Atlanta’s real estate market is one of the most active in the Southeast, with high transaction volumes across residential closings, commercial acquisitions, mixed-use development, and large-scale investment deals driven by the city’s continued population growth and corporate relocation activity. Georgia is an attorney state for real estate closings, meaning a licensed Georgia attorney must oversee the closing process for all residential and most commercial real estate transactions — this makes selecting the right real estate attorney a routine but consequential decision for anyone buying, selling, or financing property in the metro area. The Atlanta market also generates significant real estate litigation, including title disputes, easement conflicts, landlord-tenant disputes, and construction defect claims that require attorneys with both transactional and litigation experience. New development activity in neighborhoods like Westside, Summerhill, and Old Fourth Ward continues to create complex zoning, permitting, and land use issues that require specialized real estate counsel.
When choosing a real estate attorney in Atlanta, confirm that they are licensed by the State Bar of Georgia and carry proper malpractice insurance, and ask specifically how many real estate closings or transactions of the type you need they handle per year. For complex commercial transactions, look for attorneys with experience in your specific deal type, whether that is a 1031 exchange, a ground lease, a construction loan, or a portfolio acquisition. For residential closings, turnaround time and communication quality matter as much as technical skill. Red flags include attorneys who seem unfamiliar with Georgia’s specific title insurance requirements, those who cannot clearly explain the HUD-1 or closing disclosure, and firms that cannot provide references from comparable transactions.
Top Real Estate Attorney Companies in Atlanta
1. Girardot & LaRose, PC
Leadership: Joseph Girardot, John LaRose
Address: 4 Lenox Pointe NE, Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: (404) 760-0500
Website: https://www.atlantarealestatelaw.com
Awards & Recognition: AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell (highest rating); over 40 years of real estate law experience
Services:
- Residential real estate closings
- Commercial real estate transactions
- Title examination and insurance
- Real estate investment transactions
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Refinancing
About: Girardot & LaRose has earned the AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-reviewed distinction in the legal profession, and has maintained that standing over more than 40 years of real estate law practice in Atlanta. The firm serves a broad range of clients from first-time homebuyers to experienced commercial investors, offering affordable real estate legal services across the full transaction spectrum. Their deep familiarity with Georgia title law and local real estate practices makes them a consistent choice for both individual consumers and real estate professionals who need reliable, timely closing services. The firm’s Atlanta location positions them well for transactions across Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties.
2. Georgia Title & Escrow Company LLC
Address: 945 E Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (678) 448-4148
Website: https://www.georgiatitle.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Services:
- Real estate closings
- Title insurance commitment and policy issuance
- Purchase and sale agreement drafting
- Loan and conveyancing instrument preparation
- Commercial and residential purchases
- Refinancing
- Deed and mortgage preparation
About: Georgia Title & Escrow Company is a Buckhead-based real estate law firm and title company that handles the full range of closing and title insurance services for both residential and commercial transactions across Georgia. Operating as both attorneys and a licensed title agency, they can issue title insurance commitments and policies in-house, streamlining the closing process for buyers and lenders. Their Buckhead location is central to many of Atlanta’s highest-value real estate transactions, and their Saturday morning hours accommodate clients who cannot attend weekday closings. The firm handles everything from first-time home purchases to complex commercial acquisitions and refinancing.
3. Perigon Legal Services
Leadership: Stan Faulkner
Phone: (770) 268-2363
Website: https://www.perigonlegal.com
Services:
- Real estate closings
- Contract review and drafting
- Title disputes
- Landlord-tenant matters
- Real estate litigation
- Statewide Georgia service
About: Stan Faulkner brings over 20 years of legal experience to Perigon Legal Services, offering accessible real estate legal counsel to clients across Georgia, including Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Forsyth counties. The firm’s statewide service model is beneficial for clients with real estate interests in multiple Georgia counties or those dealing with transactions outside the immediate Atlanta core. Perigon handles both transactional work and real estate litigation, making them a practical choice for clients who anticipate disputes as well as those pursuing clean transactions. Their responsive communication approach distinguishes them in a market where attorney accessibility can be a significant concern for clients unfamiliar with the closing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a real estate attorney in Atlanta if I already have a real estate agent?
A: Georgia law requires that a licensed Georgia attorney conduct and supervise all real estate closings, so an attorney is not optional — they are mandatory for any financed transaction and strongly advisable for cash purchases as well. Your real estate agent represents your interests in finding and negotiating the purchase, but the closing attorney represents the lender and the integrity of the title transfer. You may hire your own closing attorney to represent your specific interests, and this is advisable for complex transactions, properties with unusual title history, new construction contracts, or any situation involving contingencies or unusual contract terms.
Q: What does a real estate closing attorney in Atlanta typically charge?
A: Closing attorney fees in Atlanta for a standard residential transaction typically range from $500 to $1,200, separate from title insurance premiums and government recording fees. Commercial transaction fees are higher and are usually negotiated based on deal complexity and size, commonly running $1,500 to $10,000 or more. Title insurance premiums are based on the purchase price and are set by Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner’s schedule, so they do not vary by attorney. In total, closing costs for a buyer in Atlanta typically run 2% to 4% of the purchase price, with the attorney and title insurance constituting a significant portion of that amount.
Q: What title issues should I watch for when buying property in Atlanta?
A: Common title issues in Atlanta include unpaid HOA liens, contractor’s liens from prior renovation work that was not fully paid, gaps in the chain of title from inherited properties, estate sales, or tax deed transactions, and easement disputes with neighboring property owners or utility companies. Older properties in established Atlanta neighborhoods like Grant Park, Inman Park, or Decatur can have complex title histories with multiple conveyances. A thorough title search conducted by your closing attorney, combined with an owner’s title insurance policy, protects you against most pre-existing title defects. Always purchase the owner’s title insurance policy — lenders require lender’s insurance, but only the owner’s policy protects your equity.
Conclusion
Real estate transactions in Atlanta require attorney involvement by law, and choosing an experienced local attorney makes a material difference in the smoothness of your closing and the protection of your property rights. Girardot & LaRose brings over 40 years of AV-rated real estate practice and expertise across all transaction types. Georgia Title & Escrow offers integrated attorney and title insurance services from a premier Buckhead location with convenient Saturday hours. Perigon Legal Services provides statewide reach and over 20 years of experience for clients with broader Georgia real estate needs. Contact any of these firms to discuss your upcoming transaction.