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Who Can Sign a Contract for an LLC?

Photo of hand holding a pen, symbolizing who can sign a contract

Several months ago, I answered the question Who Can Sign Contracts for a Corporation? This post addresses who can sign a contract for a limited liability company (LLC).

Section references below have been updated to reflect California’s new LLC law that took effect on January 1, 2014 (see RULLCA Brings New LLC Laws to California in 2014).

The LLC’s Articles of Organization may address who can sign a contract, but this rarely occurs. The subject is more likely to be addressed in the Operating Agreement.

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Why did both the President and the Secretary of the Corporation Sign that Document?

John Hancock's signature

Contracts and other documents usually are signed on behalf of a party by a single representative (see Who Can Sign a Contract for a Corporation?). However, at least in California, important documents often are signed on behalf of a corporation by two officers, such as the President and the Secretary. This post explains the reason for two signatures.

Corporations Code Section 313 says, in relevant part (emphasis added) that: (more…)

Who Can Sign Contracts for a Corporation?

Photo of hand with pen on paper, symbolizing who can sign contracts for a corporationA couple of weeks ago, I answered a question on Avvo about who can sign contracts on behalf of a corporation. This issue comes up from time to time, so I will discuss it at some length in this post.

Authorization to sign contracts is addressed in the corporation’s bylaws and / or in resolutions of the board of directors. (more…)

Should I Initial Every Page when I Sign an Agreement?

Photo of hand holding a pen, symbolizing the decision to initial every page of an agreementWhen my European clients execute agreements, they routinely initial every page, usually at the bottom, in addition to signing at the signature blocks. Here in the U.S., I see that approach rarely; it is customary merely to sign at the signature blocks.

Several weeks ago I posted a LinkedIn question about this difference. [September 2013 update: Link to question no longer available because LinkedIn removed its Q&A feature.] Here are some of the insights that I gained from my colleagues: