3 answers
Ava
Student
Scottsdale, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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Do I focus on making more connections in law or in real estate?
I'm currently a pre-law freshman at Grand Canyon University, and in the future, I plan on becoming a zoning attorney. Zoning attorney is a mix of both real estate and law, but I am not sure which field I should prioritize, or it should be an equal balance of both. #Spring25
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3 answers
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
171
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Ava:
As a freshman you should just worry about learning new things in as many subjects as possible to become a well rounded, informed person. Law school will teach you all about the law - not just real estate. Another subject may catch your interest and change your plans.
Zoning law is political as well as legal. In Arizona you have water rights and farmers rights and communities rights to balance. These interest are not an easy balance. Therefore, I'd suggest as a freshman you learn as much as you can about as much as you can because it will help you connect with the people you need to connect with. Learn about farming, learn community planning, learn about water and where it can be found and used. Law school teaches you about all aspects of the law - you need that to pass the bar. I had (let it go) a real estate license in 2 states. That just teaches the basics of contracts and basic real estate closings. So Ava, at this point the best thing for you to do is just be you and learn as much as you can so you can put them all together after you pass the bar. Good luck!
As a freshman you should just worry about learning new things in as many subjects as possible to become a well rounded, informed person. Law school will teach you all about the law - not just real estate. Another subject may catch your interest and change your plans.
Zoning law is political as well as legal. In Arizona you have water rights and farmers rights and communities rights to balance. These interest are not an easy balance. Therefore, I'd suggest as a freshman you learn as much as you can about as much as you can because it will help you connect with the people you need to connect with. Learn about farming, learn community planning, learn about water and where it can be found and used. Law school teaches you about all aspects of the law - you need that to pass the bar. I had (let it go) a real estate license in 2 states. That just teaches the basics of contracts and basic real estate closings. So Ava, at this point the best thing for you to do is just be you and learn as much as you can so you can put them all together after you pass the bar. Good luck!
Robert Andersen
Project Management
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Robert’s Answer
As a zoning attorney, you need a solid grasp of real estate and law. Here are some tips to help you balance your focus:
1. Legal Knowledge: You must understand legal principles, especially those about land use, zoning rules, and property law. Courses in administrative, environmental, and municipal law are particularly useful.
2. Real Estate Expertise: Knowing about real estate practices, market trends, and property development is just as important. This knowledge helps you see how zoning laws impact real estate projects.
3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Zoning law benefits from an interdisciplinary view. Consider courses in urban planning, public policy, and economics to broaden your perspective.
4. Internships and Research: Find internships or research opportunities in zoning cases or real estate projects. This practical experience shows how the two fields connect in real life.
5. Networking: Meet professionals in both real estate and law. Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to gain industry insights and build connections.
6. Mentorship: Find mentors who are experienced zoning attorneys. They can guide you on balancing your focus and share what has worked for them.
In the end, a balanced approach is likely most effective, as zoning law requires understanding both legal and real estate aspects.
1. Legal Knowledge: You must understand legal principles, especially those about land use, zoning rules, and property law. Courses in administrative, environmental, and municipal law are particularly useful.
2. Real Estate Expertise: Knowing about real estate practices, market trends, and property development is just as important. This knowledge helps you see how zoning laws impact real estate projects.
3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Zoning law benefits from an interdisciplinary view. Consider courses in urban planning, public policy, and economics to broaden your perspective.
4. Internships and Research: Find internships or research opportunities in zoning cases or real estate projects. This practical experience shows how the two fields connect in real life.
5. Networking: Meet professionals in both real estate and law. Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to gain industry insights and build connections.
6. Mentorship: Find mentors who are experienced zoning attorneys. They can guide you on balancing your focus and share what has worked for them.
In the end, a balanced approach is likely most effective, as zoning law requires understanding both legal and real estate aspects.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
647
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ava,
I am impressed that you already have such a specific career goal. But, of course, that's a few years away, and in the meantime you might find another field of law more interesting.
For your undergraduate degree I would recommend to strengthen skills that you will need as a lawyer and give you background and context in society.
Lawyers read and write a lot, they need to grasp content quickly and interpret it. They need logical thinking and negotiation skills. They need to speak and present in a clear and convincing way. First majors that come to mind are communication, political science, history and English. Go for something that you'll enjoy and that is reading and writing intensive.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I am impressed that you already have such a specific career goal. But, of course, that's a few years away, and in the meantime you might find another field of law more interesting.
For your undergraduate degree I would recommend to strengthen skills that you will need as a lawyer and give you background and context in society.
Lawyers read and write a lot, they need to grasp content quickly and interpret it. They need logical thinking and negotiation skills. They need to speak and present in a clear and convincing way. First majors that come to mind are communication, political science, history and English. Go for something that you'll enjoy and that is reading and writing intensive.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP