Form your California law corporation the right way.
Your law license is your livelihood. LawInc helps solo attorneys form California law corporations correctly from the start.
- A real California law firm — attorney-led, not a filing service
- Flat fee formation package — standard California state filing fees included
- Bylaws & stock prepared with State Bar share restrictions
- Direct attorney access during formation
Prefer the phone? Call (310) 765-2525
Does a law corporation fit your practice?
If any of these apply, entity choice matters. Speak with LawInc before forming the wrong entity.
1. Are you a licensed California attorney?
Active members of the State Bar of California are subject to specific rules when they incorporate a practice.
2. Will the entity practice law?
If the entity will provide legal services, an LLC or ordinary business corporation is generally not the right vehicle. A California law corporation is the structure attorneys generally use to incorporate a law practice.
3. Will anyone else own equity?
Law corporation ownership is generally restricted to licensed attorneys. The bylaws, shares, and ownership structure need to match the applicable rules.
4. Are you considering S-Corp tax treatment?
S-Corp tax treatment may be available, but you still need the right legal entity first. Tax election comes after entity choice.
California attorneys we help
From solo practice to growing firm — incorporated correctly, by attorneys.
Going solo
Attorneys leaving a firm or going independent who want S-corp tax efficiency and a clean corporate structure.
Small & growing firms
Firms incorporating their practice as they add attorneys or restructure ownership.
Fixing a wrong setup
Attorneys who formed an LLC, ordinary corporation, or other wrong entity and need to restructure into the proper law corporation.
More than filing Articles
A law corporation is not just a Secretary of State filing. Bylaws, share restrictions, and the tax election all matter.
State filing
Articles of Incorporation prepared and filed with the California Secretary of State.
Law-corporation bylaws
Bylaws drafted for the practice of law, with the required share restrictions and governance.
Share restrictions
Bylaws and stock documents prepared with law-corporation ownership restrictions in mind.
EIN & S-Corp election
Form SS-4 for your EIN; Form 2553 prepared when appropriate, with timing guidance.
25102(f) notice
California Limited Offering Exemption Notice prepared and filed for stock issuance.
Records package
Stock certificates with State Bar-required legend, organizational resolutions, minutes, records package, and post-formation memorandum.
Formed by attorneys who did it themselves
Generic filing services prepare documents. They are not law firms, and California legal advice is not included.
| Issue | LawInc | Generic filing service |
|---|---|---|
| Status | California law firm | Document preparation service |
| California legal guidance | California attorney-led guidance | Legal advice not included |
| Law-corporation bylaws | Drafted for the practice of law | Template-based or varies |
| 25102(f) securities notice | Prepared and filed | Often not included |
| Direct attorney access | Available | Varies by provider |
Flat-fee formation
Choose the correct entity before you file. For California attorneys incorporating a law practice, a California law corporation is generally the proper incorporated structure.
Not for a California law practice. For non-licensed businesses where an LLC is appropriate.
For California attorneys incorporating a law practice. State Bar registration is required but not included.
Start Law CorporationNot for a California law practice. For standard California corporations where professional corporation rules do not apply.
Common questions
Why form a law corporation?
For many California attorneys, a law corporation provides a clean corporate structure, limited liability for the business’s obligations, and eligibility to elect S-corporation tax treatment when appropriate. The right choice depends on your facts.
Can California attorneys use an LLC or ordinary business corporation?
Generally, no. California attorneys generally cannot use an LLC to practice law, and an ordinary business corporation is generally not the right incorporated structure for a law practice. A California law corporation is the structure attorneys generally use to incorporate. The exact answer depends on your facts.
Do I have to register with the State Bar?
Yes. California law corporations must register with the State Bar of California and meet its requirements. State Bar Law Corporation registration is required but not included in the LawInc formation package and must be completed directly with the State Bar.
What is the difference between a law corporation and an S-Corp?
A law corporation is the legal entity. An S-Corp election is a federal tax election. A law corporation can often elect S-Corporation tax treatment when appropriate.
How long does formation take?
California Secretary of State processing times vary, but many standard formations are completed in less than two weeks, depending on state processing and client responsiveness. State Bar registration is required but not included and runs on its own timeline.
Form it right from the beginning.
Start your California law corporation now, or request a short call first if you want entity guidance before you file.
Attorney Advertising. This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this page or submitting a contact request.