+Should my law firm be a PLLC or PC?
It depends on your state's bar requirements. Most states require attorneys to form a Professional LLC (PLLC) or Professional Corporation (PC). PLLCs typically offer more flexibility and pass-through taxation; PCs follow corporate formalities. Lovie walks you through the requirements for your specific jurisdiction.
+What about IOLTA trust accounts? Do I need my entity first?
Yes.
+Does Lovie understand bar compliance requirements?
Lovie knows that attorneys in most states must use professional entity types — PLLC, PC, or LLP — rather than a standard LLC. It guides you through the right choice based on your bar status and jurisdiction. For specific bar ethics opinions, check with your state bar association.
+What does the Lovie plan include for law firms?
LLC or C-Corp formation service, digital mail scanning, compliance guidance, and a real-time dashboard. Your state filing fee is paid separately, directly to your state. Registered agent service is $79/yr ($49/yr in Wyoming), priced separately. No surprise fees.
+What about multi-state practice and formation?
If you're barred in multiple states, you may need to register your entity in each jurisdiction where you practice. Lovie handles your initial formation and walks you through foreign qualification requirements. Many attorneys form in one state and register in the others.
+Can Lovie structure a multi-partner law firm?
Yes. Lovie guides you through multi-member entity formation, including partner equity, management structure, and operating agreement provisions. For complex arrangements involving detailed profit-sharing or governance, consulting a business attorney alongside Lovie is a good idea.
+Is Lovie providing legal advice?
No. Lovie is a technology platform that guides you through company formation. We handle filings, not legal counsel. As an attorney, you already understand that distinction — Lovie is your formation tool. You bring the legal judgment; Lovie handles the administrative side.
+Do I need a registered agent even though I'm an attorney?
Yes — every US company needs a registered agent in its state of formation, regardless of profession. Using your own office address means you must be available during business hours to accept service of process. Lovie includes a dedicated registered agent, so that's one less thing to think about.
+How is Lovie different from just filing the paperwork myself?
You could file it yourself — you're an attorney, after all. But at $300-500/hr, your time is better spent on billable work. That's less than one billable hour, and it saves hours of admin work every month. State filing fees are paid separately, directly to your state.
+Can I convert from a solo PLLC to a multi-partner LLP later?
Restructuring support is coming soon. When your practice grows and you bring on partners, Lovie will guide the entity restructuring — included at no extra charge when it ships.
+Should a new law firm form as an LLC, PLLC, or LLP?
The choice between an LLC, PLLC, or LLP depends entirely on your state's specific bar association rules for attorneys. Many states mandate that licensed professionals form a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) to ensure that partners remain liable for their own malpractice while shielding them from the malpractice of others. Lovie forms LLCs and C-Corps, and flags when your state requires a professional entity — so you know the right structure before you file.
+Why do law firms use a registered agent instead of their own office address?
While attorneys have physical offices, acting as your own registered agent means service of process could be delivered in front of clients, which is highly unprofessional. Additionally, the registered agent address becomes public record, leading to an influx of junk mail that clutters important legal correspondence. Using a professional registered agent ensures that all state notices and lawsuits are received discreetly and forwarded securely.
+Can a solo practitioner law firm be taxed as an S-Corp?
Yes, a solo practitioner who forms an LLC or PLLC can elect S-Corp taxation to potentially save on self-employment taxes once the firm's revenue reaches a certain threshold. This requires paying yourself a reasonable salary and taking the remaining profits as distributions. Lovie's compliance guidance helps your firm keep up with the corporate formalities required for S-Corp status.
+How does the Corporate Transparency Act affect newly formed law firms?
Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), almost all newly formed law firms must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN shortly after formation. This report must disclose the personal details of all equity partners and anyone exercising substantial control over the firm. Failing to file on time carries steep daily penalties, making compliance tracking a critical first step for new practices.
+Are there alternatives to LegalZoom for attorneys forming their own practice?
Attorneys often find retail formation services like LegalZoom too rigid for the nuanced requirements of a professional practice, such as drafting specialized operating agreements that address malpractice liability and partner withdrawal. Modern founders need a platform that understands professional compliance and scales with their firm. An AI-native platform offers the precision, speed, and tailored documentation that legal professionals expect when establishing their own entities.
