Los Angeles Real Estate License Defense Lawyer

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Los Angeles Real Estate License Defense Attorney

Best Los Angeles Real Estate License Defense Lawyer

Losing a professional license can be severely detrimental to your career. While this can generally be a complicated situation to fix on its own, the resulting reputational damage that can happen, once word gets out, can be far worse. If you find yourself under audit by the California Department of Real Estate, you may want to reach out to a Los Angeles real estate license defense lawyer. They can represent your interests and make sure you don’t lose your license.

Century Law Group, LLP, understands how complicated a professional license audit can become. The last thing you want is to end up losing your real estate license because you failed to reach out to a Los Angeles professional license defense lawyer. We can build a strong case to defend you, gather evidence that supports your claim, and make sure your interests are consistently protected. A lawyer’s help may be invaluable to preserving your license and career.

Real Estate License Defense in Los Angeles

If you are dealing with a professional license audit, you are most likely being investigated by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). It may be a simple mistake that can be adjusted quickly with the right paperwork, or it could be a genuine issue that you may have to answer for. Facing a license investigation can feel overwhelming, but having experienced guidance makes all the difference. Either way, an experienced real estate license defense lawyer can figure out a path forward and work out a strategy for your defense.

According to information gathered by the DRE, there are nearly 428,000 licensed real estate brokers and salespersons active in California as of April 2025. If you are one of these licensed people, the very threat of losing that license could mean losing your livelihood and professional reputation.

Investigations by the DRE originate as complaints from the general public. In Los Angeles, the DRE district office is located at 320 West 4th Street, Suite 350. For the DRE to move forward with an investigation, they must be able to determine two distinct elements of the complaint:

The individuals being complained about are under the DRE’s jurisdiction. The DRE has jurisdiction over real estate licensees, subdividers, and any unlicensed persons who have performed acts that require a valid real estate license.
The complaint directly relates to a violation of California real estate law.

Examples of Possible Violations

In California, real estate license investigations tend to come from violations, either knowingly or unknowingly, of real estate laws and regulations. Some issues investigated by the DRE are more common than others, and a few can even result in a criminal conviction in the more extreme cases. Here are some examples of possible violations you could be investigated for by the DRE:

Unlicensed activity. Under California state law, it is illegal to employ or even pay unlicensed persons for performing real estate operations. It is also illegal to make false or misleading statements regarding a property or a transaction.
Mishandling trust funds. There are many different violations you could face when you have mishandled trust funds, even if it was accidental. You could be investigated for mixing personal funds with client money, failing to properly account for trust funds, or failing to maintain accurate records.
Criminal convictions. Depending on the nature of your conviction, being convicted of a crime could result in an investigation into the validity of your real estate license. If the DRE determines that your conviction is worth revoking your license, they may do so. Even minor criminal charges might put your professional license at risk if not handled properly.

Expert Los Angeles Real Estate License Defense Attorney

FAQs

Q: Do Real Estate Lawyers Ever Go to Court?

A: Real estate lawyers do go to court. Usually, if they are required to go to court, it will be to represent their clients’ interests in legal proceedings connected to real estate disputes. Typically, though, real estate lawyers don’t appear in court for routine transactions. They tend to deal with clients’ paperwork outside the courtroom and ensure the smooth transfer of property ownership. Nevertheless, if a dispute arises, the lawyer can be there to represent their client.

Q: Do Real Estate Agents Work With Lawyers?

A: Yes, real estate agents frequently work with lawyers. They often collaborate on real estate ventures and transactions. The real estate agent is there to help their clients navigate the market and find the property they want to purchase. Lawyers then help the same client work through the property contract and make sure they aren’t being taken advantage of. Ultimately, both parties are there to ensure a smooth transaction.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent and a Real Estate Lawyer?

A: There is a substantial difference between a real estate agent and a real estate lawyer. While both work with the buying and selling of real estate, agents focus on the actual transaction of the property. They help their clients find property and close on it. A real estate lawyer, however, provides legal advice and represents their clients in certain legal matters related to real estate transactions, including contract disputes. In short, agents handle the financials, while lawyers handle the legalities.

Q: Do You Need a License to Be a Real Estate Agent in California?

A: Yes, you need a professional license to be a real estate agent in California. To get a real estate license, you will have to undergo an extensive background check, have a specific amount of education related to real estate laws, and pass a state exam. Real estate agents in California are also required to work under a properly licensed broker. If you try to sell real estate without a license, you could be investigated by the DRE.

Reach Out to a Real Estate License Defense Lawyer Today

The risk of losing your real estate license may be too great for you to comprehend. You may not know exactly how to go about defending yourself in this situation. You should consider reaching out to a professional license defense lawyer who can navigate your case.

Century Law Group, LLP, has the knowledge, experience, and resources needed to defend you against a DRE audit and keep your real estate license. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about setting up a consultation.

Testimonials

- This was more than business

“I want to thank you personally and profusely for ending my State Bar inquiry. To me it was an existential threat. It was troublesome beyond your patience to listen to me complain. I can best express the relief I felt when you told me it was over. This was more than business, it was deeply […]

- I highly recommend Century Law Group, because of them I won my case

“I honestly appreciate Century Law Group. They have helped me throughout my process. They have kept me informed and put me at much ease throughout my situation. I highly recommend Century Law Group, and because of them I won my case. Rizza especially was wonderful. I wouldn’t know what I would’ve done without her and […]

- Your support has been a blessing to me

“Thank you for your help this year. Your faith and support have been a blessing to me.”

- You did excellent in court

“Thank you! Just to let you know that you did excellent in the court, especially at the end. I can say you did more than just your job. Sorry I didn’t tell you before but I was nervous and I had many other emotions going on at the same time 🙂 Thanks again and blessings […]

- You rock! Thank you!

“… You helped my dream come true! Thank you so much for prepping me and thank you for showing me that my situation wasn’t all that bad. I really was in the slumps. After meeting with you I felt confident and proud of how far I have come. You rock! Thank you again!”

- The pressure was taken off our shoulders

“My husband and I retained [CLG] regarding a business partnership dissolution. Our situation was extremely stressful and multifaceted. Neither my husband, nor myself had any expertise in this area. We initially had a consult with them, in addition to 2 other attorneys, so as to settle on the right fit. While all 3 attorneys we […]

- Extremely helpful in resolving my matter

“Rizza and the team at Century Law Group were extremely helpful in resolving my matter before the Department of Insurance. I highly recommend them to anyone requiring assistance in obtaining or retaining their insurance license” – Sheik S.

- Straight forward, honest, and accurate

“The team at Century Law Group demonstrated skill, professionalism, and were always extremely responsive. They were straight forward, honest, and accurate in providing insight and advice. I recommend CLG to anyone who needs legal guidance.” – Tim R.

- Their experience was very apparent

“CLG was fantastic. They were very knowledgeable about the matter they handled for me and their experience was very apparent. Very glad I selected them.” – Amit P.

- Thank you for your dedication

“Thanks for your fine work and dedication to your profession.”

- I am so thankful

“Marisol successfully defended me. I am so thankful to have retained this firm to assist me during this very stressful event. I strongly recommend that you hire this firm should you have a complaint lodged against your firm.” – Judy B.

- The results speak for themselves

“Ed and his team provided me with excellent reputation during one of the worst times of my life. Not only was I kept fully informed of the progress of my case, thanks to their legal knowledge and research skills they were able to resolve my case with a complete dismissal. The burden that lifted from […]

- After much stress and worry, I can finally feel at ease.

“I am very impressed with Rizza. She explained the process very thoroughly, and made me feel very confident about my situation! The rate was very reasonable for the services their firm offers. After much stress and worry, I can finally feel at ease … I am so glad I found these guys.” – Joe J.

- I felt entirely assured

“… I got that dreaded letter right before Christmas, it seemed as though my world fell apart. I immediately searched for an attorney online and came across Marisol Ocampo. I left a message, not expecting to hear back for a bit, but to my surprise I received a call from Marisol herself, on the same […]

- I refer you

“I refer you every opportunity I get …”

- Prompt, professional, reliable

“I would unequivocally endorse this team. They are prompt, professional, and reliable. They helped me obtain a very favorable outcome. [They] were very helpful and helped me reach very favorable outcomes … Thank you Century Law Group!!” – Benjamin S.

- YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!

“I cannot thank you enough. YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! We had a record day for a Friday yesterday, even with all the turmoil. Could not have done it without you. Like it or not, You are now family!”

- I knew CLG was the right choice

“After consulting with a handful of other firms, I knew CLG was the right choice. My matter is resolved now and I have no regrets. I am especially grateful for the peace of mind I had throughout the entire process. Once I retained their office, I knew things were being taken care of and I […]

- Steady counsel in a nerve-wracking time

“Century Law Group not only helped me achieve a very favorable outcome, but [they] provided steady counsel in a nerve-wracking time. Strongly recommend” – Athul A.

- I would unequivocally endorse this team

“I would unequivocally endorse this team. They are prompt, professional, and reliable. They helped me obtain a very favorable outcome. I had TWO matters before the BAR and Mr. Lear and his team were very helpful and helped me reach very favorable outcomes in both matters with no disciplinary action taken by the BAR. Thank […]