Real estate and construction may not be considered legal fields but working in either of these industries does require extensive knowledge of complex regulations and legal processes.
If you're working in either of these fields and are ready to advance into a leadership or decision-making role that requires industry-specific legal knowledge, it might be time to pursue your Master of Legal Studies (M.L.S.). An M.L.S. is designed to equip real estate and construction professionals with the property-law expertise, contract-drafting proficiency, and regulatory savvy needed to manage even the most complex of today's transactions.
The Growing Demand for M.L.S. Graduates in Real Estate and Construction Law
In the fields of real estate and construction, there is a growing demand for knowledgeable and skilled M.L.S. graduates — and for good reason.
Key Trends Driving the Need for Legal Expertise
Both real estate and construction are governed by a wide range of laws and regulations. Combine all of this with the field’s digital transformation and the emergence of blockchain transactions, and it's easy to see why a legal background is essential.
More specifically, M.L.S.-educated real estate and construction professionals may be better poised to handle issues related to blockchain transactions, data security, and digital contracts. At the same time, they're prepared to address emerging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and stay on top of increasingly complex regulations involving zoning and land use.
How M.L.S. Training Addresses Industry Gaps
Master of Legal Studies programs can help real estate and construction professionals fill existing gaps in their respective fields with a more comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing their everyday work. Some specific areas where law-adjacent professionals may need to gain knowledge include:
- Risk management and dispute resolution
- Contract management and negotiation
- Changing industry regulations and compliance standards
- Ethical decision-making
- Finance and investment law
Core Legal Skills Acquired Through an M.L.S. Program
So, what kinds of legal skills can you expect to gain in an M.L.S. program? Although no two programs are exactly alike, many focus on property law fundamentals, contract negotiation, and drafting skills that are often needed in the field of real estate.
Understanding Property Law Fundamentals
Real estate professionals in law-adjacent positions can benefit from a strong understanding of the various areas of property law, such as:
- Property and ownership rights - The legal rights of an owner, including the right to sell or transfer property as they see fit.
- Estates and interests - The many different ways in which ownership can be held in real estate.
- Titles and deeds - Important legal documents in any real estate transaction.
- Land use and zoning - The various laws and regulations that govern how land can be used (such as for residential or commercial purposes).
An M.L.S. program, especially one with a dedicated track in real estate, should cover coursework in these areas and more — including coursework in relevant topics like title insurance, real estate deals, real estate law, and planning/zoning regulation.
Mastering Contract Negotiation and Drafting
Contract negotiation and drafting are also important aspects of working in real estate. An M.L.S. degree program covers coursework in the various legal concepts and topics that real estate professionals need to know at every stage of a deal. This may include key aspects of contract negotiation and drafting, such as:
- Legal compliance - Ensuring that all state and federal laws are followed in a real estate contract.
- Dispute resolution - Having a plan for handling potential conflicts between parties, such as through mediation or arbitration.
- Contingencies - Handling the different issues or special circumstances that can come up in a real estate transaction, such as appraisals and inspections.
Through an M.L.S. program, professionals in construction and real estate law can study contract topics ranging from negotiation and drafting to due diligence, financing, closing, and post-closing issues.
Practical Applications of M.L.S. Knowledge in Real Estate Transactions
Depending on your current role in real estate, there are many potential ways to apply what you learn through an M.L.S. degree program — especially if you enroll in a program with a dedicated real estate/construction track.
Navigating Title, Zoning, and Land Use Issues
Title research is a critical responsibility of any real estate professional. From knowing how to conduct a thorough title search to uncovering hidden liens, strong title research skills are a must. These are all skills that are covered extensively in an M.L.S. degree program, allowing real estate professionals to better serve their clients.
In addition to title issues, M.L.S.-educated real estate professionals may be in a better position to address zoning and land use issues. This is especially true when it comes to verifying permissible property use before undertaking a deal or real estate project, as well as staying on top of the latest environmental laws and regulations.
Managing Due Diligence and Regulatory Compliance
Speaking of laws and regulations, real estate professionals are under a great deal of pressure to remain informed about the latest regulations. The dynamic nature of the industry can make this challenging, but having an M.L.S. education can help real estate professionals better understand and navigate various aspects of both regulatory compliance and due diligence, including:
- Conducting thorough inspections and appraisals on a property before a deal is closed.
- Confirming that properties are free from environmental hazards, such as lead paint.
- Performing deed and title searches to ensure there are no liens or zoning issues.
- Mitigating overall risk and making better-informed decisions.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance and avoiding the potential legal pitfalls of falling out of compliance.
The Role of M.L.S. Graduates in Construction Law Matters
Like real estate, the construction industry is very law-adjacent — and professionals in construction management or other decision-making roles need to have a strong legal foundation to perform their jobs with confidence. Whether it’s advising on construction agreements and liens or helping resolve disputes, these law-adjacent professionals play an important role in the legal side of the field.
Advising on Construction Agreements and Liens
Construction agreements and contracts are a critical aspect of this industry, and law-adjacent professionals are often responsible for advising on these agreements from start to finish. They may be in charge of drafting agreements that include essential project details such as:
- The scope of the work
- Overall costs and payment terms
- Expected project timeframes
- Change orders
In many of these agreements, construction professionals must also advise on liens or security interests in a property for contractors and suppliers. This requires extensive legal knowledge of state laws, how to serve proper notice for lien rights, and how to enforce the terms of an unpaid lien.
Resolving Disputes and Litigation Support
Even with well-written contracts and legal agreements in place, disputes are bound to happen in some construction projects. When this occurs, construction professionals with extensive legal knowledge may be relied on for effective dispute resolution and litigation support. These professionals may include dispute resolution clauses in their contracts so that mediation, arbitration, or other measures can be taken proactively to avoid costly litigation.
Regarding litigation, M.L.S.-educated construction professionals have the legal understanding needed to navigate every step of the process until a resolution is reached.
Distinguishing M.L.S. Graduates from J.D. and Paralegal Professionals
One of the most common questions people have when considering a Master of Legal Studies degree is, "What's the difference between an M.L.S. and a Juris Doctor (J.D.)?" Likewise, you might be wondering what sets somebody with an M.L.S. degree apart from a paralegal professional.
Unique Advantages of an M.L.S. Degree
The most important distinction between an M.L.S. and a J.D. is that the latter is meant for those who want to practice law. An M.L.S., on the other hand, is designed for those in law-adjacent professions (like real estate and construction) who could benefit from a stronger understanding of industry-specific legal concepts and frameworks.
Paralegal degrees, meanwhile, focus on teaching practical tasks like document preparation and case management. In comparison, M.L.S. graduates complete more extensive coursework in legal principles and systems.
Situations Where M.L.S. Graduates Excel
With all this in mind, M.L.S. graduates often excel in real estate and construction law firm roles that require a strong legal foundation for ethical, informed decision-making. This may include those working in roles as real estate brokers, developers, compliance officers, and property managers.
Career Pathways for M.L.S. Graduates in Real Estate and Construction
While earning a Master of Legal Studies degree alone won't guarantee you a specific job in real estate or construction, there are some common roles that professionals with this level of education often pursue. These may include leadership and decision-making roles within in-house counsel and corporate legal teams, as well as positions in law firms, government agencies, and consulting businesses.
Corporate Legal Teams
With robust legal expertise, analytical skills, and regulatory knowledge, those with an M.L.S. education can be suited for corporate roles with legal aspects within the construction and real estate fields. These professionals are responsible for handling all aspects of transaction management, risk management, compliance, and litigation oversight in real estate and/or construction deals.
Roles in Law Firms, Government, and Consulting
It’s common for M.L.S. graduates to work directly for real estate and construction law firms, as well as government agencies or consulting firms. Some roles that may be worth looking into include:
- Contract administrator
- Legal analyst
- Compliance officer or compliance manager
- Policy analyst
- Risk advisor
Ready to Pursue Your M.L.S.?
If you're in the real estate or construction industry and are looking to advance your understanding of the complex legal side of the field, then it may be time to earn your Master of Legal Studies at the University of Miami School of Law. Our online Master of Legal Studies program is specifically designed for law-adjacent professionals who need a convenient, flexible format.
This program is even offered with an online Master of Legal Studies Real Estate and Construction Law and Regulation track that includes specific coursework in relevant topics such as:
- Real estate law
- Title insurance law
- Planning and zoning regulation
- Real estate and construction contract administration
Contact us today to request more information about our online M.L.S. program, or take the next step by starting your online application for admission.
Sources
- https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/mls/curriculum/#real-estate
- https://admissions.law.miami.edu/academics/jd/index.html
- https://news.miami.edu/law/stories/2025/04/how-an-mls-degree-helps-manage-legal-challenges-in-construction-projects.html
- https://learn.aiacontracts.com/articles/effective-dispute-resolution-strategies-in-construction-contracts/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09599916.2025.2455166
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837722003611
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166046211000482
- https://knowledge.insead.edu/strategy/negotiation-reality-real-estate
