{"id":4820,"date":"2020-05-01T08:07:29","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T13:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-set-up-an-llc.html"},"modified":"2025-10-16T22:38:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T03:38:00","slug":"do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-set-up-an-llc","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-set-up-an-llc.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Lawyer To Start an LLC?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Do I Need a Lawyer To Start an LLC?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

No, you do not need a lawyer to form a limited liability company<\/span>. However, entrepreneurs<\/span> may want to hire a business lawyer<\/span> for filing <\/span>articles of organization<\/span>, drafting an operating agreement<\/span>, or handling complex business matters.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Forming a limited liability company<\/span> (LLC) is the process of taking your startup<\/span> or small business<\/span> idea and turning it into a legal business entity<\/span>. Your LLC will give you tax benefits and shield you from personal liability<\/span> if anything happens to your company.<\/p>\n

LLCs provide advantages over sole proprietorships<\/span> and general partnerships<\/span>. Their structure gives limited liability protection<\/span> to the business owner<\/span> and members, shielding you from personal liability<\/span> for your business\u2019s obligations. Once you register as an LLC<\/a>, you can buy\u00a0or rent a building<\/a>\u00a0and open company bank accounts<\/span>. Unfortunately, your company can also be\u00a0sued<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There is no legal requirement<\/span> to hire an attorney to\u00a0form an LLC<\/a>. Most states allow LLC formation<\/span> by registering the business entity<\/span> on\u00a0your secretary of state<\/span>\u2019s website<\/a>.\u00a0Small <\/span>business<\/span> owners<\/span> who file the paperwork themselves spend on average $50-$500 to register a new LLC<\/span>.<\/p>\n

However, forming and running an LLC<\/a> can be complex. That\u2019s where a lawyer comes in. This article provides a brief overview of when to hire an attorney to help with forming your LLC.<\/p>\n

Form your LLC with confidence. <\/em><\/strong>Our trusted partner LegalZoom<\/span> has packages starting at $0 + filing fees<\/span>.<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

When To Use an Attorney for an LLC<\/h2>\n

A business attorney<\/span> can save time and money when business owners<\/span>\u00a0create a new business<\/span><\/a>. For around $200 to $5,000, they can handle the items you may not have time to consider, which may include:<\/p>\n