From Court to Contracts: How One Lawyer Turned His Legacy into a Real Estate Empire

From Court to Contracts: How One Lawyer Turned His Legacy into a Real Estate Empire

Imagine turning 30 and realizing your future isn’t on the basketball court—it’s in the courtroom. That’s exactly what happened to a real estate attorney who went from college hoops and motorcycles to one of the most respected names in estate and real estate law.

This is the story of how one man took a leap of faith during a global pandemic, launched his own firm, and turned a passion for helping people into a thriving business that now handles everything from residential closings to multimillion-dollar church acquisitions.

From Fast Breaks to Legal Briefs

He didn’t start out dreaming of being a lawyer. He grew up loving sports—basketball especially—and lived fast, even riding motorcycles. But his mother always pushed education. Eventually, her words stuck. At 30, he went to law school and everything changed.

The Pandemic Pivot

In July 2020, he welcomed his first child into the world. At the same time, COVID-19 hit, and his firm stopped sending him clients. With no work coming in, he used the downtime to plan his own future. He already had a PLLC formed, but now it was time to activate it.

He spent countless hours every morning mapping out his new firm. It was a huge jump—from a guaranteed paycheck to total self-reliance—but it was the best move he ever made.

Starting With Residential Real Estate

He knew real estate and had contacts in the industry, so that’s where he began. During COVID, while others were pausing, he was knocking on doors (mask on, of course). When interest rates dropped to the twos, the market exploded—and so did his business.

He handled contract reviews, closings, and everything in between. As volume grew, he hired more help and built a solid reputation. Then, when rates jumped from 2.99% to over 7% in just weeks, deals began to fall apart. That’s when he shifted again.

Expanding Into Estate Planning and More

He returned to what he learned early in his career—probate, wills, trusts, durable power of attorney, and healthcare proxies. It became a massive part of the business. Today, his firm also handles landlord-tenant issues and bank settlements—all under the real estate umbrella.

What Does a Real Estate Attorney Really Do?

Most people don’t know. A real estate attorney provides legal guidance, negotiates contracts, protects your interests, and—maybe most importantly—gives you peace of mind.

Real estate deals are emotional. Sellers remember every birthday in their home. Buyers dream of future holidays. Attorneys keep the deal on track, even when tensions run high.

One common issue? Coordinating a sale and purchase on the same day. It sounds simple, but it’s not. That’s where attorneys add real value—crafting agreements so sellers can stay in the house temporarily, holding funds in escrow, and avoiding last-minute chaos.

Title Issues: The Hidden Deal Killers

Many sellers don’t know they have open permits or municipal violations. These don’t technically affect the title, but they can still derail a closing.

The solution? Some title companies offer pre-listing searches. Proactive realtors also help by checking town records, filing FOIL requests, or even arranging credits to the buyer so the deal doesn’t fall through.

Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate

Residential and commercial deals are completely different. Smaller commercial transactions (under $20 million) are similar to residential. But the bigger deals? Those require deep due diligence—environmental tests, zoning approvals, refundable deposits, and more.

Smart investors get attorneys involved early, before contracts are even sent. Developers especially need help navigating politics, zoning boards, and permit offices.

The Church Deal That Changed Everything

Early in his solo career, a church needed help buying a building. Three other lawyers said no—too complex. He said yes.

The $5.5 million Bronx deal involved seller financing, court approval, and the NY Attorney General. But he closed it. That one win led to more church clients and broke him into a major brokerage’s network.

The Power of Estate Planning

You don’t need millions to need a will. A single property or even a life insurance policy is enough.

Too many people die without documents in place. No will. No healthcare proxy. No named guardian for their kids. The result? Confusion, court battles, and stress for grieving families.

Estate planning is a gift. It removes burdens from your loved ones. It makes sure your wishes are honored. And it keeps your assets from getting stuck in probate limbo.

What If You Don’t Have Anything in Place?

Start simple. Think about what you own. Ask yourself what’s changed in your life. Then—call an attorney.

Even if it’s just a healthcare proxy, that’s a step in the right direction. You never know what tomorrow holds. Having these documents gives your family clarity in the most difficult times.

Realtors: Be the Connector

Most people aren’t buying or selling every day. But almost everyone needs estate planning.

Realtors who offer more than listings build lifelong clients. Be the connector. Introduce your clients to estate planning attorneys. Help them protect what they’ve bought. When their family is ready to sell down the line—they’ll call you first.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're buying your first home or managing a $5 million portfolio, having the right legal team makes all the difference. Protecting your property means protecting your legacy. And planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s love in action.

Visit www.dreamselectrealty.com or contact us at 631-623-7117. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @dreamselectrealty, Twitter @dreamselecthome, or email hometeam@dreamselectrealty.com for the latest updates on homes for sale on Long Island in New York.