Can an individual attorney legally use the word firm in his company name if he runs solo?
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 at
3:34 pm
Also, can he/she use the business account to pay for services purchase drugs online not related to the practice of law and that no way are related to the business? How do they separate this out during tax season?
Sure. he may employ seasonal help; paralegals; a secretary, or an answering service. He may hire consultants to testify in court or expert witnesses upon occassion. That is an S corporation both business and personal go together.
They dont actually have to be separated at tax time because the company will be on his personal taxes not the businesses name.
Although laws vary by state, I’m not aware of any laws prohibiting a sole practitioner from using the word "firm". I personally prefer "Law Offices of…", but "firm" is acceptable. I have a receptionist and two paralegals, so "firm" would be appropriate for me.
I don’t really think that any attorney would not have a corporation of some kind for his/her business. There is so much liability in running a legal practice.