How Can I Become One Of The Best Canadian Real Estate Lawyers?

Although lawyering is not seen as “sexy” as doctors and other professionals. However, for those that love order and structure, legal jobs can be very fulfilling. If you want to know what it takes to become one of the best real estate lawyers in Canada, you’re at the right place. The first task is to understand the profession itself. After which, you need to understand how the job market in Canada works. By this you will know whether it fits your personality and character traits.

This article covers all the latest information you need to know about law degree Canada & real estate law school.  You will also discover various roles you will have to handle as a real estate lawyer.

Before we move on let’s shortly look at what real estate is all about.

What is real estate?

Basically, real estate refers to land and whatever structure is on it including natural resources like minerals, water, immovable properties of nature or even crop. Real estate may be commercial or residential. It can be owned by another but used by another through lease agreements.

Real estate can be purchased or sold and due to the high value placed on it, there are laws that govern transactions involving real estate. These laws that govern the buying and selling of real estate is called real estate law. Real property can also be passed between family members through estate planning. It can also be owned by two or more persons.

Step-by-Step Career Guide

Real estate lawyers are certified lawyers whose main focus is on practicing on issues related to real property law. Real estate lawyers are usually required to draft documents like contract of sale, mortgage documents and review lease agreements. These lawyers’ practices are largely transactional, meaning that they do not usually engage in court litigation.

Career Requirements

Degree Level	Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Licensure	All states require lawyers to be licensed by passing a bar exam
Experience	Employers may prefer to hire real estate lawyers with 2-5 years of experience
Key Skills	Analytical, communication, problem-solving, research, speaking and writing skills
Mean Salary (2014)	$133,470 (for all lawyers)

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program

Students who want to become real estate lawyers must usually first earn a bachelor’s degree. Most bachelor’s degree programs typically last four years, regardless of the field of study. Law schools do not require that applicants complete a particular major. However, because much of real estate law practice can be related to business transactions, students may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in business or economics. Alternatively, a pre-law degree program teaches students the analytical, oral and communication skills they need to enter law school.

Step 2: Take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

Law schools in Canada require that new students take the (LSAT) which is the Law School Admissions Test. It is a half-day exam which checks an individual’s verbal reasoning and reading skills. This test is one of a number of factors most law schools consider when admitting students.

Step 3: Earn a Juris Doctor Degree

A law degree can generally be earned in three years of full-time study. Some law schools offer part-time programs for working professionals, although these programs may take longer to complete.

The first year of law school typically consists of courses in law subjects that are considered fundamental to the profession. Examples of these include civil procedure, legal writing and torts. Basically, the second and third year of study comprise of internships or experience on the field, elective classes, etc.  Examples of elective classes include energy law, administrative law and  civil rights litigation.

• Complete elective classes about real estate. Some law schools may offer elective courses  most especially for students gearing towards practicing real estate law. These classes may cover topics like environmental law, land use planning, and real estate transfers.
• Complete a clinical experience. Clinical experiences are often available in multiple legal fields, including real estate law. Completing a clinical focusing on real estate law can provide students with hands-on experience working in the practice.
• Consider concentrating in real property law. Some law institutions give student the chance to fully concentrate their law studies on real property law. Students offering these programs additionally complete courses in this field like tax, real estate transactions and business organizations.

Step 4: Pass the Bar Exam

To work as a real estate lawyer, most states require that individuals pass a bar exam. The format of these exams varies, and may consist of several days of essay and multiple-choice questions. Most states usually an ethical exam, called the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE), a Bar Examination (MBE) which also lasts 6 hours into the bar exam. You may also be required to complete a local bar exam. Other common exams that are administered are the multistate performance test and essay exams that seeks to check the practical skills of the lawyer.

Step 5: Begin Working as a Lawyer

Having passed the bar examinations, lawyers are now at liberty to practice in any field of law. Usually private law firms focus mainly on practicing real estate law. Many times, employers seek real estate lawyers with 2-5 years of experience.

 

Step 6: Earn a Certificate or LLM

In addition to J.D. degrees, law schools offer Master of Laws (LLM) in Real Estate and certificates in real estate to practicing lawyers. Earning a graduate-level legal degree isn’t required, but it could lead to additional career opportunities. These programs usually consist of courses in commercial real estate, real estate in federal tax law and real estate finance. Elective courses may cover topics like affordable housing, construction law, historic preservation law and real estate litigation. Some schools give students the chance to work in law firms that specialize in real estate law.

Real Estate Lawyers Serving Canada 

Canadian best real estate lawyers serve their clients with great skills. They have great training specifically in handling real property legal issues. They give their clients legal advice on financing options, mortgage contracts, deed transfers, title, property management and so many other real property topics. They have special skill in handling commercial, industrial and private holdings.