Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement
From establishing initial ownership to how to handle possible dissolution, operating agreements cover the bases when starting your business.
This article will go over what you need to consider when establishing your member-managed LLC operating agreement, how member-managed LLCs differ from manager-managed, and considerations for your LLC’s members.
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Create Your Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement
We offer an operating agreement template for member-managed LLCs, as well as an operating agreement tool.
Member-Managed Operating Agreement Template
This operating agreement template is useful for multi-member LLCs that are managed by their members.
Create Custom Operating Agreement
Create a custom operating agreement using our free tool. Just answer a few basic questions, and the tool will develop an operating agreement for your new LLC.
To use our tool, you will need to sign in to our Business Center. A Business Center account will also grant you access to many other free tools, special discounts on business services, and much more.
What is an Operating Agreement?
An operating agreement is like the blueprint of your limited liability company (LLC). In the absence of corporate bylaws, an operating agreement lays out the structure of the company, major procedures and processes, and each member’s role, powers, and responsibilities.
While most states do not require LLCs to have operating agreements, it is highly advisable to do so. Even single-member LLCs are well served by drafting an operating agreement to outline how their business is run. This can be particularly useful in proving a meaningful separation between a single-member LLC and its owner for legal purposes.
Operating agreements are also essential for addressing conflicts that may arise within member-managed and manager-managed LLCs. This can include confusion over who has the authority to sign contracts, what happens when an LLC member joins or leaves the business, and how to handle gridlock in decision-making. By drafting a clear and complete operating agreement, members will have somewhere to turn for any issue or item of confusion or contention that may arise in their business.
State regulations can vary considerably, so be sure to check with your state’s business authority to confirm what, if any, guidelines and requirements exist regarding LLC operating agreements.
Recommended: Use our Free LLC Checklist to stay focused when starting your business.
Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed
The default setting for LLC management is member-managed. This means that all LLC members take an active role in the day-to-day operations of the business. However, LLC members can also elect to be manager-managed by indicating this choice in their articles of organization.
In a manager-managed LLC, members select one or more individuals to serve as on-the-ground management, while retaining authority over major business decisions and operations. Managers may be selected from among an LLC’s current members or brought in from outside the company. An LLC may also choose another LLC or corporation to serve in a management role.
What to Include In Your Operating Agreement
While some states may have different requirements, the typical operating agreement should include the following information:
Basic Company and Member Information
Every LLC operating agreement should include the company’s name and address along with the names and addresses of all the members.
Initial Capital Contributions
The initial capital contribution of each member should be outlined in the operating agreement. This can help determine each member’s ownership percentage and profit share.
Business Purpose
An LLC’s statement of purpose should include the nature of the business and what it seeks to achieve. Many statements of purpose are followed by standard language such as, “and for any other lawful business purposes.” Some states allow for a general statement, while others may require more specific details.
Role Definitions for Managers and Members
Aside from listing each member of the LLC, the operating agreement should outline each member’s role within the business. This includes their duties and voting power.
For manager-managed LLCs, all managers should be named along with their roles and compensation.
Ownership Percentage
LLCs have flexibility in terms of how ownership is distributed, and are not bound by how much capital each member contributes. While many LLCs do go that route, they may also choose to divide ownership based on other metrics such as the level of involvement with business operations. For example, a silent investor may make an equal contribution, but receive a smaller ownership stake than decision-makers.
Profit Distribution
Just as ownership percentage is flexible, so too is profit distribution. While profits are typically divided based on ownership, this is not required. An LLC may decide to distribute profits in any way they see fit, as long as all members agree to the system.
New Members and Withdrawal
The process for how members are added and removed from the LLC should be detailed in the operating agreement. This should also include what happens when a member passes away or if someone must be expelled involuntarily from the company.
Dissolving or Transferring the Company
Procedures and conditions should be laid out for dissolving the LLC. There should also be a provision covering the transfer of interests if a member chooses to sell her/his stake in the business. Typically, the other members will have a right of first refusal.
Things to Consider for a Member-Managed Operating Agreement
Members Can Be More Passionate About Business Decisions Than Managers
Since members have a personal stake in the success of the LLC, they will often be more passionate about business decisions than third-party managers. Elected third-party managers are more likely to think purely in terms of business and financial success rather than feeling personally invested in the success of the business.
For example, members of an LLC that operates as a book publisher may be very particular and passionate about the books the business releases. Alternatively, an LLC manager may solely be interested in the financial success of the company, without regard to the mission or tone of the business.
What to do When a Member No Longer Wants to Manage
In a member-managed LLC, by default, all members take an active role in the day-to-day operations of the company. It may be the case, though, that some members no longer want to hold managerial responsibilities. If a member no longer wants to manage, they may opt to become a passive member. It’s important to address how a member can become a passive member in the operating agreement and to follow the procedures laid out for such a situation.
What to do When a Member Wants to Leave the Company
If a member wants to leave the company, the member must submit a notice of withdrawal in accordance with the procedures laid out in the operating agreement. Before the member can withdraw, all members must come to an agreement on any assets and liabilities of the withdrawing member, identify any obligatory documents in the withdrawing member’s name, and negotiate a separation agreement.
Working with a Small Business Lawyer
If you need help deciding which management style is best for your company and business needs or advice on how to draft a complete and effective operating agreement, a small business attorney can help.
