Professional Corporations
A lawyer (or lawyers) may apply to the Law Society of Alberta to obtain a permit to practise law as a Professional Corporation.
Professional Corporations Registration
The incorporation of a professional corporation with the Law Society of Alberta involves three main steps:
- Approval of the proposed articles of incorporation
- Register the Professional Corporation with Corporate Registry Services of Alberta
- Application for a permit to practice as a professional corporation
Requirements
The proposed Articles of Incorporation must meet the following requirements:
- The name of the proposed corporation must contain the words “Professional Corporation”.
- The directors and voting shareholders of the proposed corporation must be active members of the Law Society of Alberta.
- Pursuant to Section 131(3) of the Legal Profession Act and Rule 155(1)(b), the legal and beneficial ownership of all issued voting shares must be vested in one or more active members of the Society, all issued non-voting shares must be vested in persons within the classes prescribed, and all Directors of the Corporation must also be active members of the Society. Provide below the names of all persons who own (or are proposed to own) any shares (legally or beneficially, voting or non-voting) and all Directors.
- The persons who will carry on the practice of a barrister and solicitor on behalf of the corporation are active members of the Law Society of Alberta.
1. Obtain Approval of the Proposed Articles of Incorporation
Complete and return two copies of:
Please send the information by fax, mail or email to Membership Services.
2. Register the Professional Corporation with Corporate Registry Services of Alberta
Please visit www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/Corporate_Registries.cfm for more information.
3. Apply for a Permit to Practise as a Corporation
Once articles have been approved by the Law Society and the corporation has been successfully registered with the Corporate Registry Services office, you may apply for a permit to practise as a professional corporation. You may not provide legal services through a professional corporation until the Law Society has issued a permit.
Complete and submit the following:
- Application for a Permit
- Copy of Articles of Incorporation filed with Corporate Registry Services of Alberta
- Copy of corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation
- Copy of Proof of Filing (obtained from Corporate Registry Services of Alberta)
- Application fee (Fee Schedule) payable to the Law Society of Alberta (making a payment)
Please send the information by fax, mail or email to Membership Services.
Once the required documents are provided, a permit will be issued and sent to you.
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Professional Corporations Renewal
A professional corporation must be renewed each year by December 31.
The Law Society will provide each active professional corporation with a renewal package, which includes the Application for Renewal of a Professional Corporation and an invoice for the renewal fee.
Once your renewal documents have been processed, the Law Society will issue a permit.
The Registrar of Corporations will be notified if the Professional Corporation fails to renew its permit with the Law Society of Alberta.
For more information, contact Membership Services.
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