Anyone who wishes to become a short sale lawyer must complete the required education and pass the necessary examinations. Once licensed, a lawyer must gain experience working in the field of real estate law. In the United States, the path required to become a short sale lawyer will take many years and much dedication.
The first step for an individual who wishes to become a short sale lawyer is to complete an undergraduate degree. Almost all law schools require applicants to submit transcripts showing completion of a bachelor's degree program in order to be considered for law school. There is no particular major required for acceptance into law school; however, if the ultimate goal is to become a short sale lawyer, then an undergraduate background in business would be a good choice.
Upon completion of an undergraduate degree program, an aspiring lawyer must apply to law school. A high score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) will help an applicant's chances of being accepted to the law school of his or her choice. Law school programs are three-year, full-time courses of study. A successful law school student will graduate with a Juris Doctorate degree. While in law school, a student who plans to become a short sale lawyer should take advanced courses in property and contracts law.
After graduation from law school, all lawyers must become licensed in the state, or states, where they plan to practice law. State licensing requirements may vary slightly, but all states require applicants to pass the bar examination and the multi-state professional responsibility examination (MPRE). In addition, each state does some type of character and fitness background investigation into applicants for a law license.
Contrary to what many people believe, lawyers do not specialize while in law school in any particular area of the law. In order for a lawyer to gain a reputation as experienced in a particular area of the law, he or she must gain practical experience practicing in that area of the law. There are often opportunities while still in law school to gain experience, such as summer internships or part-time jobs during the school year. After graduation, a lawyer who plans to focus on issues relating to short sales should attempt to find employment with a mortgage company, a real estate company, or a law firm that specializes in real estate law. Many mortgage companies or real estate companies have in-house counsel who do nothing but advise and represent the company in real estate transactions.
