header-logo header-logo

31 July 2009 / Mark Sharpley
Issue: 7380 / Categories: Features , Profession
printer mail-detail

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

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Nikki Bowker, Devonshires

NLJ Career Profile: Nikki Bowker, Devonshires

Nikki Bowker, head of dispute resolution at Devonshires, on career resilience, diversity in law and channelling Elle Woods when the pressure is on

Ellisons—Sarah Osborne

Ellisons—Sarah Osborne

Leasehold enfranchisement specialist joins residential property team

DWF—Chris Air

DWF—Chris Air

Firm strengthens commercial team in Manchester with partner appointment

NEWS
The government will aim to pass legislation banning leasehold for new flats and capping ground rent, introducing non-compulsory digital ID and creating a ‘duty of candour’ for public servants (also known as the Hillsborough law) in the next Parliament

An Italian financier has lost his bid to block his Australian wife from filing divorce papers in England on the basis it was no longer her domicile of choice

Reforms to the disclosure regime in the business and property courts have not achieved their objectives, lawyers have warned
The Law Society has urged ministers to hold a public consultation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the justice system as a whole
Ministers have proposed bringing inquest work under a single fee scheme for legal help and advocacy legal aid work
back-to-top-scroll