Fiscal cliff sparks tax brief bonanza for US firms

Jumping off the so-called fiscal cliff may sound ominous to ordinary US citizens, but the rapidly approaching New Year deadline is keeping a phalanx of law firms churning out fee notes as they advise clients on dramatic tax implications.
Cliffhanging: lawyers working overtime

Cliffhanging: lawyers working overtime

The AmLaw Daily web site has compiled a handy list of the legal profession winners as the rest of the US heads for almost certain recession -- if not outright financial oblivion -- if the White House and congress can’t cut a deal in the next few days .

Wealthy panic

Leading the commentators was Linda Hirschson, head of the estate planning group at the New York office of Miami-based law firm Greenberg Taurig. She described her office as ‘incredibly busy’, as wealthy clients rushed to make gifts under existing tax exemption rules before they expire at the end of the year.
The article goes on to cite a quote from Karen McConnell, private equity and mergers and acquisitions head at Philadelphia’s Ballard Spahr, who told the Phoenix Business Journal that ‘it’s all tax driven’.
Other firms figuring prominently in the fiscal cliff mania, according to the site, are: Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Ropes & Gray, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, and Weil Gotshal.
 

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