Paralegals and Real Estate Law
December 14, 2010
Paralegals with a concentration in real estate law will find work in real estate agencies, law firms or title companies dealing in areas of residential, commercial or leasing purchase and sales. Duties will vary from office to office but most will include such responsibilities as:
- Preparation of leases
- Review of title reports
- Preparing closing documents
- Financing and leasing transactions
Most paralegal real estate jobs require a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in real estate or an associate’s degree in paralegal studies with real estate experience. Accredited paralegal schools typically offer concentrations in real estate practices but students should make sure that there are also opportunities for practical experience through a practicum specifically in this field.
In addition to what students will learn in their paralegal courses, there are certain skills that all those working in real estate law should possess. These are:
- Lease negotiations
- Real estate financing
- Lending procedures and documentation
- Superior communication skills; both verbal and written
Although all of the above areas are taught to some extent in most paralegal schools, a real estate concentration will place an emphasis on these and other subjects that are necessary for this field or work. Real estate paralegals must also be able to work on all aspects of related transactions from the initial contact with a client to closing.
Job prospects for paralegals are at an increase with the demand for real estate paralegals to be as much as twice that of the industry in general. Although salaries will vary from state to state as well as firm to firm, the average salaries range from $28,000 to $71,000 annually while about 80% falling in the $44,000 range.
Real estate law provides such a broad range of employment possibilities with many opportunities for advancement. Anyone who has an interest in starting a career in law and specifically in real estate law is wise to research paralegal schools that offer bachelor and associate degrees in this field. Once you have successfully completed all course and practicum requirements, graduates must also be prepared to take their paralegal certification exams. For more information about certification, prospective students can contact their state American Bar Association (ABA) for specific details.