My future in Real Estate
Hello all,

I am an intern at my local commercial real estate firm and have been thinking about my future in real estate. I have worked in property management for almost 7 months as an assist and have just recently moved to the more commercial side of things, assisting agents in our office with everyday tasks. I should be officially licensed as a sales person in coming week. I graduate in December and have been accepted to law school, my dream has been to be a closing attorney. Since I started working in the office, brokerage has really peaked my interest as the head broker in my office has taken me under his wing and has taught me a lot. I have been contemplating law school recently, and was wondering if anyone has heard of a closing attorney who is also a broker within a separate firm. I know that degrees really don't stand out as much as actual experience does, I do not plan to ever stop practicing and studying commercial real estate. Is a JD any helpful in the world of commercial real estate and if so, is it possible to be a closing attorney and be a broker, owing a firm at the same time?
[{"id": "e76mrwn", "text": "We have a due diligence employee who is pretty similar to a closing attorney although we outsource really specific items to different attorneys sometimes. My dad is also a closing attorney and has been for the past 30 years. To be Blount, there is no way in hell either of them have the bandwidth to also be a broker. That being said, that is their primary job so idk how much more bandwidth one would have if they worked at a super small firm and could go between being a closing attorney when the deals are flowing and a broker during the other times. Hope this helps ", "replies": [{"id": "e76n2we", "text": "Makes a lot of sense. My father is a civil attorney and I've always looked up to him, although I would love to do something in real estate in my future. It does seem to be very burdening to try to balance both. Thank you.", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e76rwk3", "text": "Have a solid background in law is VERY much helpful in CRE but not needed.  I have been in CRE for over 30 years and my own firm since 1998.  Learning CRE through the brokerage eyes can teach you a lot about investing.  Although I am a licensed, I rarely act as one.  I spend the majority of my time in investing/buying CRE.  My knowledge of CRE comes from brokerage as well as \"doing\".  Learn the CRE business with a focus on understanding why people invest (buy) and why the sell CRE.  Combine that with some legal knowledge and you can become very wealthy.  Dont fall into the same trap that many attorneys do.  Become strong in math and finance.  Most attorneys are not strong in math or finance and that holds them back in CRE.  Have a STRONG understanding of math and finance and you will be  ok!  Hope this helps.  ", "replies": [{"id": "e76sb7p", "text": "Thank you so much for the feedback. I completely agree, especially about the math. Would you say that a JD is more valuable than a CCIM or SIOR designation?", "replies": [{"id": "e77v94k", "text": "I strongly suggest a CCIM so that it will strengthen your CRE math skills.  Im not very familiar with SIOR so I cant comment on that designation.  I hold several designations within the main field I deal in (retail centers and single tenant properties and a little bit of industrial).  Depending on where you are in the country (or where you will be doing the majority of your business) will determine how much legal knowledge you need.  For example, CA is VERY litigious and requires a lot of legal knowledge. Other parts of the country are not very litigious (mid west, north and south east etc) and you dont need much legal knowledge.  In summary, If I could only have one strength, Math or Legal, I would take Math all day long.  I can buy the legal help but I dont trust anyone to do my math work.  Hope I answered your question. ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e76v24z", "text": "Please research Paul Campos and google \u201claw school scam\u201d before you choose law school. \n\nLaw school is a waste of money. Here are three links to get you started. \n[Atlantic Article ](https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/09/the-law-school-scam/375069/) \n\n[Campos Blog](http://insidethelawschoolscam.blogspot.com/?m=1) \n\n[JD Underground ](https://www.jdunderground.com/law/) \n\nHere\u2019s one more you should look at:\n[NYT article](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2016/06/19/business/dealbook/an-expensive-law-degree-and-no-place-to-use-it.amp.html) \n\nIf, after doing your research, you still want to go to law school only pick a T14 law school. \n\nIf I had to do it over again I would have done just what you\u2019re doing now. Keep your debt low and start with the best commercial firm in the largest market in your state. Better yet, do this in LA, New York, or some other major coastal city. \n\n\n\n", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e76vss8", "text": "I know quite a few jd\u2019s that are brokers.  They are extremely successful.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "e78ddkc", "text": "Hello guys,\n\nI have been stuck in similar situation. I currently have no experience in Real Estate but i have some family member involve it and grabs my attention all the time. I have also done a paralegal certificate course. I just needed some feedback on this situation.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]