Real estate attorneys advise clients who are purchasing, selling, renting or inheriting real estate property. Lawyers provide their clients with information regarding their legal rights and obligations and help set up wills and family trusts. Real estate attorneys also help buyers and sellers draw up real estate contracts and understand the terms and conditions involved in closing real estate sales. Other duties of a real estate attorney include acting as an estate trustee, performing notary functions, and disbursing funds for real estate. Using a local attorney is always better than an attorney that is no familar with the local building codes.