Real estate plays a crucial role in organizing society. It influences where and how we live, work, and recreate. Historically, almost all wealth was in the form of land and real property. Today, real estate continues to be the largest asset class in the world. The real estate market includes everything from residential properties (homes, apartments, condos) and real estate investment trusts (REITs) to commercial real estate (office buildings, hotels, golf courses, shopping centers) and conservation lands. The importance of real estatefor both the economy and societywas made readily apparent during the recent mortgage and financial crisis. Lawyers serve important roles in all aspects of real estate development, finance, investment, and transactions. Lawyers also play critical roles in drafting, interpreting, and reforming the legal rules and institutions that facilitate and regulate real estate markets and various uses of property, from federal statutes like the Fair Housing Act to local zoning ordinances. In doing so, lawyers can use their skills to promote the common good in a way that is conducive to the long-term growth and sustainability of our country and our communities. Because real estate affects our homes, our businesses and workplaces, our schools, playgrounds, and places of worship, the stakes are not only financial, real estate affects our ability to flourish as people.