could include well-known professors, special real estate law clinic programs, or other resources.
Knowing how many graduates go on to become real estate lawyers is also useful information, and it’s often a good indicator of a program’s overall quality. Some schools may even connect you with recent graduates to ask them more in-depth questions about how well-prepared they were for the demands of their jobs. Check to see if the school offers real estate job placement or school-coordinated internship programs, both of which can help students and recent graduates break into the industry.