The three previous categories of non-legal work in business and industry, now frequently performed by legally trained persons, may vary somewhat from corporation to corporation, but the same basic operation will be common to all. In the real estate area, however, functions may vary widely according to the nature of the company's business. Detailed description of all the various activities that might be performed would result in a volume several times the size of this one. Rather, a review of some of the more common aspects of this activity should set your imagination working regarding other interesting possibilities.
Petroleum and gas producers, wood products and paper producers, and all types of mining operations are examples of types of industries that rely on control through lease or purchase of substantial tracts of real estate to produce the natural resources upon which the industry is based. Once a company has decided on the parcels it wishes to acquire, individuals, usually lawyers, are sent out to directly negotiate with property owners for the purchase or leasing of the property. These positions, known variously as land representatives, lease agents, or similar titles, are often entry level positions.
These individuals negotiate and renegotiate such agreements as leases, options and realty contracts covering such activities as exploration, drilling and producing activities and work out royalty payments with the land owners. Obviously, as the holdings desired increase in size and value, senior members of the real estate office with in-depth experience in this work will also be involved.
One of the important functions of a real estate department involves condemnations and other public takings in which the department will be involved in negotiations with public officials and working with the law department and outside counsel.
Backing up this activity will be a leasing department which directs the entire operation including studying the leases bought and prices paid, plus negotiating with competing companies in order to determine the expenditure necessary to obtain leases and other contracts in the desired areas. Final decisions will be made on all agreements and contracts for purchase, sale and acquisition of land leases in mineral and royalty rights, plus the determination and specifics of the date of termination of lease rentals.
Following up on this activity will be the department that supervises the payments on and fulfillment terms of leases and contracts, the maintenance of files and records and the preparation of reports on subjects such as lease expiration dates, disposition of lease purchases, and rentals due. Making sure of a clear title may be required in any of these areas. Somewhat similar activities must also be undertaken by pipeline companies and utilities in bringing their products to market.
All of the business concerns just mentioned, plus almost every other industry, will have real estate people who are responsible for the administration of corporate and divisional land usage. This can involve the acquisition of land sites for new buildings, purchasing land parcels adjacent to plants, community protection, disposing of surplus land and arranging for short and long-term leases. This activity may even include the accumulation of data involved in site selection. During construction, right-of-way for utility lines and pipe lines may be necessary. The roads, bridges, and utility systems that must be maintained during that time will have to be determined and negotiations undertaken for access routes and restoration of roads and surfaces.
In all these areas there is a high degree of utilization of that part of the training of the law student in the art of assembling and analyzing facts. Furthermore, the better than average aptitude of those who decide on the law as a career for negotiation is important in real estate activities.
For corporations with substantial real estate activity, it is not at all unusual for the senior members of the department to be required to be lawyers in order that they may undertake the drafting of leases and contracts, lease amendments and modification agreements and subleases. Often they may be required to furnish opinions regarding what legal steps, if any, are to be taken on such matters as zoning, variations from restrictions imposed by various governmental authorities, law suits, etc. They may also be involved in hearings before planning boards, city and town councils, zoning boards and boards of appeals to obtain approvals for various matters requiring special handling. Corporations with lesser activity in the real estate area usually find that this activity can comfortably be handled within the legal department.
Merchandising concerns and those industries that market their products directly to the public, plus franchising organizations, may be involved in the purchase or leasing of shopping center facilities or retail outlets and the disposal of obsolete or unprofitable units.
In some industries with extensive dealerships, buy-outs and take-overs of dealer property is a specialized activity which involves agreements to sell and purchase, leases, sale contracts, releases, stock certificates, exchanges, inventory agreements and settlements. Because of the individuality of these arrangements, most of the documents must be specially prepared and tailored to cover the particular situation.
One corporate activity that is extremely difficult to classify is the responsibility for the insurance of the real property assets which it holds against loss and damage. Classification is less important, however, than the company's very real need to develop, monitor and maintain the appropriate and vital coverage.
Banks and other financial institutions are involved in loan programs covering everything from modest single family dwellings to huge real estate development projects. Some financial institutions and insurance companies are heavily involved in real estate investment programs. Independent real estate development projects may be of substantial size. These projects not only involve the original development, but may involve sales and leasing for occupancy. The nature of the work in all of these areas is such that lawyer skills are increasingly proving to be advantageous to effective job performance.
An important function which those with legal training can play in banks and other financial institutions is the reading, analysis, commenting on, on occasion, and assisting in the observance of a myriad of federal and state rules and regulations. Quite usually, the responsibility for keeping track of such rules and regulations is assigned to those with legal training, who may also have responsibility for seeing that the rules and regulations are understood and adhered to.
Substantially different from the real estate activities of most corporations and financial institutions is the title insurance company which uses large numbers of lawyers in all phases of its operation such as title examination and the issuance of policies. In contrast to these numbers, there are only a few lawyers who have found a happy niche handling the real estate news in newspapers and magazines, as well as in business publications.
To check out what options that a lawyer has in the real estate field, go to https://www.lawcrossing.com/jobs/pa-real-estate-jt-attorney-jobs.html
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published December 21, 2012
By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search 
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration law
- Workers’ compensation
- Insurance defense
- Family law
- Trusts & estates
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched—see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were “too experienced” to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.
? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Alternative Summary
Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.
More about Harrison
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