new york lawyer how to incorporate client

by Dr. Kelvin Lindgren III 7 min read

How do I start a small law firm in New York?

This is a great option for solo practitioners or partners starting a small law firm in New York. Attorneys may also form a PC (Professional Service Corporation) or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) although these two options are not quite as popular in my experience.

Do you need a lawyer to get a certificate of incorporation?

A Certificate of Incorporation has legal effect and enforceable rights and responsibilities. The Department of State recommends that a lawyer guide the preparation of these and other legal documents. However, there is no requirement that a lawyer prepare the documents when forming a corporation.

Can a lawyer form an LLC in New York State?

Note, that Attorneys can’t form a regular LLC; the Department of State requires a professional entity and a Certificate of Good Standing from your Appellate Division. The name of the your new practice should conform with the New York Rules of Professional Conduct.

Do lawyers need an Iola account in New York?

Lawyers in New York must also have an IOLA account for client funds held in trust. An IOLA account is mandatory and NYS uses the interest proceeds to help indigent clients.

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How can a new lawyer get clients?

Following ways can help to get first client as an Advocate (The list is not exhaustive):-Friends, Family & Relatives. ... Join the Bar Association of your Court. ... Public Speaking, Events, Conferences and Meet-ups. ... Social Media: A Powerful tool. ... Online Marketplaces and Platforms. ... Search Engine Optimization (SEO)More items...•

Can lawyers have more than one client?

So is it legal? In some cases, yes. The American Bar Association (ABA), a group of legal professionals from throughout the country, note that in some situations an attorney can represent multiple clients in the same matter.

How do you establish rapport with clients in law?

Tips for Lawyers: Building Trust with ClientsCommunication is key. Building trust begins with communication. ... Listen, don't just talk. It's important to remember that communication is a two-way street. ... Respond promptly. ... Manage expectations. ... Know your clients. ... Hone your skills.

Can a lawyer work for two law firms at the same time?

The Code of Professional Responsibility does not prohibit a lawyer from being associated with more than one law firm.

Can lawyers from different firms work together?

An attorney may not concurrently serve as a partner or associate in two law firms and share in the fees generated by each firm unless the attorney complies with California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules 1-400 and 2-200.

Can two lawyers represent the same client?

The California Rules generally permit a lawyer to represent multiple clients with conflicting interests so long as all the clients have provided their informed written consent.

How do you build trust with your client?

Practice these 5 tips.Respect Your Clients. This is the key to getting your client to trust you. ... Get Personal. If a relationship is strictly business, trust won't come naturally. ... Admit Mistakes and Correct Ethically. We are all human and all humans make mistakes. ... Surprise Them. ... Listen first, respond later.

How do you build and maintain trust with clients?

Here are five ways you can build and maintain trust with your clients throughout your relationship:Show your clients that you care. The best way to build a relationship with your client is by showing them that you genuinely care. ... Be honest and be yourself. ... Create value. ... Collaborate as a team. ... Show off your soft skills.

How do lawyers build relationships?

To improve your overall experience, follow these important rules for building a solid client-attorney relationship:Choose the Right Lawyer. No lawyer is thoroughly knowledgeable about every type of law. ... Prepare Yourself. ... Set Expectations. ... Don't Waste Time. ... Accept Advice, but Understand the Attorney Role. ... Pay Your Bill.

Can a law firm own another business?

A law firm may form and invest in a non-legal services subsidiary (which the firm would also represent). There is nothing per se improper about this action, but the law firm must be cautious.

Can I draft a contract for an out of state client?

The short answer is yes, a lawyer in one state can draft a contract between a client and a third party in another state.

What are lawyers not allowed to do?

Rue 48 prescribes that an advocate shall not be a Managing Director or a Secretary of any Company. Rule 49 precludes an Advocate from being a "full-time salaried employee" of any person, government, firm, corporation or concern, so long as he continues to practice.

What is PLLC in New York?

Most of our Attorney clients choose to form a PLLC business entity (Professional Service Limited Liability Company ). This is a great option for solo practitioners or partners starting a small law firm in New York. Attorneys may also form a PC (Professional Service Corporation) or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) although these two options are not quite as popular in my experience. Setting up a professional business entity will help your company become established and provides the owner with many benefits. Note, that Attorneys can’t form a regular LLC; the Department of State requires a professional entity and a Certificate of Good Standing from your Appellate Division.

Can an attorney form an LLC?

Note, that Attorneys can’t form a regular LLC; the Department of State requires a professional entity and a Certificate of Good Standing from your Appellate Division.

Confusion Greatest in Small Businesses

As we discussed in two earlier articles in NYPRR, the application of the entity principle of representation to questions of ethics makes a great deal of sense when the entity involved is a large company of the Fortune-500 type.

Courts Hostile to Suits By Constituents

Consistently, the New York courts have dismissed a shareholder malpractice action on the ground that for “a wrong against a corporation a shareholder has no individual cause of action, though he loses the value of his investment or incurs personal liability in an effort to maintain the solvency of the corporation.” [ See, e.g., Schaeffer v.

How to Avoid Confusion

What steps should a lawyer take to lessen the likelihood that a court will find that an attorney-client relationship exists between the lawyer and a shareholder or partner who initially retains the lawyer to form a business entity, or who asks the lawyer to represent the business on a continuing basis? The engagement letter and the lawyer’s bills and statements are the obvious places to start.

Where to send a certificate of incorporation in New York?

By mail - Send the completed Certificate of Incorporation with any consents and approvals you have obtained and the filing fee (or a Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form) to the Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Alba ny, New York 12231.#N#In person - Deliver the completed Certificate of Incorporation, with any consents and approvals you have obtained and the filing fee to the Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Albany , NY 12231. The Division of Corporations is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.#N#By fax - Fax the completed Certificate of Incorporation with any consents and approvals you have obtained and a Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form to the Division of Corporations at (518) 474-1418.#N#Online - New York Department of State Online-Filing System

What is an incorporator?

Incorporators are natural persons who are 18 or older. The incorporator (s) signs the Certificate of Incorporation. The completed Certificate of Incorporation is filed with the Department of State pursuant to Section 402 of the Business Corporation Law. Please see Section 102 (a) (4) of the Business Corporation Law for the definition ...

How much does it cost to file a certificate of incorporation?

The fee for filing the Certificate of Incorporation is $125. The fee may be paid by cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa or American Express. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the "Department of State." Please do not send cash through the mail.

How much does it cost to reserve a corporate name?

To reserve a corporate name, file an Application for Reservation of Name. The fee for filing an Application for Reservation of Name is $20. The filing of an Application for Reservation of Name is optional.

What is a certificate of incorporation?

A Certificate of Incorporation form has been developed to meet the basic requirements of the Business Corporation Law. The form does not include any optional provisions permitted by law. A Certificate of Incorporation may include other provisions consistent with law. You are not required to use this form.

What is a corporate purpose?

In addition, a corporate purpose that promotes education in any way requires prior consent. A document indicating the consent or approval of the relevant state agency must be attached to the Certificate of Incorporation when the certificate is submitted to the Department of State for filing.

What are the business forms in New York?

New York recognizes many business forms including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, sole proprietorships and general partnerships. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For any particular venture, personal and business circumstances will dictate the business form of choice.

INITIAL FILING REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A NEW YORK NONPROFIT

Note that it must be filed 30 days prior to solicitations of contributions or within 6 months after any property held or income received is required to be used for charitable purposes (whichever comes first).

ANNUAL FILING REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN A NEW YORK NONPROFIT

Note that the due date is 4 and a half months after the end of the fiscal year (6 months after end of fiscal year if only filing under EPTL)

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State Processing Times and Fees

  • Nearly every state has standard processing times for corporation filings, but not all provide expedited processing. Check the average wait timesfor both standard and expedited filing times, because they can vary between states and they change periodically. New York charges a filing f…
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Deciding Between A New York C Corp Or S Corp Tax Designation

  • There are similarities between S Corps and C Corps regarding personal liability, management, structure and compliance. The differences in New York come down to the following: 1. Ownership Rules:A C Corp is taxed as a separate entity from its shareholders. Shareholders also report and pay taxes personally on what the corporation pays them. An S Corp is taxed like a partnership wi…
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Personnel Requirements

  • Each state has its own personnel requirements for incorporating. In New York, they include the following: 1. Age requirement: Directors must be at least 18 years of age. 2. Number of directors: One or more directors is allowed. 3. Residency: There is no requirement that directors must live in New York. 4. Officer positions: New York requires that each corporation have a president, a chie…
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Other Requirements For Your Articles of Incorporation

  • In addition to personnel requirements, your New York Articles of Incorporation must include the following. You must designate the Secretary of State as your registered agent for service of process of any legal documents. You must also provide the Secretary of State with a mailing address where your corporation can receive legal documents served against it. Unlike in most st…
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Other Required Paperwork

  • New York requires that corporations file other paperwork in addition to their Articles of Incorporation. You must file a biennial report every two years with the New York Secretary of State. This report is due in the anniversary month of your incorporation, and it must include the following: 1. The name and address of your chief executive officer. 2. The street address of you…
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New York Corporate Taxes & Reports

  • Unfortunately, you do have to pay taxes for your new corporation. First, apply to the IRS for an employer identification number, or EIN. All corporations with employees require an EIN. It's similar to your Social Security number, but it's for businesses. You'll also need an EIN to open a corporate bank account. Many business owners choose S Corps because they're generally exempt from fe…
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Keeping Corporate Records and Ongoing Filing Requirements

  • New York requires that corporations create records to maintain their corporate status, including bylaws and corporate meeting minutes. Bylaws set forth your company’s operating rules, the responsibilities of its directors, and the rights and powers of shareholders. They can also address other corporate matters. We can tell you whether bylaws and meeting minutesare required by ea…
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Confusion Greatest in Small Businesses

  • As we discussed in two earlier articles in NYPRR, the application of the entity principle of representation to questions of ethics makes a great deal of sense when the entity involved is a large company of the Fortune-500 type. In theory, the more the management and ownership of a business are separate and independent from its constituents, and the...
See more on newyorklegalethics.com

Courts Hostile to Suits by Constituents

  • Consistently, the New York courts have dismissed a shareholder malpractice action on the ground that for “a wrong against a corporation a shareholder has no individual cause of action, though he loses the value of his investment or incurs personal liability in an effort to maintain the solvency of the corporation.” [See, e.g., Schaeffer v. Lipton, 243 A.D.2d 969, 970, 663 N.Y.S.2d 392, 393 (3…
See more on newyorklegalethics.com

How to Avoid Confusion

  • What steps should a lawyer take to lessen the likelihood that a court will find that an attorney-client relationship exists between the lawyer and a shareholder or partner who initially retains the lawyer to form a business entity, or who asks the lawyer to represent the business on a continuing basis? The engagement letter and the lawyer’s bills and statements are the obvious places to st…
See more on newyorklegalethics.com

Related Posts

  1. June 2, 2015
  2. July 1, 2009
  3. May 1, 2008
See more on newyorklegalethics.com