New Jersey's Attorney Review Period: What the Exam Actually Tests

The Attorney Review period is New Jersey's single most distinctive real estate practice, and one of the most heavily tested concepts on the state exam.

How it works

After a real estate contract is signed by both parties, either party's attorney has 3 business days to review the contract and disapprove it in writing. If an attorney disapproves within the window, the contract can be modified or canceled without penalty to either party. If no attorney disapproves within the 3-day window, the contract becomes fully binding as signed.

Why New Jersey has this

Unlike many states where a real estate agent's standard purchase contract is the final, binding document once signed, New Jersey's practice builds in a legal safety valve — a licensed attorney gets a defined window to catch problems before the deal is locked in.

Key mechanics tested on the exam

• The 3-business-day window — and what counts as a "business day" (excluding weekends and holidays)
• When the clock starts — typically from the date the contract is signed and delivered to all parties
• Written notice requirement — disapproval must be communicated properly, not just verbally
• What happens if no attorney acts — the contract becomes binding as originally signed

Sample exam questions

Q: A New Jersey real estate contract is signed by both parties on a Monday. By what day must an attorney's disapproval notice be delivered to invoke Attorney Review?

A: Within 3 business days from the signing/delivery date — candidates need to correctly count business days, excluding weekends.

Q: If neither party's attorney disapproves a New Jersey real estate contract within the Attorney Review period, what happens?

A: The contract becomes fully binding as signed.

Why this matters for your career

The Attorney Review period fundamentally changes how a New Jersey licensee should communicate contract timelines to clients — a buyer or seller needs to understand their contract isn't necessarily final the moment it's signed. Misrepresenting this to a client is a real source of complaints, which is why the exam tests it so heavily.