A real estate paralegal is a legal assistant who works with a real estate lawyer. The right to own, use, and enjoy land, as well as the permanent man-made attachments to it, falls under this category of law. She assists her supervising attorney by accompanying him to court hearings, preparing legal documents, and researching relevant local, state, and federal law.
Real estate paralegals usually have a paralegal studies degree and are either certified or not. They usually have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, though some gain their experience through on-the-job training. They can become certified through a variety of paralegal organizations and choose to be tested on real estate, civil procedure, contracts, and general legal principles. A paralegal interested in real estate law will often benefit from certification in these areas.
In most cases, real estate paralegals must work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Her legal work is substantive, which means it would be handled by a licensed attorney in their absence. A client can be charged for substantial legal work.
A real estate paralegal’s work, like that of all paralegals, must be overseen by an attorney. They are unable to provide legal advice, represent clients in court, accept cases, or establish legal fees. Even so, an attorney can make use of someone in this position in a variety of ways. She will frequently be involved in the entirety of a real estate transaction, from contract negotiation to closing. They frequently draft and assist in the preparation of real estate-related documents such as purchase agreements, contracts, leases, and deeds.
Using the services of a real estate paralegal is widely regarded as best practice for a variety of reasons. Under the supervision of an attorney, a paralegal performs substantive legal work, but their work is typically billed at a lower hourly rate. As a result, hiring a paralegal is a cost-effective way to provide high-quality legal services. Delegation of responsibilities can also help an attorney manage his or her workload.
Paralegals in the field of real estate work in a variety of settings, including private law firms, real estate agencies, and title companies. Some paralegal students interested in pursuing a real estate specialty may complete an internship with a real estate attorney. This can give you the specialized “in-the-door” experience that can help you get a job as a real estate paralegal.