Faculty Spotlight: George Salabes

During his years between college and law school, George Salabes became involved in the management and development of real estate.

"I quickly realized that I was drawn to the legal concepts and the negotiation process involved in a real estate transaction," he said. "That motivated me to attend law school."

After law school, Salabes worked as a lawyer engaged in the private practice of transactional law, concentrating in real estate. He represented clients purchasing, selling and leasing residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural property.

During this time, he also worked as an adjunct professor of real estate at Harper College and Oakton Community College, teaching real estate courses to students wanting to obtain a real estate broker license or salesperson license as well as students having a personal interest in real estate.

It wasn't long before he transitioned from law to teaching full-time.

"My bachelor's degree from St. Ambrose University included a major in English and in Education. Years later I attended law school at The John Marshall Law School, so my teaching roots preceded my lawyering roots," Salabes explained "Teaching real estate at COD brings it all together. I am able to offer my students real estate knowledge and real world experience while remaining involved in the ever-changing world of real estate."

In addition to preparing his students and infusing them with an enthusiasm for th real estate industry, he also is inspired by them.

"I am most inspired when I receive letters or emails from prior students telling me how much they learned and how much they enjoyed the course, how they passed the state license exam, how much they enjoy working in the industry, and how well they are doing in the real estate business."

More about the Real Estate program