Legal Question in Business Law in Massachusetts

Start Up Business Question

Hi - wondering if 2 people can start up a legal

firm/business where one is an attorney and the

other just a business partner in the venture who provides

start up expenses? Is this legal in the state of

MA or do all parties in the business have to be attorneys?

Thank You


Asked on 6/20/02, 2:10 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: Start Up Business Question

As long as the business is not engaged in the practice of law, there is no requirement that all of the owners be attorneys. If the business is a "legal firm" in the sense of a business that provides legal services, then there are indeed restrictions on ownership. The Board of Bar Overseers has an ethics hotline and can answer specific questions: 617-728-8700.

Best wishes,

LDWG

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Answered on 6/20/02, 4:13 pm
William McLeod McLeod Law Offices, PC

Re: Start Up Business Question

Based on your facts, no. Lawyers cannot share fees with non-lawyers, and non-lawyers cannot have any ownership interest in any law firm.

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Answered on 6/24/02, 9:54 am
Richard Klibaner Klibaner & Sabino

Re: Start Up Business Question

A Massachusetts attorney is prohibited from forming a partnership or other legal entity with a nonlawyer if any of the activities of the entity consist of the practice of law.

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Answered on 6/24/02, 10:32 am


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