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31 July 2009 / Mark Sharpley
Issue: 7380 / Categories: Features , Profession
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LLPs: dispelling the myths

Mark Sharpley debunks some untruths about limited liability partnerships

Mark Sharpley debunks some untruths about limited liability partnerships
LLPs are a way of organising a business and, in particular, legal practices. While the solicitors practice, “the business”, under LLP status is legally a body corporate, the partners limit their personal liability and avoid putting their personal assets at risk. This is not something that a member of a normal partnership can do. In addition they are no longer responsible for the acts of the other partners. The principal difference is that an LLP has the organisational flexibility of a partnership and is taxed as a partnership. In other respects it is very similar to a company.

Ownership

Two or more individuals or companies may form an LLP to carry on a profit-seeking business with a view to profit. LLPs are not available for activities such as non-profit-making activities.

Apart from allowing partners to limit their liability, probably the most significant difference between an LLP and a normal partnership is that an LLP can

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Thackray Williams—Lucy Zhu

Dual-qualified partner joins as head of commercial property department

Morgan Lewis—David A. McManus

Morgan Lewis—David A. McManus

Firm announces appointment of next chair

Burges Salmon—Rebecca Wilsker

Burges Salmon—Rebecca Wilsker

Director joins corporate team from the US

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