What does it mean to be a partner at a law firm? Also, is there a difference between a law office and a law firm?

Stew54

There's no difference between a law firm and a law office as such. A law firm is two or more individuals who jointly own and operate a business that practises law and they may call their business a law office, or a law firm, or other variations on that theme so that prospective clients know what they do. Partners in a law firm are the same as partners in any other business - they personally are liable for the business' debts and entitled to its profits. The "liable for its debts" bit has led to the development of limited liability partnerships in some countries, where the members are somewhat protected because there is a limit on their liability similar to the protection for shareholders in a limited company who are only liable to the extent of their shares if the business gets into trouble. The law firm's partners (owners) may employ other lawyers who are not partners (and who therefore don't share in the profits: they get a salary and maybe some bonuses the same as anyone else employed in any kind of business). Jan 25 05, 4:51 AM