You cannot think up a name for your law firm in California without knowing the legal guidelines. Therefore, you must comply with certain California law firm name rules before you can set up your practice and give it a name.
To make sure you have your priorities straight along these lines, you need the support of an experienced business attorney. I can answer any questions you may have along these lines. Simply contact me at sam@mollaeilaw.com to get started.
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In the meantime, take a look at the following article to learn more about choosing a name for your legal practice.
What California Law Firm Name Rules Should I Follow?
ABA Rule 7.1 covers all communications conveyed by legal firms, including naming a law firm. This rule is further supported by the California Bar’s California law firm name rules and guidelines. Basically, rule 7.1 states that an attorney cannot make any false or misleading representations in his or her firm’s name.
What You Can Add When Naming a Legal Firm
The following may be included in naming a legal firm:
- The names of some or all of the current members of the firm
- The names of deceased member, if succession has occurred
- A trade name, provided the name is not misleading or false
Furthermore, a legal name may be designated through social media, a website address, or any media, provided nothing about the name misleads the public.
Email sam@mollaeilaw.com or to book a call to speak to us here: https://mollaeilaw.com/start
What the California Bar Requires
With respect to California, the bar association in the state defines specific rules for naming. For instance, to comply with Rule 1-400 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for California, you must clarify the use of the word “Group” in your legal name if this word is used.
You can do this by naming at least one other member employed by your legal practice and corporation. This person does not have to be a lawyer.
Let me help you make sure you don’t give anyone the wrong impression. Naming your firm is an important consideration as well as incorporating it. I can help with both.
Contact me anytime at sam@mollaeilaw.com for a consultation.
What Do California Law Firm Name Rules Say about the Use of the Term “Law Offices”?
California law firm name rules stipulate certain guidelines for the use of the term “Law Offices” in a legal name. The term implies that your practice has either one attorney and a shareholder at the address for the corporation, or that the law practice and corporation has more than one location or address.
Unless you have your practice set up this way, you cannot use “Law Offices” in the name. If you do have more than one office, you must provide the California State Bar with the addresses of the locations.
I can help ensure that your name complies with the proper rules of conduct. Give me a call so we can make sure you have chosen a name that will attract clients and will serve your professional and branding needs.Contact me anytime at sam@mollaeilaw.com for further details and help.
What Do California Law Firm Name Rules Say about the Term “Associate”?
According to the rules of professional conduct and California law firm name rules, the term “associate” refers to an employee or another employee who practices as an attorney. Therefore, to comply legally, you need to employ at least two attorneys, in addition to including a corporation shareholder.
What Corporate Ending Designations are Covered Under California Law Name Rules?
One of a number of ending designations may be listed if you have set up a professional law corporation. Some of these designations may include the following:
- A Professional Corporation
- A Professional Law Corporation
- Professional Corporation
- Professional Law Corporation
- Law Corporation
- APC, A.P.C., PC, P.C., or Prof. Corp.
- A Professional Legal Corporation
- Professional Legal Corporation
- A Legal Corporation, Inc.
- Incorporated
- Corporation
- A California Professional Corporation
- L.C.
- Ltd.
- Limited
- P.A.
- Professional Association
What Ending Designations Cannot Be Used Under California Law Name Rules Guidelines?
You cannot use the following for an ending corporate designation under California law name rules and guidelines:
- PLC or APLC – These designations may suggest terms, such as “Professional Legal Consultant” or “Public Liability Company” in other countries or states. As a result, these two ending designations may mislead the public.
- LLC – You cannot use this designation for a corporate designation, nor does the California Bar endorse LLC, pursuant to Corporate Code Section 17375.
Email sam@mollaeilaw.com or to book a call to speak to us here: https://mollaeilaw.com/start
What Do California Law Firm Name Rules Say about Governmental Connections?
California law firm name rules will not allow a practice to use a name that implies a governmental connection, as this can mislead the public.
What Other References Are Not Allowed Under California Law Firm Name Rules?
Under California law firm name rules, you cannot name your firm by adding the name of a deceased attorney not connected with your practice or include the name of a lawyer that was not a member of your practice or a predecessor firm. A name containing a non-lawyer is also not allowed.
To learn more about what you can or cannot do in this regard, book a call to speak to us here: https://mollaeilaw.com/start. We can help you find the right name to use for your legal practice.
Also, we will help you incorporate your practice and support you with your further business legal needs.
If you use a trade name that includes a geographical reference, you may need to provide an express statement explaining the true nature of the firm so as not to mislead the public.
What To Do Next
If you want to incorporate your legal practice and have not yet chosen a name, you will need to contact me to make sure you comply with California law firm name rules and guidelines. You can give me a call or my firm at any time.
Book a call to speak to us here: https://www.mollaeilaw.com/start.
We can help you get incorporated and choose just the right name for your legal practice. Selecting a name and incorporating your firm will help you attract the right clients and meet their specific legal needs as well.
Email sam@mollaeilaw.com or to book a call to speak to us here: https://mollaeilaw.com/start
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