Form 8.1-1 – Application by an Alberta LLP for an LLP Permit

Jurisdiction: Country: Canada | Province/State: Alberta

What is a Form 8.1-1 – Application by an Alberta LLP for an LLP Permit?

Form 8.1-1 is the regulator’s application a law firm uses to obtain an LLP permit in Alberta. It is the official request for permission to carry on the practice of law as a limited liability partnership. You use it to confirm your firm’s legal structure, partner eligibility, insurance, and compliance framework. The form also captures the undertakings your firm makes to uphold professional and statutory rules.

You will typically use this form if you are a managing partner, firm administrator, or founding partner of a law firm. You may also use it if you manage a merger or a conversion from a general partnership to an LLP. The signatory is usually an authorized partner. Larger firms sometimes have each partner sign the declaration. Smaller firms may authorize one partner to sign on behalf of all partners.

You would need this form to activate the liability shield available to LLPs in Alberta. Without an LLP permit, you cannot present your firm as an LLP in the Alberta legal market. You also cannot rely on the LLP structure to limit a partner’s vicarious liability for another partner’s negligence. The permit connects your firm’s legal registration to your professional regulation. It confirms that every partner is eligible to practice and that the public receives clear disclosure about the LLP status.

Typical usage scenarios

• Forming a new LLP to start a law firm with colleagues.
• Existing partnerships converting to an LLP to reduce risk exposure between partners.
• Mergers often trigger a fresh application under the new firm name and registration.
• Some firms reapply after a lapse or a change in their registration details.
• You may also file a new application when your legal entity changes, such as when you move to a new LLP registration with a different name or partner mix.

The form operates within two frameworks. First, the Partnership Act sets the legal rules for LLPs. Second, the professional rules govern lawyers and law firms in Alberta. Together, they require you to secure a permit and meet ongoing obligations. The permit is not a business license. It is a professional authorization for a specific law firm structure.

When Would You Use a Form 8.1-1 – Application by an Alberta LLP for an LLP Permit?

You use this form when you plan to practice law as an Alberta LLP and need regulatory approval. If you and at least one other lawyer wish to launch a firm, you select the LLP structure and file this application. You use it before you hold out to the public as an LLP and before you open accounts under the LLP name. You also use it when you convert an existing general partnership to an LLP, since the legal structure and public disclosure change. If your firm merges and creates a new LLP registration, you file a fresh application for the new entity.

You also use this form if your partnership composition has shifted so significantly that a new LLP registration is required. For example, if the firm dissolves and the remaining partners register a new LLP with a new name, you apply for a new permit. If you rebrand and file a new LLP registration, you apply again under the new legal name. If your prior permit has been revoked, expired, or was surrendered on dissolution, you must apply anew. If you previously operated as an extra‑provincial LLP and now register as an Alberta LLP, you submit this application for the Alberta entity.

Typical users

• Managing partners who oversee compliance and risk.
• Firm administrators often prepare the attachments and partner lists.
• Founding partners of startups complete it during launch.
• Midsize and large firms use it during reorganizations, mergers, and rebrands.

In each case, the application ensures that the regulator has accurate, current information about the firm’s ownership, eligibility, and insurance.

Legal Characteristics of the Form 8.1-1 – Application by an Alberta LLP for an LLP Permit

This application is a regulatory filing with legal significance. It is not a private contract between parties. It is a request to the regulator to grant an LLP permit to an Alberta law firm. When you submit it, you make formal statements and undertakings. These are legally binding within the professional regulation system. The regulator relies on your statements to issue or refuse the permit.

What ensures enforceability?

Enforceability rests on several elements. First, the governing statute and rules require law firms to hold a valid LLP permit to practice as an LLP. Second, your application includes declarations about partner status, insurance, and compliance. False or misleading statements can trigger discipline, administrative penalties, or refusal. The regulator may suspend or revoke a permit if the firm breaches its undertakings. Third, the permit is conditional. You must keep current insurance, keep eligible partners in good standing, and use “LLP” in the firm name. You must also report changes to partners, offices, and trust account status within the required timeline.

The legal effect of an LLP permit is practical and public. It authorizes your firm to hold itself out as an LLP. It supports the limited liability regime under the Partnership Act. It also ensures the public sees the “LLP” designation on signage, stationery, and communications. That disclosure helps clients understand the liability framework of the firm. The permit does not protect a lawyer from their own negligence. It limits vicarious liability for the negligence of another partner. It does not shield the firm from claims tied to firm acts. It does not waive duties to clients, the court, or the regulator.

General legal considerations include your partners’ eligibility. Each lawyer partner must hold active practicing status in Alberta or otherwise be authorized within the rules. If a partner practices through a professional corporation, that corporation must be in good standing. Some jurisdictions restrict non‑lawyer partners. If your structure involves non‑lawyer ownership or affiliations, confirm that the model is permitted and described in your application. The firm name must comply with naming rules and include “LLP.” Your partnership agreement should reflect LLP features, partner admissions, withdrawals, and dissolution mechanics. Keep the agreement consistent with the application and the permit conditions.

The regulator may audit your firm’s compliance at any time. Keep your records current. Keep proof of insurance and partner standing. Refresh your permit when your entity changes. Renew on time if the permit requires annual renewal. When you close, surrender the permit and close trust accounts as required.

How to Fill Out a Form 8.1-1 – Application by an Alberta LLP for an LLP Permit

Follow these steps to prepare and submit a complete, accurate application. Use your firm’s legal documents and registry records to avoid inconsistencies.

1) Confirm your eligibility and structure

• Verify that you have at least two partners. An LLP requires a partnership.
• Confirm that each partner is eligible to practice law in Alberta.
• If any partner practices through a professional corporation, confirm its status.
• Ensure your intended firm name includes “LLP” and meets naming rules.
• Decide who will sign. Many firms designate the managing partner.

2) Align your sequence of filings

• Ensure your LLP registration details are ready and accurate.
• Secure proof of registration or name reservation as needed.
• Gather your Corporate Access Number and registration date.
• Confirm that the name on all records matches your application exactly.

3) Gather essential documents and data

• List each partner’s full name, Law Society member number, and status.
• Prepare details for any professional corporations that are partners.
• Compile addresses for the principal office and other Alberta offices.
• Identify your Designated Responsible Lawyer for compliance.
• Identify your Trust Safety officer if you will hold trust funds.
• Obtain current proof of professional liability insurance coverage.
• Have your partnership agreement available for reference and consistency.

4) Complete the firm identification section

• Enter the full legal name with the “LLP” suffix. Match your registry record.
• Provide any trade names used in Alberta, if permitted.
• Provide the principal business address in Alberta. Include postal code.
• Provide a mailing address if different from the business address.
• Add firm contact details. Include a general email and phone number.
• Enter your Corporate Access Number and LLP registration date.
• If you hold a prior firm ID with the regulator, include it.

5) Describe your practice profile

• Indicate your planned practice areas at a high level.
• State whether you will handle client trust funds.
• If yes, confirm your Trust Safety officer and attach required documents.
• List each Alberta office location. Use exact street addresses.
• If you expect to act as executor, trustee, or manager of trust property, note it.

6) List all partners and confirm their eligibility

• For each lawyer partner, list full name and membership number.
• State their status as active and authorized to practice.
• If a partner is a professional corporation, list the corporation’s legal name.
• Tie each professional corporation to its shareholder lawyer.
• Confirm there are no ineligible partners in the LLP structure.
• Indicate the managing partner. Indicate the Designated Responsible Lawyer.

7) Confirm insurance coverage

• State that the firm and all practicing lawyers carry required coverage.
• Attach proof of current professional liability insurance where required.
• If you maintain excess insurance, describe the limits and insurer.
• Ensure the insured names align with the LLP legal name.
• If a partner practices through a professional corporation, align coverage for that structure.

8) Address trust accounts and financial controls

• If you will hold trust funds, complete the trust sections in full.
• Name your Trust Safety officer. Confirm completion of any required training.
• Attach trust account opening details if requested.
• Confirm that trust cheques, receipts, and bank records will use the LLP name.
• Confirm that you will follow all trust accounting rules and submit reports on time.

9) Provide compliance undertakings

• Undertake to use “LLP” on signage, letterhead, and digital channels.
• Confirm that you will update the regulator when partners change.
• Commit to notify the regulator of changes to offices, name, or trust status.
• Undertake to keep accurate books and records available for inspection.
• Undertake to renew the permit on time and maintain eligibility.

10) Add disclosures about limited liability

• Confirm that you will give clients clear notice of the LLP status.
• Confirm visibility of “LLP” on all public‑facing materials.
• Confirm that you will not present protections beyond those in law.

11) Attach required documents

• Certificate or proof of LLP registration details.
• List of partners and, if applicable, professional corporations.
• Insurance certificate or other proof of coverage.
• Trust Safety documentation if you will hold trust funds.
• A firm resolution authorizing the signatory, if only one partner will sign.
• Any other forms the regulator requires with this application.

12) Calculate and pay the fees

• Include the application fee and any permit fee.
• Use the payment method accepted by the regulator.
• Match the payment reference to the firm name to avoid delays.
• Keep the payment confirmation with your records.

13) Execute the declarations

• Review every page for accuracy and consistency.
• Confirm that names, numbers, and addresses match your attachments.
• Have the authorized partner sign and date the declaration.
• If required, have each partner sign. Attach extra signature pages if needed.
• Initial any corrections and avoid blank fields.

14) Submit your application

• File the form using the method specified by the regulator.
• Include all attachments in the prescribed format.
• Keep a full copy of the submission package with timestamps.

15) Respond to follow‑ups

• Monitor the contact email and phone for questions.
• Reply quickly with any missing information or clarifications.
• Provide updated documents if requested.

16) Do not hold out as an LLP until approved

• Do not use “LLP” in the firm name until you receive the permit.
• Do not open trust accounts under the LLP name until approval.
• Do not change signage or stationery until confirmation.

17) After approval, implement firm‑wide changes

• Update your banking, trust accounts, and cheques to the LLP name.
• Update your engagement letters with LLP disclosures.
• Update your website, email signatures, and stationery.
• Train staff on the LLP status and required client notices.
• Calendar your renewal and change‑reporting deadlines.

18) Maintain ongoing compliance

• Report partner admissions and withdrawals within the required time.
• Keep insurance current and file proof when asked.
• Renew the LLP permit as directed by the regulator.
• Update office locations and contact details promptly.
• Keep your partnership agreement aligned with actual firm practices.

Practical tips to avoid delays

• Use your exact registered LLP name on every document.
• Avoid mixing abbreviations or omitting “LLP” in any field.
• Cross‑check partner membership numbers against current records.
• Keep your partner list in a spreadsheet that matches the form fields.
• Attach legible, current insurance certificates that show dates and limits.
• Ensure the address on your attachments matches your application.
• Submit one complete package instead of piecemeal documents.

Common risk points

• Listing ineligible partners or out‑of‑status lawyers.
• Attaching expired insurance or missing trust documents.
• Forgetting to designate a Trust Safety officer when holding trust funds.
• Using a trade name without recording the legal LLP name.
• Submitting with unsigned declarations or missing signature pages.
• Paying the wrong fee or missing payment references.

Accuracy matters in every field. Your statements carry regulatory weight. If you discover an error after filing, notify the regulator at once and provide a corrected page. This protects your permit and demonstrates good faith. Finally, embed the permit conditions into your operations. Build checklists for onboarding partners, opening offices, and launching new services. Tie those checklists to notice and approval steps. This keeps your LLP in good standing and prevents unforced compliance errors.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) means a partnership structure where partners have limited personal liability for certain acts of other partners. On this form, you confirm you are a partnership seeking this limited liability status for your law practice.
• LLP Permit is the authorization your partnership needs to operate as an LLP in Alberta’s legal profession. The form is your formal request for that authorization. Without an approved permit, you are not recognized as an LLP by the regulator.
• Designated Representative Partner is the partner named to handle regulatory communications for the LLP. On this form, you identify that person with contact details. They sign declarations and receive notices about the permit.
• Partnership Agreement is the contract among partners that sets firm governance and risk sharing. The form may require you to confirm you have one. You may also need to provide specific details or extracts if requested.
• Professional Liability Insurance is coverage for claims arising from legal services. The form typically asks you to state your insurance status and limits. You may need to attach proof of coverage or certify that coverage meets minimum rules.
• Trust Account refers to any account where you hold client funds. The form may ask if you maintain trust accounts and who oversees them. You should be ready to provide locations and the partner responsible for supervision.
• Principal Office is your main business address in Alberta. The form requires your principal office and any additional locations. Use the legal physical address, not a P.O. Box, unless the form allows one for mailing.
• Professional Corporation (PC) is a corporation owned by one or more lawyers to carry on practice. If partners practise through PCs, the form may ask for each PC’s legal name and permit number. This ensures every practicing entity is authorized.
• Good Standing means each lawyer partner meets regulatory obligations, such as fees and continuing requirements. The form often asks you to confirm that all lawyer partners are in good standing. Any partner not in good standing can delay or derail approval.
• Renewal or Continuation means the annual process to keep your LLP permit active. The form sets the initial permit. You must track and complete renewals to avoid lapses. A lapse can affect your firm’s liability shield and status.
• Schedules or Attachments are extra pages you add when the form’s space is not enough. Use them to list more partners, offices, or corporations. Label each schedule clearly so the regulator can match it to the right section.

FAQs

Do you need an LLP permit before you start holding out as an LLP?

Yes. You should have the permit in hand before you present your firm as an LLP. That includes using “LLP” in your name, letterhead, website, or engagement letters. File the form early so you can align branding and client notices with approval.

Do you need the permit if you are already a partnership?

Yes, if you want limited liability status as an LLP. A general partnership does not provide the same liability shield. The permit converts your status for regulatory purposes. You still need to meet all other regulatory requirements for a partnership.

Do you need to list every partner, including corporations?

Yes. List all partners, whether individuals or professional corporations. Provide full legal names, status, and any required permit numbers. If a partner is not a lawyer or not a corporation allowed to partner, check the rules before filing. Disclose all ownership that is required by the form.

Do you need separate permits for branch offices?

No, one LLP permit covers the partnership. But you must disclose all Alberta practice locations on the form. Keep your office list updated. If you open or close an office, report the change as required.

Do you need to submit your partnership agreement?

You often confirm that you have a current partnership agreement. You may not need to file the full agreement unless asked. Keep it accessible. You should be able to provide specific sections promptly if the regulator requests them.

Do you need proof of insurance with the application?

You usually confirm your coverage and that it meets the minimums. The regulator may verify coverage independently or request proof. Have your certificate or policy summary ready. Delays in confirming insurance can stall your permit.

How long does LLP permit approval take?

Processing time varies. It depends on application completeness, partner status, and review volume. You can avoid delays by submitting accurate partner lists, current insurance, and the correct firm name. If you do not hear back in a reasonable time, follow up through the regulator’s stated channel.

What if partner information changes after you file?

Report changes promptly. This includes partners joining or leaving, corporate partner changes, address updates, and insurance changes. Some changes require an amendment filing. Track effective dates and submit updates without delay to stay compliant.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Form 8.1-1 – Application by an Alberta LLP for an LLP Permit

Before signing

• Confirm your partnership is formed and in good standing.
• Verify the exact legal firm name with the “LLP” suffix if required.
• Gather the principal office address and all Alberta office locations.
• Prepare the list of partners
• Include full legal names.
• Member numbers for lawyer partners, if applicable.
• Professional corporation names and permit numbers for corporate partners.
• Start dates and ownership percentages if requested.
• Identify your designated representative partner with contact details.
• Confirm professional liability insurance is active and meets required minimums.
• Identify whether you hold client trust funds and where accounts are kept.
• Collect any required declarations related to discipline or outstanding complaints.
• Prepare supporting schedules for partner lists, office lists, and PCs, if needed.
• Confirm the correct filing fee and payment method.
• Assign an internal reviewer to check names, dates, and numbers for accuracy.

During signing

• Check the firm name spelling and the “LLP” suffix for consistency across the form.
• Ensure the principal office is in Alberta if the form requires it.
• Verify every partner is listed once with matching details across sections.
• Confirm all professional corporations are properly named and numbered.
• Review insurance confirmations and effective dates.
• Check all addresses, phone numbers, and emails for accuracy.
• Complete all required declarations and consents without leaving blanks.
• Attach clearly labeled schedules where the form lacks space.
• Ensure the designated representative partner is correctly identified.
• Sign and date the form with the required signing authority.
• Initial any corrections as the form requires.
• Include the fee in the format accepted by the regulator.

After signing

• Make a clean copy of the full package, including schedules and proof of payment.
• File the form using the regulator’s accepted submission method.
• Record the submission date and the person who filed it.
• Set a reminder to confirm receipt and track approval status.
• Store a copy in the firm’s governance or minute book.
• Update your internal compliance calendar with renewal dates.
• Prepare client, website, and letterhead updates that use “LLP” only after approval.
• Notify your insurer, bank, and landlord (if required) once approval is issued.
• Train staff on any changes to firm name usage and signature blocks.
• Create a change log to track partner and office updates after approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong firm name. If you submit a name that does not match your registered name or misses the “LLP” suffix, approval can be delayed or denied. Don’t forget to check every instance of the firm name on the form and schedules.
• Missing partners or corporate partners. Leaving out a partner or a related professional corporation can cause a rejection or conditions on approval. Make sure your partner list is complete and consistent with your partnership agreement and internal records.
• Outdated insurance details. Stating coverage that has expired or changed can stall the application. Confirm effective dates and limits before you sign. Ask your broker for a current certificate if needed.
• Incomplete declarations. Skipping questions or leaving boxes blank can result in an incomplete filing. Read each declaration carefully. If a question does not apply, follow the form’s instruction on how to mark it.
• Wrong addresses or office list. Listing a mailing address instead of the principal office, or missing a branch location, creates compliance issues. Verify your office list and use the correct address type for each field.
• Friendly warning: Do a final “three-point check” of firm name, partner list, and insurance. These are the most common blockers. A five-minute review can save weeks.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

Submit the application

• File the signed form with all schedules and the fee using the approved method. Keep proof of submission and payment. Note the date and method in your compliance log.

Confirm receipt and track approval

• If you get a confirmation, store it with the application. If you do not receive one, follow up after a reasonable period. Assign a single contact to handle all regulator communications.

Prepare for approval

• Draft the post-approval steps now, so you can move quickly:
• Update letterhead, email signatures, website, and signage to include “LLP.”
• Update engagement letters and terms of service with your LLP name.
• Notify banks and vendors of the new LLP status if needed.

On approval

• Circulate the approval notice to all partners and administrative leads. File it in your governance records. If the permit must be displayed, post it where required.

Implement firm-wide updates

• Align accounting, trust records, and insurance endorsements with the LLP name. Confirm that all client invoices and receipts show the LLP name. Update your practice management systems to reflect the LLP structure.

Calendar renewals and reporting

• Add the renewal date to your calendar with reminders 90, 60, and 30 days out. Note any annual filing or fee requirements. Include internal checkpoints for insurance renewals and trust account confirmations.

Report changes promptly

• If a partner joins or leaves, a branch opens or closes, or contact details change, file an amendment or notice as required. Keep a template change notice ready to speed updates.

Maintain records

• Keep a complete file: the application, approval, renewal confirmations, partner lists, corporate partner permits, insurance certificates, and correspondence. Ensure version control and secure storage.

Audit your status annually

• Once a year, run a “LLP compliance audit.” Check that the firm name is used consistently, insurance meets minimums, partner status is current, and all addresses are correct. Fix gaps before renewal to avoid rush corrections.

Communicate with clients

• After approval, confirm that client-facing materials reflect the LLP name. If you send a general notice, keep it factual and brief. You do not need to disclose internal details—just the new LLP name and effective date if you choose to inform clients.

Plan for contingencies

• If approval is delayed or conditional, identify the missing items quickly. Assign responsibility to gather documents or make corrections. Respond to regulator questions in writing and keep a log of all responses.