Professional LLCs for Doctors & Lawyers in Texas
Does Texas allow professional LLCs for doctors and lawyers?
Yes. Texas permits Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) for both doctors and lawyers under Tex. Bus. Org. Code Ch. 301 and Ch. 304. Attorneys and physicians are explicitly eligible professions. Formation requires filing Form 206 with the Texas Secretary of State, and all members must hold active licenses in the same profession.
Who qualifies to form a PLLC?
Lawyers, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, certified public accountants, architects, engineers, and optometrists may form PLLCs under Texas law. All members must be licensed professionals in the identical field—you cannot mix attorneys with physicians in one PLLC. Each member must maintain an active, unrestricted license from their respective licensing board (State Bar of Texas for attorneys; Texas Medical Board for physicians).
What are the formation requirements?
File Form 206 (Certificate of Formation for Professional Limited Liability Company) with the Texas Secretary of State. The PLLC name must include "Professional Limited Liability Company," "PLLC," or "P.L.L.C." per Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 301.002. No publication requirement applies in Texas. Include all members' names and professional license information in the filing.
What liability protection does a PLLC provide?
A PLLC shields members from personal liability for other members' professional negligence. However, under Tex. Bus. Org. Code Ch. 304, members remain personally liable for their own professional negligence, misconduct, and ethics violations. The PLLC structure does not protect you from liability arising from your own professional acts.
Are there additional compliance requirements?
Yes. Your professional licensing board may impose requirements beyond state LLC law. The State Bar of Texas and Texas Medical Board each maintain separate PLLC rules for their professions. Professional liability insurance may be required by your board. Members must comply with all applicable professional ethics rules and maintain current licenses throughout the PLLC's existence.
Next steps
- Verify your profession qualifies on the Texas Secretary of State entity chart
- Confirm current PLLC requirements with your licensing board
- Prepare and file Form 206 with the Texas Secretary of State
- Obtain a federal EIN from the IRS
- Maintain professional liability insurance as required by your board
This is general information, not legal advice. Consult your professional licensing board and a Texas business attorney before forming a PLLC.