Lawyers who handle real estate closings have also seen an increase in people rushing to beat the tax.

They spent about $200,000 renovating it into a spacious ground floor office, with a conference room for real estate closings, and two apartments up above.

His cases were primarily small-time real estate closings and family estate settlements.

Since election law is a seasonal business, he also handles more routine legal work like real estate closings and wills.

In real estate closings, mortgage holders insist that homes be insured to their actual value to protect loans.

It is not difficult in Florida where cash is used so often in real estate closings.

"I don't want a customer to have a great real estate closing and then the utility doesn't get turned on in time - they're going to hate me."

The bar's central concern, though, is with real estate closings.

Paralegals and legal typing services help prepare routine court paperwork for name changes, real estate closings or incorporating small businesses.

Flat fees are common for routine matters like real estate closings and wills.