How Do I Become a Real Estate Paralegal?

Real estate paralegals help close sales of real property.

Real estate paralegals often work with closing law firms, title companies or mortgage lending institutions. They can concentrate in residential or commercial real estate or both. Most real estate paralegals work on every aspect of a file--from preclosing to closing to postclosing--clearing title issues, preparing legal documents and handling disbursement of funds.

Instructions

1. Get a two- or four-year college degree. This is not required, but it can help get your foot in the door with a real estate law firm.

2. Earn a paralegal certificate from a program approved by the American Bar Association. This is a good way to get some exposure to a career as a paralegal. Every reputable program will spend some time covering real estate law.

3. Join a local paralegal organization and get involved in its activities. Many state bar associations also have a division for paralegals. These organizations are a great place to meet potential employers and to network with other professionals in the field.

4. Offer to volunteer your paralegal services at local Legal Aid offices. These groups are always looking for pro bono (free) legal assistance, and real estate cases are commonly handled. This is a way to get some real world experience in the industry.

5. Prepare a resume that focuses on your education, work history and professional associations. Draft a one-page cover letter that discusses why you would be an excellent real estate paralegal. Send these documents to ads for entry-level paralegals or real estate paralegals.

6. Use the yellow pages to research real estate law firms or title companies in your area. Call to find out the name of the hiring manager at each business and send your resume and cover letter.

Tips & Warnings

• Real estate paralegals can increase their job opportunity potential by learning to use specific closing package preparation software like LandTech or SoftPro.

• Be sure to familiarize yourself with unauthorized practice of law, or UPL, statutes in the state where you will be working as a real estate paralegal. There are often specific requirements regarding what a paralegal can or can't do.

References

• Legal Criminal Justice Schools: Real Estate Paralegal
• Bureau of Labor Staistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook - Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• ABA: Standing Committee on Paralegals

Resources

• AROJ: Real Estate Paralegal Resume