Real Estate Attorney Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

Real estate attorneys are lawyers who specialize in the legal aspects of real estate transactions. They prepare and review legal documents relating to real estate, negotiate the terms and conditions of real estate transactions, and facilitate the transfer of titles. Real estate attorneys should have excellent negotiation and analytical skills, exceptional decision-making abilities, and solid research skills. [Your Company Name] is hiring an experienced real estate attorney. As an ideal candidate, you have experience handling clients’ legal risks in real estate transactions, as well as ensuring compliance with real estate laws and regulations.     

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Advise and counsel clients on real estate matters, including sales transactions, disputes, zoning, subdivision, and frauds involving real estate disclosures or mortgages
• Litigate real estate disputes in court if necessary
• Draft sales and transfer of title contracts
• Write and file claims, motions, and court briefs
• Negotiate real estate agreements

Education and experience

This position requires a Juris Doctorate as well as a license to practice law in the state where the candidate will work.

Employers prefer candidates who have taken college coursework in business law, real estate law, and related topics, and completed internships with real estate law firms.

Required skills and qualifications

• Expertise in written and verbal communication
• Knowledge of state and federal laws regarding transfer and sale of real property
• Research skills
• Analytical thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Litigation experience

Preferred qualifications

• Five years to ten years of commercial real estate experience
• Experience working on commercial real estate transactions
• Excellent organizational and drafting skills

ABC Company, a mid-sized law firm in (City), is seeking an Illinois-licensed real estate attorney with 6 to 8 years of experience handling transactions for industrial, commercial, and multi-family use real estate. Transactions would concern primarily lease negotiations, representing clients in the acquisition and disposition of real estate, site selection and acquisition due diligence, title and survey examination, addressing zoning, land use and land entitlement issues, negotiating economic development incentives, property development and new construction, real estate financing, among other responsibilities.

Required qualifications

• Active license to practice law in (State)
• 6 to 8 years of commercial real estate experience at a law firm
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Thorough understanding of applicable laws
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to multitask
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced work environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

The Transactional Law Attorney will oversee the legal aspects of transactional legal matters and will be expected to manage and grow the book of business for the Jackson Office. Areas of practice include successions, estate planning, business law, real estate law and, contracts.

Duties/responsibilities:

• Conduct consultations in relevant areas of the law
• Conduct real estate closings
• Draft legal documents and pleadings
• Manage the existing book of business
• Build new client relationships
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations in relevant areas of the law
• Draft routine leases and amendments
• Ensure that appropriate approvals are in place before transactions are executed

Required skills/abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and other related software programs

Education and experience:

• Active Bar License in Good Standing for the (State)
• A minimum of three years of relevant legal experience and adequate industry knowledge

This position acts as a liaison to senior level airport administration, staff and select off-airport property owners to monitor, evaluate and maintain ongoing operational rights and obligations and the VP Real Estate. Negotiates, drafts, reviews, and revises all operating agreements and real estate leases for operating locations. Provides industry leadership in promoting and negotiating operational efficiency and goals with airports. Responsibilities extend beyond initial completion of the business deal, including the resolution of all disputes during the term of the agreements. This position engages in coordination with the company’s facilities department, and outside counsel or consultants to assist in completion of specific construction projects as necessary. Essential duties and responsibilities, shown below, will vary accordingly based on assignment.

Responsibilities:

• Attends airport meetings regarding operating rights, methods of operation, policy and planning at particular airports
• Drafts and reviews operating agreements/leases, which give the company the legal right to operate and/or use space at airports
• Prepares detailed responsive submissions to those airports, which require a Bid, Tender, RFP, or Expression of Interest
• Attends public hearings of municipal boards and airport authorities when necessary to obtain approvals and/or advocate planning and policy issues
• Issues Real Estate abstracts on all properties and advises company personnel on issues of interpretation and administration of legal agreements
• Negotiates leases, acquisitions or dispositions of non-airport and airport used for urban operations and support functions
• Directs and supervises local company financial, legal, and other consultants in local jurisdictions and attends court proceedings when necessary
• Assists in acquisition or disposition of franchise operations with regard to airport/real estate issues
• Attends conferences and stays current with industry standards

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate is required
• 2 to 3 years experience with real estate and government matters

Skills and abilities:

• Extensive understanding of real estate law and real estate values
• Extensive understanding of governmental procurement procedures
• General knowledge of the local government operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Excellent analytical ability and attention to detail