Steps on How to Become a Real Estate Lawyer

Though a career as real estate lawyer seems exciting and lucrative as well, it has its own challenges and thus few steps should be followed before considering real estate lawyer as a career.

• Step 1 – Decision Making: Prior to choosing real estate lawyer as a profession it is advisable to search extensively for details regarding the profession. The decision of pursuing a career in real estate is to be taken from 10th onwards and ornament your career accordingly. Obtaining a degree in law requires completion of 3 years bachelors program in any stream followed by cracking all India entrance examination which can be very competitive and time consuming as well.
• Step 2 – Choose the Correct Subjects: There is no specific subject combination to become a real estate lawyer. Candidates from any background and field can choose to become a real estate lawyer. The minimum eligibility criteria for being a real estate lawyer is a graduation in any discipline can choose this profession. But candidates interested in pursuing an LLM after graduation must hold an LLB degree. Preference is given to candidates having valid CLAT/AILET or other law entrance exam scores. Thus it is absolutely essential to choose the right subjects starting from completion of 10th exam followed by graduation along with having analytical skill and knowledge of current affairs to pursue LLB degree.
• Step 3 – Prepare for the Entrance Exam: As it is recommended to hold a valid score of any of the national level law entrance examinations namely CLAT, AILET, LSAT India etc to start a career as real estate lawyer, knowledge of syllabus and exam pattern is essential for preparing for such examinations. Though in most of the entrance examinations, English, Quantitative Aptitude and Current Affairs are mandatory sections, every law entrance exams have separate sections on subject knowledge viz. Law of Contract, Constitutional law and others which require conceptual knowledge in those subjects to crack such all India level entrance examinations. Enrollment in coaching institutes help learning tips and tricks along with arrangement for mock tests help in scoring well in such entrance examinations.
• Step 4 – Get admission to a good college: Most premier law institutes offer varied courses in real estate laws. Selecting the right college for pursuing such courses requires extensive research on ranking of the college, placement opportunity, faculty strength and quality, alumni network, infrastructure facilities etc. Target to get admission in government law colleges as these colleges have experienced faculty, right infrastructure along with strong alumni network and excellent placement opportunity. Employers too prefer candidates from such institutes. So it is advisable to prepare well for entrance exams and stay updated on latest announcements regarding admission in such colleges by frequently browsing their official website.
• Step 5 – After Qualifying Exam: Successful candidates in entrance examinations are called for Group Discussion and personal interview. Admission to colleges depends on the weightage of entrance examination score, group discussion and personal interview performance. Depending on cut off marks of individual colleges, successful candidates are called for document verification which is followed by allotment of seats in the respective college. Scoring well in Group Discussions and Personal Interview along with scores in Entrance exams paves way for entry in that particular college.

Types of Real Estate Lawyer

Real estate lawyers are involved in property management including managing legal conflicts transferring property from one individual to another etc and thus the job of a real estate lawyer is never going to end regardless of the industry upsizing or downsizing movement.

There are many jobs that a Real Estate Lawyer does and can choose a career in the same professions some of which are Property Dispute Lawyer, Legal Advisor Real Estate, Property Advocate.

Property Advocate

Mostly these professionals are attached to a commercial or a non-commercial firm or work as independent lawyers. A property advocate is involved in resolving illegal possession, ancestral property settlement, delay in possession of flat due to builder, partition suits, family estate distribution matters, rent matters, stay on demolition matters, organize legal documentation when someone moves house and a host of other allied activities. Since the above highlighted issues take longer duration for settlement, property advocates charge hefty amounts as compensation per court hearing depending upon the complexity of the case. Common client bases of such advocates include landowners, property developers, individuals buying their first home, governments, and public sector bodies. Starting salary of a property advocate is approximately around INR 5 LPA while for experienced ones, salaries can shoot upto INR 25 LPA.

Property Dispute Lawyers 

These professionals are specialized in property related matters starting from transactions to handling disputes among parties. Property Dispute Lawyers are involved in offering essential advice to prospective clients for purchase, lease or license of property related solely to residential, commercial or industrial purposes. Properties involved could be anything from a vacant land, manufactured home, deck, pond, and similar elements related to real property. This may also include obtaining pre and post-construction licenses, approvals, and permits for commercial or industrial construction. Since these lawyers are specialized in the field of commercial or industrial real estate, their salaries can reach upto INR 40 LPA depending upon experience while their starting salary is INR 6 LPA which is more or less equivalent to a property advocate.

Assistant Manager (Legal)- Real Estate Division

An Assistant Manager(Legal) in real estate division involves coordinating with external law firms on court proceedings, managing all consumer litigations at RERA/NCDRC/High courts/NCLT including managing civil litigations at High Courts and forums, drafting various legal documents which may include legal vetting of agreements, business contracts, mutations etc. In other words, these professionals take full ownership of the legal matters of an organization, minimizing exposure of the organization to litigation and claims. A fresh law graduate starting his/ her career as Assistant Manager (Legal) in Real Estate Division can earn on average INR 6 LPA while an experienced individual with 5-10 years of experience having excellent problem solving skill along with computer literacy especially MS Office Applications can earn upto INR 11 LPA.

RERA Lawyer

RERA Lawyers are solely dedicated to handle issues related to RERA, Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 which primarily deals with protecting and safeguarding the interests of homebuyers in India along with helping in insurance, drafting contracts and protecting interest of the client. A significance of RERA is the lack of technical knowhow on how to register a property with the real estate regulatory authority draws confusion among real estate developers who seek legal advice from such experts. Since these are specialized lawyers, the average salary of a fresh RERA Lawyer is around INR 5.5 LPA while a senior level professional can earn upto INR 11.5 LPA.

Legal Advisor- Real Estate

These professionals formulate formalities regarding settlement of disputes; provide advice on legal matters which includes bankruptcy, easement and foreclosure along with drafting legal opinions, memoranda on real estate matters. Apart from these primary responsibilities, they are also involved in preparing damage claims, providing arbitration; advise on latest building standards to stakeholders, litigation and mediation support coupled with ensuring compliance to construction laws and regulations. Like a property advocate, a legal advisor can start his/ her career with an average salary package of INR 5 LPA, his/ her salary can reach upto INR 25 LPA depending upon experience which includes excellent communication skill along with attention to detail and the type of complexity in a legal matter.

How to Become a Real Estate Lawyer in India?

The primary criterion to be a Real Estate Lawyer is an extensive education background in this field and a plenty of relevant work experience. Apart from having necessary educational qualification, a real estate lawyer must be enrolled in the State Bar Council and pass the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to be eligible to practise. Students who wish to become Real Estate Lawyer should have proper knowledge of what are the entrance exams for the course and what are some of the best colleges for pursuing Real Estate courses.

To be a Real Estate Lawyer he/she should:

• Research and evaluate about the profession and the industry and the competitors.
• Complete an undergraduate degree program in any stream and discipline.
• Go for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT).
• Complete undergraduate degree program in law viz. LLB from some law school
• Some institutes offer integrated BA LLB program which is an integrated 5 year course offering graduation along with LLB program in a single package saving both time and money.
• Qualify in the State Bar Council Exam & the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) to be licensed
• Gain relevant experience in real estate laws

School Level Preparation

There are no set of predefined subjects that should be chosen for being a Real Estate Lawyer in 10+2 examinations but a strong hold on Mathematics and English can pave the way for clearing the Entrance Examinations. These Subjects act as a foundation stone for the upcoming exams or courses you are going to take up.

How to Become a Real Estate Lawyer in India after 12th?

It is mandatory to complete graduation before opting for a graduate course in law from any Law School. Though students from any stream and discipline can opt for LLB, top Law Schools prefer candidates having consistent academic record i.e. most institutes prefer candidates having 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 and graduation. Students with a graduation in real estate, criminal justice, business, political science or similar subjects get a leverage in cracking Law School Admission Test common to graduates with other specializations.

UG Preparation

• Post 10+2 student must pursue graduation in any stream from a recognized university
• This should be followed by taking various national and state level entrance examinations namely CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, etc. to get admission into Law Schools for obtaining a degree in law.
• Based on the college, candidates are called for Group Discussion/Personal Interview/ Merit Rounds.
• After Excelling in all the stages as stated by the college candidates are called for Document Verification.
• If the Documents of candidates is found to be perfect, he/she is offered admission in the college.

PG Preparation

• It is mandatory to score a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in LLB/5 years Integrated LLB (Hons.)/any other equivalent examinations for admission in LLM.
• Based on the college, candidates are called for Group Discussion/Personal Interview/ Merit Rounds.
• After Excelling in all the stages as stated by the college candidates are called for Document Verification.
• If the Documents of candidates is found to be perfect, he/she is offered admission in the college.

Courses to become a Real Estate Lawyer

To become a real estate lawyer, one must have a UG or PG Degree in the field of law. Below mentioned are some of the courses that will help the candidates to become a successful real estate lawyer.

BA LLB 

BA LLB is a 5 year integrated course aimed at providing expert knowledge of the Indian Legal System. During the tenure of the course, students get exposure to Code of Civil Procedure, Drafting & Pleading, Constitutional Law, Business Law which provides a promising career in terms of money and social status.

BA LLB: Admission process

• Admission into BA LLB is based on scores secured in various national and state level law entrance examinations namely CLAT, AILET, LSAT, MH CET LAW, CULEE etc.
• Though few institutes like Unitedworld School of Law allow admission into such courses based on merit, it is advisable to score well in either national or state level entrance examination for admission into top law colleges.
• Candidates need to apply for either national or state level or both for law entrance examination.

BA LLB Eligibility

• A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university. 5% relaxation is available to candidates belonging to reserved category as per Govt of India guidelines
• Final year candidates are also eligible to apply but they must produce their proof of graduation year.

Bachelor of Law in Intellectual Property Rights

LLB Intellectual Property Rights is a 3-year full-time Under graduate course dealing with development, implementation, and enforcement of intellectual property rights which includes copyrights, patents, trademarks, or licenses.

Admission Process

• Admission into LLB Intellectual Property Rights is either based on entrance examination or based on merit.
• Candidates need to apply online through the institute website for admission by filling an application form and submitting the same by paying an application fee along with uploading necessary documents.
• List of finally selected candidates is published in the institute’s website which candidates should follow and approach the institute and make necessary payment of admission fee and book their seats.

Bachelor of Law in Intellectual Property Rights Eligibility 

• Candidates must have obtained at least 45% aggregate marks in graduation.
• Final year candidates are also eligible to apply for such courses, provided they attach necessary proof of document of their year of probable graduation.

Master of Legislative Laws (LLM)

LLM is a 2 year postgraduate degree in law focusing on Legal Research and Methodology, Judicial Process, Constitutionalism etc. with specialization offered in Corporate Law, International Law, Criminal Law, Business Law.

Admission Process 

• Admission into the LLM program is based on performance in entrance examinations namely CLAT, LSAT, IPU CET, DUET, etc.
• Candidates need to apply online through the institute website for admission by filling an application form.
• List of finally selected candidates is published in the institute’s website which candidates should follow and approach the institute and make necessary payment of admission fee and book their seats

How to Become a Real Estate Lawyer Abroad?

Whichever country you are residing in or planning to settle and looking for a career as Real Estate Lawyer, it is mandatory to have completed a graduate program in any discipline. This should be followed by clearing Law School Admissions Test(LSAT) for admission into various degree programs in law namely LLB.

UK 

In the UK it is mandatory to complete 12 years of formal education to pursue any graduate program from any university..

• Law firms or insurance companies in the UK prefer candidates having law degree (LLB) at university or have completed a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) conversion course after completing graduation in any discipline.
• The duration of the courses ranges from 3 years to 1 year.
• Applications are to be submitted online.
• The average course fee is between INR 6 to INR 30.0 lakhs

Admission Process

• Admissions for undergraduate programs are done through UCAS portal while admission for master degree courses is done through the university website.
• Willing candidates must have valid IELTS Score of minimum 6 for admission
• Willing candidates must create a profile in respective website for application process
• Fill the application form with relevant details along with uploading of relevant documents in the website
• Most UK universities prefer TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English Assessment Test as yardstick for English proficiency test for final admission.

Top Colleges

US 

In the USA, both undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available on real estate management. For instance, Wisconsin School of Business offers MS in Real Estate for candidates having bachelor’s degree with business major, at least a year of relevant work experience, GMAT or GRE test scores and a letter of recommendation.

• Most US universities prefer TOEFL score as a standard for English proficiency test for International candidates
• Duration of a bachelor’s course is usually 3 years while masters courses are of 2 years duration.
• Few universities post graduate diploma in real estate management
• The course fee is between INR 15 lakhs to INR 35 lakhs.

Admission Process

• For admission into undergraduate program, candidates must apply through the Common Application portal while for admission into masters course, candidates must apply through university website as per choice
• Some institutes ask for submitting an essay explaining your interest in the program and your professional goals
• Create a profile in the website and log in for application process
• Fill the application form with relevant details along with scores of English proficiency test scores like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GMAT, GRE etc.
• This should be accompanied by a letter of recommendation and work experience if any along with uploading of supporting documents.
• For admission in MS programs, most institutes look for experience certificates in relevant fields.
• Final submission of application form is done by paying requisite application fee.

Top Colleges

Canada

Most institutes in Canada look for non Canadian candidates having valid IELTS or TOEFL score along with a letter of recommendation for admission into any bachelors or post graduate program.

• Canadian universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in real estate management
• The duration of the courses span from 3 years to 1 year for the full-time degree programme while few university’s offer part time courses as well.
• Preference is given to candidates having prior work experience of working with law firms as interns or may have assisted any full time advocates in this field.
• Admission is done through the university websites.
• International students must be fluent in either English or French.

Admission Process

• Both for undergraduate and postgraduate program, candidates must apply through the official website of the institute.
• Create a profile and log in to start the application process
• Fill the application with relevant details along with scores of English proficiency test namely IELTS, TOEFL , PTE etc. Test d'Évaluation de Français, Test de Connaissance du Français, Test de français are few of the French accepted tests.
• This should be accompanied with uploading of relevant personal and educational documents
• Make final submission of application by making payment of application fee.
• Candidates desirous of availing scholarship must submit financial proof.

Top Colleges 

Australia

Australian Universities offer admission into undergraduate courses for International candidates based on performance in 10+2 examination and valid English Proficiency Test score viz IELTS/ TOEFL scores. While a master's program requires a bachelor's degree in law or relevant field and having valid work experience of minimum one year.

• Australia offers bachelors program along with diploma and certificate courses in real estate laws and management namely Bachelor of Property and Real Estate - Bachelor of Laws or Graduate Certificate of Valuation and Property Development
• International applicants must submit one English fluency test score. Accepted tests are IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, PTE Academic, OET etc.
• Though big law firms or insurance companies look for candidates having prior work experience of working under senior lawyer, it is recommended to complete a masters program in real estate viz. Master of Property Development and Project Management
• The average course fee ranges between INR 15.0 to INR 95.0 lakhs.

Top Colleges 

Benefits of Career as Real Estate Lawyer

Below are a few benefits of having a career as a Real Estate Lawyer.

• Salary: Real Estate Lawyers receive decent pays compared to many other professions. On average, a mid level real estate lawyer gets INR 7.0 LPA which is quite decent for a standard living. With hard work and years of work experience the salary of a real estate lawyer can reach as much as INR 40 LPA. Besides satisfactory performance both the parent organizations as well as clients offer lucrative perks which may include holiday packages and other monetary benefits.
• Higher Studies: Candidates who want to be a Real Estate Lawyer can do some professional courses as well as LLM that can help them to scale up the ladder and learn more about the business understanding in the Real Estate Sector. Moreover the profession of a lawyer demands continuous learning, Parliament, Government bodies introduce new rules and regulations, and amend existing laws. Thus it is always beneficial to stay updated about various prevalent and newly introduced laws. In addition, lawyers can complete relevant certificate courses or go for a doctorate program to enhance their knowledge and skill along with growing the habit of going through case studies of existing cases and gathering relevant legal aspects.
• Dynamic Work Environment: The job of a Real Estate Lawyer demands meeting clients from varied strata of the society with varied nature and demands. Dealing with such clients, understanding their issues, negotiating with them, suggesting possible solutions is itself a challenge and adventurous as well. Real Estate Lawyers don’t do 9 AM to 5 PM jobs like other contemporary professionals within the four walls of an office, they need to be mobile, visit clients, visit real estate sites, meet property dealers, visit court for legal proceedings along with usual office work. This can be a learning experience for these professionals to understand human psychology and solve legal issues in a more tactful way.
• Independence at Work: Unlike other contemporary professionals where a hierarchical delegation of work and work culture exists in a corporate, real estate lawyers don’t follow typical hierarchical system of work due to their pattern of work, answerable to themselves only in most of the cases and don’t need to give justification to their superiors for every single detail of their work which gives them the space to breathe and work independently and deal the finished work at the end of the day. The job profile of a real estate lawyer is suitable for candidates who love working independently expecting minimum supervision by their superiors and minimal oversight of scheduled work by management of the company.

Skills Required to Become a Real Estate Lawyer

Following are the skills required to be a good Real Estate Broker.

Salary of a Real Estate Lawyer

The average salary of a fresher Real Estate Lawyer is INR 5,00,000 to INR 5,50,000 whereas for experienced candidates it is INR 15,00,000 to INR 40,00,000. This variance in salary is guided by many factors like job profile, years of work experience, city, gender etc. All salaries have been tabulated below.

City Wise

Job Profile Wise 

Gender Wise Salary