What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do?
A real estate attorney provides legal guidance and representation in property transactions, disputes, and compliance matters. They draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ensuring that sales, purchases, leases, and financing agreements comply with local, state, and federal laws. Real estate attorneys also handle zoning issues, title disputes, and landlord-tenant conflicts.
Their work helps protect clients from legal risks during complex property transactions. Whether representing individuals, businesses, or developers, real estate attorneys use their legal expertise to resolve disputes, ensure proper documentation, and safeguard clients’ rights. They are essential in minimizing risk and ensuring smooth real estate transactions.
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Real Estate Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate real estate contracts, leases, and agreements
- Provide legal advice during property purchases, sales, or development projects
- Ensure compliance with zoning laws, land use regulations, and property codes
- Conduct title searches and resolve disputes related to ownership or boundaries
- Represent clients in real estate litigation and court proceedings
- Negotiate settlement agreements for real estate-related conflicts
- Collaborate with real estate agents, lenders, and developers during transactions
- Maintain detailed records of legal proceedings and client communications
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of real estate law, property rights, and contracts
- Ability to conduct legal research and prepare legal documents
- Proficiency in negotiations and dispute resolution
- Familiarity with zoning, environmental, and land use regulations
- Experience representing clients in hearings, mediations, or trials
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and client advisory skills
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
- Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously
- Negotiation and conflict resolution abilities
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Admission to the state bar required
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits required to maintain licensure
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling both residential and commercial real estate cases
- Mediation or arbitration certification for dispute resolution
- Proven track record in real estate litigation or complex contract negotiations
- Bilingual communication skills to support diverse client needs
- Membership in professional organizations such as the American Bar Association (ABA) or local real estate law associations
National Average Salary
Real estate attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Real Estate Attorney is:
$148,410
Sample Job Description Templates for Real Estate Attorneys
Associate Real Estate Attorney
Position Overview
We are hiring an associate real estate attorney to assist with property transactions, contract drafting, and dispute resolution. This entry-level role is ideal for recent law school graduates who are licensed to practice and eager to gain practical experience in real estate law under the guidance of senior attorneys.
Responsibilities
- Draft and review real estate contracts, leases, and agreements
- Conduct legal research on zoning laws and property regulations
- Support senior attorneys in negotiations and litigation preparation
- Assist with title searches and due diligence for transactions
- Maintain case files, correspondence, and client communications
- Ensure compliance with state and local real estate laws
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of real estate law and contracts
- Legal research and writing proficiency
- Ability to review property records and title documents
- Familiarity with court filings and case management software
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Eagerness to learn and grow in the legal profession
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Team collaboration and client service orientation
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Active license to practice law in the state of employment
- CLE credits required to maintain bar admission
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or clerkship in real estate law
- Bilingual communication skills
Mid-Level Real Estate Attorney
Position Overview
Our firm is seeking a mid-level real estate attorney to independently manage client transactions, draft agreements, and resolve disputes. The ideal candidate has a few years of practice experience and is comfortable advising clients on both residential and commercial matters.
Responsibilities
- Draft, negotiate, and finalize real estate contracts and leases
- Advise clients on zoning, land use, and property development issues
- Conduct due diligence for property sales and acquisitions
- Represent clients in mediations and administrative hearings
- Coordinate with lenders, developers, and real estate professionals
- Ensure compliance with state and federal property regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in contract negotiation and drafting
- Strong understanding of real estate litigation procedures
- Ability to conduct title reviews and resolve ownership disputes
- Knowledge of local and federal zoning and land use regulations
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Excellent client communication and advisory abilities
- Ability to manage multiple cases with minimal supervision
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Active state bar membership required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling commercial real estate transactions
- Mediation certification for dispute resolution
Senior Real Estate Attorney
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior real estate attorney to lead complex transactions, provide strategic legal advice, and mentor junior associates. This role requires significant experience in real estate law and the ability to manage high-value contracts and litigation matters.
Responsibilities
- Lead contract negotiations for major real estate transactions
- Oversee litigation strategy and represent clients in court proceedings
- Provide expert guidance on zoning, land use, and development projects
- Mentor associate and mid-level attorneys
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and industry standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of real estate law and litigation processes
- Expertise in drafting and negotiating complex agreements
- Strong background in zoning, land use, and property disputes
- Proficiency with legal research databases and case management software
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring capabilities
- Strong decision-making and critical thinking abilities
- Excellent written and verbal advocacy skills
- Ability to build trust with high-profile clients
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required
Certifications
- State bar admission in good standing
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling large-scale commercial transactions
- CRS or other real estate-specific legal certifications valued
Partner – Real Estate Law
Position Overview
Our firm is seeking an experienced partner specializing in real estate law to lead client engagements, expand business opportunities, and drive firm growth. This senior-level position requires extensive legal experience, a strong client network, and proven expertise in real estate transactions and litigation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the real estate law practice area within the firm
- Manage high-profile client relationships and transactions
- Provide strategic legal advice on acquisitions, leases, and development projects
- Represent clients in litigation, arbitration, or mediation proceedings
- Oversee associates and manage case assignments within the team
- Drive business development and client acquisition strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level knowledge of real estate law, contracts, and litigation
- Strong negotiation and advocacy abilities
- Ability to lead teams and manage complex case portfolios
- Proven experience with commercial and residential transactions
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication skills
- Strong business development and networking abilities
- Strategic problem-solving mindset
- Ability to build long-term client trust
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required
Certifications
- Active bar admission required
- CLE credits required to maintain licensure
Preferred Qualifications
- Established client portfolio in real estate law
- Prior experience as a partner or senior counsel
Managing Real Estate Attorney
Position Overview
We are hiring a managing real estate attorney to oversee the firm’s real estate practice, guide strategy, and ensure excellence in legal services. This leadership role requires managing attorneys and staff, shaping client engagement strategies, and ensuring the department meets performance goals.
Responsibilities
- Direct and manage the real estate law department
- Oversee hiring, training, and development of attorneys and staff
- Establish and implement practice policies and compliance procedures
- Handle high-value client accounts and oversee litigation strategies
- Manage departmental budgets and financial performance
- Represent the firm in executive and client leadership meetings
Requirements
Hard skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of real estate law, compliance, and litigation
- Experience managing teams of attorneys and support staff
- Strong financial and business planning skills
- Expertise in commercial and residential property law
Soft skills
- Visionary leadership and organizational abilities
- Excellent negotiation and client management skills
- Ability to drive firm growth through strategic decision-making
- Strong mentorship and staff development abilities
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required
Certifications
- Active state bar admission required
- CLE credits required to maintain bar standing
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven success in leading a law firm practice group
- Established reputation in real estate law with published work or speaking engagements