Jarrod, you have chosen a very interesting feature article with respect to the Massachusetts suit of the notary signing agents. It was the topic of much discussion last week on Notary Rotary. Copies of REBA's complaints were posted therein. A number of the signing agents seem to be focusing on the definition of "conveyance of title" as a legal loophole/exemption. There appears to be much confusion among them on the issue.

The ruling of the court in this case may impact on abstractors in future litigation since Massachusetts' definition of the practice of law as alleged in the complaint also includes the review of title for marketability and recording.

The state is basing its case on a definition of the practice of law dating back to l935. As was shown by the long time licensing requirement of the Kansas abstractors posted on this board not too long ago, the states seem to be waking up to the deplorable condition to which the real estate industry has declined, and are beginning to enforce long standing laws that heretofore have been overlooked.