Does Illinois Allow Professional LLCs for Doctors and Lawyers?
Yes. Illinois permits professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) for doctors, lawyers, and other licensed professionals under the Professional Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 185/). Both professions qualify as regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and may operate through a PLLC structure.
Who Can Form a PLLC in Illinois?
Illinois allows PLLCs for any profession licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, including physicians, surgeons, attorneys, dentists, nurses, accountants, architects, and engineers. All members must hold active licenses in the profession the PLLC practices. Unlicensed individuals cannot hold membership interests.
Formation Requirements
File Articles of Organization with the Illinois Secretary of State designating the entity as a professional limited liability company. The entity name must include "Professional Limited Liability Company," "PLLC," or similar designation. All members must be individually licensed professionals in the same profession or related professions permitted under 805 ILCS 185/.
Illinois does not require publication of formation notices. Annual reports must be filed with the Secretary of State disclosing registered agent and manager information.
Key Restrictions
A PLLC cannot practice multiple unrelated professions under one LLC. A law firm PLLC cannot simultaneously operate a medical practice. Each profession requires a separate PLLC if practitioners operate multiple service lines.
Members remain personally liable for their own professional negligence and misconduct. However, members are not liable for the negligence or misconduct of other members, provided they did not supervise or direct the negligent conduct.
Professional Licensing Compliance
The PLLC must comply with all applicable professional licensing statutes and regulations. Members must maintain current professional licenses throughout PLLC operation. Professional liability insurance requirements vary by profession and licensing board—verify requirements with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before formation.
Next Steps
- Confirm PLLC eligibility with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for your profession.
- Prepare Articles of Organization with all members' professional license information.
- File with the Illinois Secretary of State and pay applicable filing fees.
- Obtain required professional liability insurance before commencing operations.
- Register for state tax purposes through MyTax Illinois if applicable.
Consult a business attorney licensed in Illinois for profession-specific requirements and compliance obligations.
This is general information, not legal advice.