Can two law firms have the same name?

Asked by: Fern Hintz  |  Last update: December 23, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (20 votes)

If the domain name is taken, chances are, there is a law firm or business operating with the same name. In that case, it would be in your firm's best interest to use a different name to avoid confusion. The same goes for registering your law firm's business name.

Can law firms have the same name?

A law firm with offices in more than one jurisdiction may use the same name or other professional designation in each jurisdiction.

Why do law firms always have 2 names?

For efficient pooling of resources and economy, most law firms are partnerships, which requires at least two general partners to handle the liability of the firm. That is why the name often has two partners' names.

What happens if 2 clients have the same lawyer?

If attorneys have multiple clients in the same matter, they must disclose the existence of any current or potential conflicts, and where possible and proper, obtain waivers of such conflicts in compliance with the applicable rules of professional responsibility. See ABA Model Rule 1.7(a),(b).

Can 2 companies have the same name in California?

If another company registered its business name as a trademark, using the same business name is illegal. If another company registered its business name as an entity, you may not use the same business name.

Can Two Companies Have a Similar Name? | Attorney Answers Question

38 related questions found

What happens when two companies use the same name?

So, your company can have the same name as another company, and vice versa, with no claims of trademark infringement. However, if your business is using a company name that's the same as another incorporated company, there could be grounds for a legal dispute, and you may not be able to legally use the business name.

Can you use one name for multiple businesses?

Yes, you can have multiple businesses under one LLC.

running all the business activities under one LLC name, or. registering DBAs (“doing business as”), also known as Fictitious Names.

Can 2 people have the same lawyer?

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.

Can a lawyer be part of two firms?

In its Formal Ethics Opinion 90-357 , the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility concluded that a lawyer may be “of counsel” to multiple law firms, without limit, provided that the association with each is “close, regular [and] personal.” 1 Note that this opinion reversed ...

Can 2 people hire the same lawyer?

Can a Lawyer Represent More Than One Party in a Business Transaction in California? In most cases, during a business transaction, both parties can't hire the same attorney. They can, however, hire different attorneys from the same law firm.

What is the longest law firm name?

The Law Blog spoke today with Kenneth Ziffren, one of the country's top entertainment lawyers and a founding partner of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf, which, until someone proves otherwise, we're calling the longest law-firm name in America.

Do attorneys use JD after their names?

Everyone who graduates from law school is a JD, but they will not use the title Dr or refer to themselves as JD. This is why it is not as well-known as Esq. A JD may not be qualified to practice law, as they will become a JD before they take the bar exam. However, you do not need a JD to take the bar exam.

What are owners of law firms called?

Law firms do not have Chief Executive Officers (CEO) to run the company. This is attributed to the fact that law firms are not companies, but partnerships. Instead, its owners are partners. The law firm's equivalent to CEOs are known as 'managing partners' or 'senior partners'.

How do law firms decide whose name goes first?

Often, if you are using partner names for the firm, each attorney would like their name to be listed first. Obviously, only one name can go first, so the partners will have to agree on whose name is first.

Why are law firms always last names?

Law firms typically carry the names of the lawyers because it establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Until fairly recently, many (if not all) states prohibited law firms from using trade names, so last names were the only option available.

Can there be duplicate LLC names?

It's possible for another LLC in a different state to have the same name as yours. In fact, there are many instances where multiple LLCs share the same name but are in different states, and this is totally legal! If you're set on a particular name that's already taken in your state, you may still be able to use it.

What does Esq of counsel mean?

An attorney who is affiliated with a law firm, but not employed as a partner or associate. This designation often identifies a semiretired partner, an attorney who occasionally uses the office for a few clients, or one who only consults on certain matters.

Can you be a partner in two firms?

There is no restriction on the number of partnerships a person can be a part of. However, it is important to note that the person must fulfil the eligibility criteria specified under the Act for each partnership, and should also not violate any terms of the partnership agreement in any of the firms.

Is of counsel higher than partner?

Second, being counsel is less prestigious than making partner or being a managing partner. This may not matter to some people, but in terms of law firm branding power as a lawyer to clients and the outside world, a partner will be more impressive.

Are lawyers friends with each other?

Over time, lawyers and other legal professionals get to know one another. Perhaps they sit on local bar committees together or their kids play on the same soccer team. Sometimes, former law school classmates end up practicing in the same communities. For the most part, these situations are not a problem.

Can you represent two plaintiffs?

Law firm may represent multiple plaintiffs against same defendant if different plaintiffs' interests are not adverse to or compete with one another.

Where does attorney-client privilege come from?

The attorney-client privilege is the oldest privilege recognized by Anglo-American jurisprudence. In fact, the principles of the testimonial privilege may be traced all the way back to the Roman Republic, and its use was firmly established in English law as early as the reign of Elizabeth I in the 16th century.

Can I have two DBAs under one LLC?

Yes, you can. In fact, creating an extra DBA name is a simple strategy that some companies use to diversify their businesses. Instead of drafting new articles for each venture, multiple DBA filings are submitted and registered with the local government.

Can you use one LLC for two businesses?

The answer is yes--it is possible and permissible to operate multiple businesses under one LLC. Many entrepreneurs who opt to do this use what is called a "Fictitious Name Statement" or a "DBA" (also known as a "Doing Business As") to operate an additional business under a different name.

What is the umbrella LLC structure?

An umbrella LLC is another word for a holding company. An umbrella LLC owns other LLCs that are below it, known as subsidiaries. It effectively shelters those LLCs from cross liability in the event that future litigation results in a judgment creditor trying to collect against assets of a company.