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Real Estate Lawyer Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

|

12 min read

Nail your next job with our real estate lawyer resume guide: craft a winning CV that stands out in the property market and makes you the "legal eagle" of real estate law.

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Crafting the perfect real estate lawyer resume can be as tricky as closing a complex property deal. You face unique challenges, such as highlighting diverse skills and experiences, while also making your resume stand out in a competitive job market. You may wonder how to weigh your transactional savvy against your litigation expertise, or how to demonstrate compliance know-how without cluttering your resume. Your resume needs to cut through the noise, showing potential employers that you’re the right fit for their firm. Balancing specificity with brevity is key, and that’s no small task for any real estate lawyer.

A well-crafted resume template is your foundation, ensuring that your experience and skills are presented clearly and effectively. This helps you emphasize the right points, keeping your resume concise and to the point while also organized.

Discover how our collection of over 700 resume examples can guide you to build a compelling resume.

Key Takeaways

  • The resume should clearly illustrate your legal expertise, particularly in property laws, and highlight successful case outcomes with specifics like advanced certifications, property types experienced, and client testimonials.
  • A resume crafted with a chronological format is essential, showcasing significant sections such as Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Licenses and Certifications, and Skills.
  • The experience section should focus on significant achievements using quantifiable results and impactful action words, clearly illustrating the impact of your contributions in previous roles.
  • Your Education section should list relevant degrees, prominent academic institutions, and impressive GPAs, ensuring you only include information pertinent to the real estate law field.
  • Including a certificates section for relevant certifications from recognized bodies adds credibility and demonstrates continued professional development.

What to focus on when writing your real estate lawyer resume

Your real estate lawyer resume should clearly show your legal expertise, a strong understanding of property laws, and a record of successful case outcomes. You should highlight your skills in contract negotiations, due diligence, and dispute resolution. To boost your impact, include:

  • Specific cases or transactions you handled
  • Any advanced certifications or specializations
  • Your experience with different property types
  • Client testimonials or notable endorsements

These details give a compelling picture of your qualifications and ability to deliver results.

Must have information on your real estate lawyer resume

Crafting a resume for a real estate lawyer requires a precise approach to highlight your qualifications and expertise. Ensure your document includes the following essential sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Licenses and Certifications
  • Skills

Additional sections like Professional Affiliation and Publications can further enhance your resume's appeal. Tailoring each section to your real estate law background will help you stand out to potential employers.

Which resume format to choose

For a real estate lawyer resume, a chronological format is best since it highlights your extensive experience and career progression, which is crucial in this industry. Modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat can give your resume a fresh look, distinguishing it from the dated feel of Arial or Times New Roman. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact. Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides to keep the document clean and readable. Use clear section headings like "Experience" and "Education" to help the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) easily find and rank your qualifications.

Your real estate lawyer resume should have these essential sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications
  • Professional Affiliations

Resume Mentor's free resume builder simplifies this entire process, making it easy for you to create a professional-looking resume that stands out.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

Crafting the experience section of your real estate lawyer resume can be challenging but rewarding. This section truly speaks to your skills, expertise, and accomplishments. The right order and structure can make a substantial difference.

Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Typically, the last 10-15 years of experience are most relevant. Ensure to include your job title, the name of the organization, location, and dates of employment for each entry. It's vital to tailor your resume to fit the job you’re applying for. Highlight experiences that align closely with the role descriptions.

Use impactful action words to demonstrate your accomplishments vividly. Words like "achieved," "led," "managed," and "improved" carry weight. Focus on what you achieved in each position rather than listing responsibilities. Numbers, where applicable, can demonstrate your impact clearly.

Experience
Real Estate Lawyer
Smith & Associates
New York, NY
A mid-sized law firm specializing in real estate and commercial law.
  • Handled various real estate transactions.
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts.
  • Performed due diligence.
Associate Lawyer
Doe & Partners
Los Angeles, CA
A top-tier commercial law firm.
  • Worked on commercial contracts.
  • Negotiated leases and purchase agreements.
  • Conducted property research.

The first example lists responsibilities vaguely and fails to demonstrate the impact. Phrases like “Handled various transactions” do not provide specific achievements or quantifiable outcomes. Without details, it’s challenging for potential employers to understand your true capabilities.

Here's an improved version:

Experience
Real Estate Lawyer
Smith & Associates
New York, NY
Company Description
  • Successfully managed 150+ residential and commercial property transactions, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
  • Negotiate and draft contracts, reducing client costs by 15% annually.
  • Led due diligence efforts on high-profile deals exceeding $10 million.
Associate Lawyer
Doe & Partners
Los Angeles, CA
Company Description
  • Overhauled leasing processes for a major client, shortening cycle time by 30%.
  • Closed over $5 million in property deals with zero legal disputes.
  • Conducted in-depth property research that prevented three potential legal conflicts.

This version focuses on achievements with clear, quantifiable results. Specific figures like "150+ transactions" and "20% increase in client satisfaction" demonstrate your effectiveness. Highlighting these achievements shows potential employers the difference you made in previous roles. These entries not only detail actions but also the impact, which is highly persuasive.

Real estate lawyer resume experience examples

Well, aren't you a legal eagle! In this section, we'll dive into the fabulous world of crafting a resume for a real estate lawyer. Let’s ensure your career story is less "Case Closed" and more "Winning Streak."

Achievement-focused

Highlight your standout accomplishments in your career. This approach can help you shine as a top-notch real estate lawyer by showcasing your most significant wins.

Work Experience

Real Estate Lawyer

Smith & Johnson Law Firm

2017-2022

  • Secured a $5 million property transaction, the largest in the firm's history
  • Won several key zoning law cases leading to client satisfaction and additional contracts
  • Recognized as 'Lawyer of the Year' by the State Bar Association

Skills-focused

Emphasize your relevant skills to demonstrate your expertise and capabilities. This helps ensure you stand out as someone who can handle complex real estate transactions and legal challenges.

Work Experience

Senior Real Estate Counsel

Greenfield & Sons Law Group

2018-2021

  • Expert in real estate contract drafting and negotiation
  • Skilled in zoning and land use law
  • Proficient in real estate litigation and dispute resolution

Responsibility-focused

Showcase your key duties and responsibilities at your former jobs to highlight your competency and reliability as a real estate lawyer.

Work Experience

Real Estate Attorney

Harrison & Co. Law

2015-2020

  • Guided clients through all stages of commercial real estate transactions
  • Advised clients on complex lease agreements and property management issues
  • Oversaw due diligence for property acquisitions

Project-focused

Detail your work on major projects to demonstrate your ability to handle significant tasks and responsibilities. Highlighting your involvement in key projects can set you apart.

Work Experience

Project Lead, Real Estate Law

Douglas & Main Legal

2019-2022

  • Led a multi-million dollar commercial property development project
  • Coordinated with municipal authorities for zoning approvals
  • Managed a team of lawyers and paralegals to ensure timely project completion

Result-focused

Pointing out the results you've achieved gives potential employers a clear idea of the value you can bring. Focus on the outcomes of your work and how they benefited your clients.

Work Experience

Real Estate Legal Advisor

Tillman & Partners

2016-2021

  • Increased firm’s revenue by 30% through successful litigation strategies
  • Successfully reduced client litigation costs by 15%
  • Closed deals worth over $50 million in total property transactions

Industry-Specific Focus

Place emphasis on your experience specifically within real estate law to ensure it is clear you’re highly specialized in this area. This specialty makes you a unique asset.

Work Experience

Real Estate Legal Specialist

Eagle Law Group

2014-2020

  • Specialized in commercial leasing and real estate investment
  • Provided expert advice on property acquisitions in compliance with state laws
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on real estate regulations and market trends

Problem-Solving Focused

Showcase your problem-solving abilities to prove your capacity to overcome challenges and provide effective solutions for your clients.

Work Experience

Real Estate Dispute Resolution Lawyer

Watson & Clarke

2017-2022

  • Resolved complex property disputes saving clients over $1 million in potential losses
  • Developed strategies for conflict de-escalation and resolution
  • Offered innovative solutions to settle boundary and zoning disputes

Innovation-focused

Illustrate your forward-thinking strategies and how you've applied innovative practices to real estate law. Employers value creative problem solvers.

Work Experience

Innovative Real Estate Lawyer

BrightLaw Associates

2016-2021

  • Developed an automated contract review system, increasing efficiency by 20%
  • Introduced new due diligence processes that improved accuracy
  • Pioneered a client portal for easier document management

Leadership-focused

Highlight your leadership roles and your ability to guide and manage teams effectively. Strong leadership is a key quality for any successful real estate lawyer.

Work Experience

Lead Real Estate Counsel

Parker & Tench

2015-2020

  • Managed a team of 10 lawyers and support staff
  • Led quarterly performance reviews, improving team productivity
  • Conducted training sessions on new real estate laws and regulations

Customer-focused

Demonstrate your commitment to client satisfaction by highlighting your ability to meet their needs and provide exceptional service.

Work Experience

Client Service Real Estate Lawyer

BlueSky Law

2018-2022

  • Resolved client issues promptly, maintaining a 98% satisfaction rate
  • Customized legal strategies to fit client needs and goals
  • Established long-term client relationships leading to repeat business

Growth-focused

Showcase how your efforts contributed to the growth of the company or client portfolio. Employers want to see that you can drive success and expansion.

Work Experience

Growth-Oriented Real Estate Lawyer

Eagle & Clarke LLP

2015-2020

  • Expanded firm's client base by 40% through strategic networking and referrals
  • Grew firm's real estate law division by 30% annually
  • Secured partnerships with key real estate developers

Efficiency-focused

Show how you've made processes more efficient to drive better outcomes. Efficiency is crucial in legal work to save time and costs.

Work Experience

Efficient Real Estate Lawyer

Riverside Legal Group

2017-2021

  • Streamlined due diligence processes, reducing time by 20%
  • Introduced simplified forms, improving client onboarding efficiency
  • Implemented digital tools to enhance document management

Technology-focused

Embrace your technological prowess to show you're not just a skilled lawyer but also tech-savvy. This can position you as a versatile asset in a modern legal environment.

Work Experience

Tech-Savvy Real Estate Attorney

TechLaw Associates

2016-2021

  • Integrated AI-driven contract analysis tools to enhance accuracy
  • Used cloud-based platforms for more efficient case management
  • Implemented e-signature processes, reducing contract finalization times

Collaboration-focused

Prove you’re a team player by emphasizing your ability to work effectively with others. Collaboration is key to achieving great results in legal work.

Work Experience

Collaborative Real Estate Lawyer

Union Legal Advisors

2018-2022

  • Worked with cross-functional teams to close high-value real estate deals
  • Collaborated with municipal bodies for regulatory approvals
  • Partnered with financial advisors to offer comprehensive client solutions

Training and Development focused

Showcase your experience in training and developing others. Demonstrating your ability to educate and mentor can highlight your leadership and expertise.

Work Experience

Real Estate Law Trainer

Elite Legal Training Institute

2017-2021

  • Trained junior lawyers on real estate regulations and practices
  • Developed a comprehensive training program for new hires
  • Organized monthly workshops on legal updates for the team

Write your real estate lawyer resume summary section

When crafting your resume summary as a real estate lawyer, consider it your first impression. Make it engaging yet concise. Highlight your key achievements and the skills that set you apart from other candidates. Ensure the summary is tailored to the job you are applying for, focusing on what makes you uniquely qualified. Avoid jargon and keep it readable.

To describe yourself in the resume summary, focus on your core competencies, relevant experience, and any notable accomplishments. Being specific about your role in past successes will help you stand out. Use action verbs to showcase your achievements and maintain a professional tone.

The difference between a summary and a resume objective is that the summary focuses on your past accomplishments and skills, while an objective states your career goals. A resume profile offers a brief introduction, often including a mix of skills and achievements, whereas a summary of qualifications lists your skills and experiences.

Example 1:

SUMMARY
I am a real estate lawyer with a lot of experience. I have worked in many different kinds of real estate law. I am good at my job, and I am a hard worker.

This summary is bad because it is vague and lacks specificity. It does not provide concrete examples or achievements, making it hard for recruiters to gauge your qualifications. Terms like "a lot of experience" and "good at my job" are not convincing without specific details.

Example 2:

SUMMARY
Seasoned real estate lawyer with 10 years of experience in commercial and residential transactions. Successfully closed over 150 deals, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Adept at contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and client representation. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail and strong advocacy skills.

This summary is good because it is specific and highlights your key accomplishments. It mentions the number of years of experience, the types of transactions handled, and the number of deals closed. Your expertise in contract negotiations and dispute resolution is clear, and you emphasize your attention to detail and advocacy skills. This makes you an attractive candidate to hiring managers.

Listing your real estate lawyer skills on your resume

When writing the skills section for your real estate lawyer resume, you can choose to have it as a standalone section or integrate your skills into other sections, such as your experience and summary. Highlighting your strengths and soft skills is crucial, as they showcase your ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues. Hard skills refer to the specific, technical abilities that are directly related to your job performance, like legal knowledge and research capabilities.

Incorporating skills and strengths into your resume not only shows prospective employers what you can do but also serves as resume keywords. These keywords are essential for passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catching the attention of hiring managers.

Example of a standalone skills section:

Skills
Contract Drafting
Real Estate Transactions
Title Examination
Land Use and Zoning
Litigation
Lease Negotiations
Due Diligence
Regulatory Compliance

This skills section is good because it lists specific and relevant skill sets for a real estate lawyer. Each skill is related to core job responsibilities, making it easier for recruiters to see your proficiency. The section is compact but comprehensive, ensuring you highlight essential skills without overwhelming the reader.

Best hard skills to feature on your real estate lawyer resume

Hard skills are the specific, teachable abilities you need for the job. They show you can perform the technical aspects of your work effectively. For a real estate lawyer, these should demonstrate your ability to handle legal matters related to real estate seamlessly. These skills should communicate your expertise and readiness for the role.

Hard Skills

  • Contract Drafting
  • Real Estate Transactions
  • Title Examination
  • Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation
  • Lease Negotiations
  • Due Diligence
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Management
  • Real Estate Financing
  • Property Law
  • Negotiation
  • Legal Research
  • Document Review
  • Arbitration

Best soft skills to feature on your real estate lawyer resume

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with others. As a real estate lawyer, these skills should communicate your ability to handle clients, work in a team, and manage stress. They show that you can work well under various circumstances and are an asset to any team.

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Team Collaboration
  • Leadership
  • Client Management
  • Professionalism
  • Negotiation Skills
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking

How to include your education on your resume

An education section is an important part of your resume, particularly when applying for a specialized role like a real estate lawyer. Tailoring this section to the job you're applying for is crucial — irrelevant education should be omitted. When including your GPA on your resume, list it if it's impressive or relevant to the role. If you graduated with honors such as cum laude, it's essential to list that achievement prominently.

To list a degree on your resume, start with the degree title, followed by the institution name, location, and the years attended.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
State University

The bad example is poorly written because it lists an irrelevant degree and a low GPA, which doesn't support the qualifications for a real estate lawyer role. This could mislead the employer and take up valuable space on your resume.

Education
Juris Doctor
Harvard Law School
GPA: 3.8
3.8
/
4.0

The good example demonstrates an outstanding education section for a real estate lawyer role. It lists a relevant degree from a prestigious institution with an impressive GPA. This concise presentation showcases qualifications that support the job application.

How to include real estate lawyer certificates on your resume

Incorporating a certificates section in your real estate lawyer resume is crucial. Certificates signify your expertise and specialized skills. You can list relevant certifications directly in the main body or include them in the header for quick visibility. To effectively add a certificates section, list the name of each certificate clearly. Include the date of obtaining the certificate to show your recent training. Add the issuing organization to give credibility. For instance, a header could look like this:

Certificates
Certified Real Estate Law Specialist
American Bar Association
Real Property Law Certification
National Association of Legal Professionals

This example is effective because it lists certifications pertinent to real estate law, enhancing the resume's focus and appeal. Certifying bodies like the American Bar Association and the National Association of Legal Professionals are well-recognized, adding credibility to your expertise. The chronological detail of certifications presents a professional growth story, further solidifying your qualifications for a real estate lawyer position. This makes it easy for recruiters to see your commitment and skills at a glance.

Extra sections to include in your real estate lawyer resume

Crafting a resume as a real estate lawyer can be a meticulous task. Your resume should showcase both your professional skills and unique traits that set you apart. Including extra sections like language skills, hobbies, volunteer work, and books can elevate the quality of your resume. Here’s how you can incorporate these sections effectively:

  • Language section — Highlight your language skills to display your versatility. Indicate fluency in multiple languages to show you can work with diverse clients.
  • Hobbies and interests section — Use this section to share personal interests that can humanize your resume. Mention activities that demonstrate problem-solving skills or teamwork.
  • Volunteer work section — Emphasize your involvement in volunteer work to exhibit your commitment to community service. Outline pro bono work or legal aid services you have provided.
  • Books section — List influential books you have read to show your commitment to continuous learning. Focus on books that are relevant to law or personal development.

Tailoring these additional sections will make your resume more compelling and reflect you as a well-rounded individual. It not only highlights professional prowess but also a rich personal background.

Pair your real estate lawyer resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a brief document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It introduces you to potential employers, highlighting key skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants by showcasing your personality and enthusiasm for the role.

For a real estate lawyer, the cover letter should focus on your relevant legal experience, understanding of property law, and successful case history. Detail any noteworthy transactions, negotiations, or litigations you’ve been a part of. Emphasize your ability to provide top-notch legal advice to clients and your track record of closing deals efficiently. It’s also beneficial to note any particular skills in contract drafting, property management, or dispute resolution.

Ready to create your impactful cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for a simple and efficient experience. Export your polished cover letter to PDF to ensure your content and formatting stay intact. Start now and give your application the professional edge it deserves!

Chloe Martinez

Washington, D.C.

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

With a deep understanding of renewable energy transactions and a commitment to sustainable development, I am drawn to the [Company Name]'s mission of advancing clean energy solutions and am eager to contribute to your legal team.

During my tenure at Duke Energy, I successfully led a complex $300M wind farm acquisition. My role involved negotiating terms, ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations, and streamlining project timelines, all of which culminated in a 20% reduction in project completion time. This experience has honed my abilities in contract negotiation, due diligence, and regulatory compliance, making me well-suited to address the challenges and opportunities that come with large-scale renewable energy projects.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and certifications align with the needs of your organization. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]'s ongoing success in the renewable energy sector. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview.

Sincerely,

Chloe Martinez

Real Estate Lawyer
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