Partnership Agreement Solicitors
Commercial
Expert Legal Advice for Business Partnerships
A partnership agreement is the foundation of any successful business partnership. Without one, your relationship is governed only by default statutory rules that rarely reflect what the partners actually intended, which can cause serious problems if a partner leaves, a dispute arises, or the business needs to wind down.
At Gurve Legal, our London-based partnership solicitors draft bespoke partnership agreements for businesses of all kinds, with particular experience advising medical partnerships including GP and dental practices, alongside professional services firms and commercial partnerships.
We advise on the full lifecycle of a partnership, from formation through to LLP conversion, disputes, and exit.
Our Partnership Agreement Services
Partnership Agreement Drafting
We draft bespoke agreements reflecting your business, your partners’ contributions, and your objectives. No two partnerships are the same, so no two agreements should be either.
- Capital and asset contributions
- Profit and loss sharing ratios
- Decision-making authority and reserved matters
- Admission, retirement and expulsion of partners
- Death and incapacity provisions
LLP Agreements
Limited liability partnerships combine partnership flexibility with limited liability protection. We advise on whether an LLP structure suits your business, draft members’ agreements, and handle conversion from a traditional partnership. Our LLPs and company formations team can support the wider structuring process.
Partner Exits and Retirements
Partners leave for many reasons, including retirement, career change, health, or dispute. We advise departing partners on their exit rights, valuation and payment terms, and advise remaining partners on managing the departure and funding any exit payment.
Partnership Disputes
Partnership disputes can threaten the survival of the business itself. We resolve them through negotiation, mediation, expert determination, or, where necessary, dissolution or court proceedings.
Partnership Restructuring
Partnerships evolve over time. We assist with mergers, divisions, multi-tier structures, and conversion from a partnership into a company or LLP, including advising on equity versus salaried partner arrangements.
Medical and Healthcare Partnerships
GP and dental partnerships carry regulatory and NHS framework considerations that generic templates rarely address. We understand the sector-specific issues facing GP practices and dental practices, and draft agreements accordingly.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
Bespoke Agreements, Not Templates
Every partnership is different. We draft agreements that reflect your specific circumstances, your business, and your objectives, rather than adapting a generic document.
Healthcare Partnership Specialists
Our experience advising GP and dental practices means we understand healthcare partnerships in depth, including the regulatory environment and clinical governance considerations that generalist firms often miss.
Commercial and Practical Focus
We combine legal expertise with commercial understanding, giving practical, business-focused advice rather than academic commentary. This is particularly valuable for SMEs and owner-managed partnerships.
Skilled at Avoiding Court
Most disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without ever reaching a courtroom. When cases do proceed to litigation, our team has the experience to represent you effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a partnership agreement by law?
No, but without one your partnership is governed by the Partnership Act 1890, which rarely reflects what partners actually intend regarding profit share, decisions or exits.
What is the difference between a partnership and an LLP?
In a traditional partnership, partners have unlimited personal liability for business debts. In an LLP, the partnership itself is a separate legal entity, and members’ liability is limited.
What happens if a partner wants to leave?
This depends entirely on what your agreement says. A well-drafted agreement sets out exit procedures, valuation methods and payment terms in advance, avoiding disputes at the point of departure.
Can a partnership agreement be changed after signing?
Yes, but usually only with the consent of the partners as specified in the agreement itself, which is often unanimous consent unless stated otherwise.
What happens if a partner dies without an agreement in place?
Under default statutory rules, a partnership can technically dissolve on the death of a partner unless the agreement specifies otherwise, which can create serious disruption for the remaining partners.
Speak to Our Partnership Law Team
Whether you need a new agreement, dispute resolution, exit planning, or restructuring support, our team delivers practical, commercially-focused advice. Get in touch today.