How an M.L.S. Degree Can Help You Navigate Legal Challenges in Real Estate

Real estate professionals often receive only minimal legal education during the licensing process, yet the overall scope is usually not enough to navigate the complexities.

By Miami Law Staff Report 08-11-2025

As a real estate professional, you already know that legal challenges can arise at any time, in just about any deal or transaction. You might even have some basic training on how to handle common legal issues, from breaches of contract to conflicts surrounding property rights.

However, if you are really looking to become your firm's go-to expert on all things real estate law, you may want to take your formal education a step further. No, this doesn't necessarily mean pursuing a full-fledged law degree — but it may be time to go after your Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.).

In an M.L.S program, you have the opportunity to learn the foundational knowledge and core competencies needed to navigate the most complex legal challenges in real estate. With these skills, you can perform your current job with greater confidence or even set yourself up for career advancement.

The Role of a Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.) in Real Estate

Many real estate professionals receive only minimal legal education during the licensing process. While continuing education requirements — often set by individual states — may include updates on legal changes, the overall scope is usually not enough to navigate the complexities of contracts, zoning regulations, environmental mandates, and other real estate legal issues.

Enter a Master of Legal Studies, a graduate-level degree that bridges the gap between real estate law and practice — thus empowering real estate professionals to become masters of their domain and better serve their clients.

Bridging the Gap Between Law and Real Estate Practices

With so much overlap between law and real estate, an M.L.S. degree can help fill in the gaps left by standard pre-licensure training. In a Master of Legal Studies program that's specifically focused on real estate, professionals can gain an in-depth look at legal issues in the field while also learning how to address challenges with confidence.

With a stronger legal education, real estate professionals may be better able to negotiate and execute contracts, navigate complex transactions, and ensure regulatory compliance. Not to mention, having an M.L.S. degree can boost a real estate professional's reputation and credibility both inside and outside the field.

Understanding the Legal Framework of Property Rights

In an M.L.S. program, real estate professionals can learn about the legal framework of property rights in greater detail. This includes an in-depth exploration of the different aspects of property rights (including possession, control, exclusion, and disposition), as well as an understanding of how contracts, zoning regulations, and other laws may impact those rights.

By learning how to apply property rights to different situations, real estate professionals can better serve their clients and even protect their own interests.

Key Legal Challenges in Real Estate

No matter what area of real estate you are in, there are several legal challenges that may arise in your everyday work. Knowing how to address these situations could be essential to your long-term success and advancement in the field.

So, what are some of the most common legal challenges in real estate?

Navigating Zoning Laws and Land Use Regulations

Complexities surrounding zoning laws and land use regulations are extremely common in real estate. Specifically, zoning regulations or ordinances dictate how certain property can be used or developed (i.e., residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural). This can affect the types of buildings that are allowed to exist on a property, as well as components like parking and even building height.

By being well-versed in these legal areas, real estate professionals can make better-informed decisions — whether they are helping a client find their ideal property or planning to invest in a property themselves. Furthermore, understanding land use and zoning regulations can help real estate professionals avoid potentially costly mistakes.

Dealing with Property Disputes and Litigation

It is fairly common for real estate professionals to run into property disputes on their own property investments or those of a client. Disputes may be caused by the following:

Disagreements over property boundaries or survey maps
Disputes between landlords and tenants regarding lease agreements
Disagreements about real estate contracts, especially when buying or selling a home
Litigation over construction defects in structures such as homes or commercial properties

Using the knowledge developed in an M.L.S. program, real estate professionals can prevent disputes from occurring entirely — especially when they do their due diligence regarding agreements and contracts. If issues do arise, an M.L.S. program provides the tools (such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration skills) to effectively handle the situation.

Compliance with Environmental Laws in Property Development

For real estate professionals dealing with investments and/or property development, being aware of the latest environmental protection laws is a must. Real estate developers are required to manage hazardous waste appropriately and ensure water and air quality is maintained. They must also follow laws related to energy efficiency, the use of resources, and sustainable building practices.

Some examples of relevant environmental regulations in real estate development include:

Failure to comply with environmental regulations could result in major fines, penalties, and even legal action.

M.L.S. Degree: A Tool for Real Estate Professionals

Even with a basic understanding of common real estate law issues, professionals in this field could benefit from the career-focused curriculum of an M.L.S. degree program. These programs equip students with valuable contract negotiation skills, risk management strategies, and much more.

Enhancing Contract Negotiation Skills

Contract negotiation is a routine aspect of real estate. In an M.L.S. program, students can sharpen their contract negotiation skills to help secure the most favorable terms and navigate complex transactions. Coursework may cover contract negotiation skills such as:

Active listening
Strategic communication
Strategic use of contractual contingencies

When combined with strong market research, these skills can help real estate professionals negotiate better contracts with confidence.

Due Diligence and Risk Management Strategies

As part of their work, real estate professionals may be responsible for mitigating risks in projects like transactions, investments, and developments. To do this effectively, real estate experts must have a deep understanding of property rights, as well as strong research skills.

In an M.L.S. program, real estate professionals can expect to learn about financial and legal due diligence, including the process of researching titles, permits, and zoning regulations on a particular property. This can help them leverage better negotiating power while making informed decisions.

Real Estate Transactions and Closing Processes

Finally, professionals must be prepared for the nuances of real estate transactions and closing processes. An M.L.S. program covers the ins and outs of closing, from understanding legal documents to transferring ownership.

With a more thorough understanding of real estate transactions and how to handle them, professionals in this field can anticipate potential issues and make decisions that best benefit both themselves and their clients.

The Impact of M.L.S. on Real Estate Careers

Regardless of what your specific role in real estate looks like, the in-depth legal knowledge offered through an M.L.S. curriculum could benefit you in several ways.

Expanding Career Opportunities in Real Estate

Real estate professionals who are highly skilled in handling complex legal challenges (such as contract disputes and zoning challenges) may be better prepared for career advancement opportunities in the field. This is especially true for those interested in legal-heavy roles, such as property management or compliance positions.

Along with providing key real estate knowledge, M.L.S. programs include coursework designed to build critical soft skills (such as communication and problem-solving). These skills can be applied to everyday real estate work and help set the stage for leadership roles.

The Evolving Role of Legal Knowledge in Real Estate

These days, law and real estate are arguably more intertwined than ever before. Laws and regulations dictate many aspects of real estate, from land use and development to negotiations and closing. With more comprehensive legal knowledge, real estate professionals can execute their roles with greater confidence.

Practical Applications of an M.L.S. Degree in Real Estate

So, what are some ways that real estate professionals can apply what they learn in an M.L.S. degree program to their everyday work?

Overcoming Legal Obstacles in Real Estate Projects

Legal hurdles can occur at any stage of a real estate project — but professionals with in-depth knowledge of real estate laws and regulations are often better prepared to tackle them. An M.L.S.-educated real estate professional may be uniquely equipped to navigate challenges surrounding zoning and land use issues, contractual disputes, and even environmental regulation complications. Not only does this legal insight help projects move forward more efficiently, but it also reduces the risk of costly delays or litigation.

How M.L.S. Graduates Drive Positive Change in the Market

Real estate professionals who complete an M.L.S. program can become catalysts for broader industry transformation. With enhanced legal knowledge, they can implement smarter practices, strengthen risk management, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. Over time, this could set the precedent for more informed real estate transactions, ultimately improving long-term market conditions.

Complete Your Master of Legal Studies Online!

Legalities in the real estate industry can be extremely complex, requiring a comprehensive understanding of research, contract negotiation skills, closing processes, and much more. If you are looking to strengthen your knowledge of these essential areas of real estate law, then an online Master of Legal Studies degree from the University of Miami School of Law may be right for you.

In this 100% online, part-time program, you can work at your own pace — so there is no need to put other areas of your life on hold. And, because this law-adjacent program is designed for non-lawyers, it is an ideal option for real estate professionals looking to elevate their legal expertise. There is even a dedicated real estate track that includes coursework in relevant areas such as:

Real estate law and regulation
Title insurance
Legal issues from contracts to closing
Housing law and regulation
Development planning and zoning regulations

Get in touch to learn more about our online Master of Legal Studies program today, or take the next step by applying now.

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