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LLPs: dispelling the myths

31 July 2009 / Mark Sharpley
Issue: 7380 / Categories: Features , Profession
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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

Carey Olsen—Kim Paiva

Carey Olsen—Kim Paiva

Group partner joins Guernsey banking and finance practice

Morgan Lewis—Kat Gibson

Morgan Lewis—Kat Gibson

London labour and employment team announces partner hire

Foot Anstey McKees—Chris Milligan & Michael Kelly

Foot Anstey McKees—Chris Milligan & Michael Kelly

Double partner appointment marks Belfast expansion

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