Careers in the area of real estate law are professional paths that take a deep dive into the legal aspects of owning and operating rental properties. The most common type of real estate law jobs are Lawyers and Paralegals. They are employed by real estate law firms typically undertake a wide variety of duties, ranging from evaluating and drafting contracts to litigating disputes that may arise. Such jobs require in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws and regulations associated with renting property, as well as solid communication and negotiation skills to find the best solution to any contentious issues. Below we take a deep dive into the various types of law jobs in the rental real estate industry.
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Lawyer
Real estate lawyers are important professionals who work to protect the rights of their clients when it comes to property rights. Their job is to ensure that all real estate dealings, including those related to purchase, sale, and rental of property are carried out in compliance with laws specified by state and federal authorities respectively. They provide strategic counsel related to real estate transactions and take on other legal matters such as regulations concerning zoning law and foreclosure. Real estate attorneys also review documents pertaining to real estate deals like contracts, leases, titles, etc., examine them for accuracy, and perform due diligence activities on behalf of their clients. It is the responsibility of a real estate lawyer to provide accurate legal advice and represent their clients in court if required.
Paralegal
A real estate paralegal is a specialized type of paralegal that is hired by attorneys or law firms who primarily work with property-related legal matters. They work closely with lawyers to help provide paralegal duties such as researching documents, gathering facts, organizing evidence, and creating legal documents related to the matter. Real estate paralegals typically handle the paperwork of completing title searches and resolutions, along with helping review contract forms for accuracy before lawyers begin reviewing them. It is also not uncommon for real estate paralegals to attend hearings for eviction proceedings and general real estate court cases as a means of representing the firm as well. By helping lawyers and assisting with a wide range of tasks from filing documents to drafting legal papers associated with real estate transactions, paralegals are an essential part of any real estate law practice.
Real Estate Compliance Officer
A Real Estate Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring all activities within a real estate company or related to a real estate transaction adhere to local, state, and federal laws and regulations. This includes tasks such as reviewing contracts, lease agreements, and transaction documents for legal accuracy and compliance. They also develop and implement internal compliance programs, including training staff on regulatory issues and ethical conduct. Additionally, they keep up-to-date with any changes in real estate legislation and adjust company policies accordingly. Compliance officers may also handle audits, investigations, and potential legal disputes related to compliance issues.
Title Examiner
A Title Officer, also known as a Title Examiner, plays a vital role in the property buying and selling process. They review public records to verify the legal ownership of the property and ensure it’s free from any issues, such as liens, encumbrances, or disputes that could hinder the transaction. They produce a preliminary title report detailing the property’s ownership history and any discovered issues. They also work closely with title insurers to assist in issuing title insurance policies, which protect the buyer and lender from potential future claims against the property. Title Officers are crucial in mitigating investment risks by ensuring clean and clear property titles.
About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
