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LLM (Master of Laws) in Real Estate Law

When specialising in Real Estate law, students will be able to learn more about practical legal law in the field of property ownership, property law and real estate, including land tenures, real estate development law and land use laws, to name but a few areas of focus.

A full-time LLM in Real Estate will typically last for one year, while a part-time course may last two years. Several distance learning courses are available and the length of study require for one of these is often flexible.  In some countries and universities an LLM in Real Estate Law will be referred to as an LLM in Property Law.

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LLM in Real Estate Law: who's it for?

LLM in Real Estate LawLLM Real Estate courses are a natural progression for any recent law school graduate who is looking to deepen their knowledge in all aspects of real estate law. After successful completion of the course, lawyers will gain a deeper understanding of property law and be able to offer specialist services within this field.

Where can you study an LLM in Real Estate Law

There are a range of educational facilities that offer a LLM in Real Estate Law, with many being located in the United States. There are approximately 40 large educational institutions that offer LLM programs in Real Estate Law. Some of the largest and most-respected law schools offering this specialism include the Florida Coastal School of Law, The University of Los Angeles, The University of Oklahoma, and City University of Hong Kong. Harvard Law School also offers a one-year, full-time LLM program that includes Real Estate Law as a study option – and this course is typically open to 180 students per year. Other universities which offer this course include the New York Law School, The University of Southern California, the Western New England University and Hofstra University. In Australia, Queensland University has a one-year LLM program in Real Estate Law, while The University of South Africa also provides a full-time course for students.

All major universities that offer Master of Laws programs in Real Estate Law have programs that are open to both local and international students.

What qualifications do you need to study an LLM in Real Estate Law?

The exact qualification that you need in order to be able to take a Master of Laws in Real Estate Law will vary depending on the educational institute that you decide to apply to. For most universities, it is required that you have successfully completed an undergraduate law degree. Some universities may require that you have had a minimum two of three years working in the legal industry before you apply. Harvard Law School have one of the toughest application systems, where over 1,600 applicants compete for just 180 spots. They require that students provide grades, letters of recommendation and a list personal interests as well as professional and personal accomplishments. They also require applications to have experience working as a judicial clerk, or as a practitioner in a public agency or private company.

Student case study

Arnold Kwesiga from Uganda studied his LLM at Notre Dame Law School. He states that the professors there are invested in your learning, and that you have the option to pick and choose specialist subject within LLM law.

Career advancement

Lawyers specialising in Real Estate LLM may be able to move onto real estate careers catering for corporates, financial institutions, institutional investors and property developers.

It is possible to work for both a private or public legal firm when undertaking real estate work.

Real Estate Law lowdown

1. There are approximately 2 million active real estate lawyers operating in the United States alone.

2. Many real estate lawyers have the ability to set their own schedules.

3. LLM Real Estate courses can also integrate energy and natural resources content, which is beneficial for people looking to extend their knowledge in sustainable development.

Famous faces

With growing interest in this sector, several famous faces are taking up real estate law in order to move into the world of property development, including David Hasselhoff and even Ice T.

Recommended reading

For further reading we recommend:

Real Estate Law by Raymond J Webber

Practical Real Estate Law by Daniel F Hinker

Real Estate and Property Law for Paralegals by Neal R Bevans

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