Under what condition is an attorney exempt from real estate licensing laws?

An attorney is exempt from real estate licensing laws when they are engaged in the arrangement of the sale of real property while settling a client's estate. This exemption applies because attorneys are legally authorized to handle matters related to estate planning, probate, and the transfer of property as part of their professional duties. When acting in this capacity, an attorney's actions are considered to be a part of their legal practice rather than a real estate transaction requiring licensure.

In the context of settling an estate, attorneys often need to facilitate the sale of properties to liquidate assets and distribute them according to the decedent's wishes or applicable law. This specific scenario falls under the purview of their legal practice and not under standard real estate activities, which require specific licensing.

The other scenarios mentioned, such as selling properties on behalf of a client or representing a buyer, generally require a real estate license, as these actions are typical of real estate brokerage activity and are regulated by state real estate laws. Similarly, providing legal advice to property owners is part of an attorney’s role but does not inherently provide an exemption from needing a real estate license if they are involved in actual transactions.