Rechtsanwaltsgebührenordnung

Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaften, often abbreviated as RAG, are a specific type of business entity in Germany designed for legal professionals. These are partnerships or limited liability companies formed by one or more lawyers (Rechtsanwälte) to practice law. The primary purpose of a Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft is to provide legal services to clients.

There are different legal forms a Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft can take. Common structures include the Gesellschaft bürgerlichen Rechts (GbR), the Offene Handelsgesellschaft (OHG), the Kommanditgesellschaft (KG), and increasingly, the Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), known as a Rechtsanwalts-GmbH. The choice of legal form impacts liability and taxation.

The establishment and operation of Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaften are subject to strict regulations by the German Federal Bar Association (Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer) and local bar associations. These regulations ensure that professional standards are maintained and that client interests are protected. Not all lawyers are permitted to form or be partners in a Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft; specific qualifications and ethical considerations apply.

These entities allow lawyers to pool resources, share expertise, and offer a broader range of legal services. The concept aims to adapt legal practice to modern business structures while preserving the core principles of the legal profession.