The spelling of "professional corporation" follows the principle of English phonetics. It is spelled as [prəˈfɛʃənəl kɔrpəˈreɪʃən]. The first syllable "pro" is pronounced as "prə", the second syllable "fes" is pronounced as "fɛʃ", and the third syllable "-sion" is pronounced as "ʃən". The word "corporation" is spelled with the stress on the second syllable, pronounced as "kɔrpə", and the ending "-tion" is pronounced as "-reɪʃən". This spelling applies to any legal entity formed for the purpose of conducting professional services as a corporation.
A professional corporation refers to a type of legal structure that is specifically designed for professionals engaged in certain licensed occupations, including lawyers, doctors, accountants, engineers, and architects. This distinct form of corporation is established to provide liability protection to its owners while adhering to the requirements and regulations specific to their professional industry.
A professional corporation, often abbreviated as PC, is formed by licensed individuals who have obtained the necessary qualifications and credentials to practice their respective professions. The primary objective of creating such an entity is to separate personal assets and liabilities from professional ones, thereby shielding the owners from personal responsibility for their professional mistakes or malpractice.
In a professional corporation, the owners are typically referred to as shareholders, and unlike a traditional corporation, they must all be licensed professionals within the same field. Shareholders can include other professionals within the entity or sometimes even non-professionals who have administrative or executive roles.
The roles and responsibilities within a professional corporation often mirror those of a regular corporation, with shareholders, directors, officers, and employees. However, there are specific restrictions and regulations that must be strictly followed to maintain compliance with professional standards and regulations set by the governing body within the particular industry.
Overall, the establishment of a professional corporation allows licensed professionals to enjoy the benefits of limited liability and enhanced credibility that come with a formal corporate structure while remaining compliant with the rules and regulations specific to their professional practice.
The etymology of the word "professional corporation" can be broken down as follows:
1. Professional: The word "professional" comes from the Latin word "professio", which means occupation, vocation, or calling. It derived from the verb "profiteri", which means to publicly declare or acknowledge. Hence, "professional" refers to someone engaged in a particular occupation or calling, typically requiring specialized knowledge or skills.
2. Corporation: "Corporation" originates from the Latin word "corpus", meaning body. It refers to a legal entity or body created by law that has rights and liabilities separate from its members or shareholders. The term "corporation" is often used to denote a business association formed by individuals to conduct activities and enter into contracts as a separate legal entity.