Trust Account Rules and Regulations For Attorneys
- Irvine Bookkeeping
- Apr 15, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
As a law firm in California, it is important to understand the trust account rules and regulations to maintain compliance with the State Bar of California. Trust account compliance is crucial for upholding the reputation and integrity of the legal profession.
This article serves as a lawyer's guide to trust account rules in California, providing essential information for attorneys to ensure proper management and compliance.
Here are some key points to remember that you need to know.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. What is a Trust Account?
A trust account is a separate account that is used to hold client's funds. These funds may include money for retainers, settlements, or other fees. Trust accounts are specifically designed for safekeeping funds belonging to clients.
A trust account is established to ensure that client money is kept separate from the law firm’s operating account. Attorneys may also be responsible for both funds and property of clients when managing trust accounts. Attorneys must properly handle client funds in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
How Do the Different Types of Trust Accounts Fit Into Each State’s Rules & Regulations?
In California, attorneys are required to follow strict trust accounting rules and regulations regarding trust accounts in order to maintain compliance with the State Bar of California. Estate planning attorneys must understand the different types of law firm trust accounts and the state law requirements for each type. Attorneys may be holding funds for clients or other persons, and must choose the appropriate account type based on the amount of money involved and the nature of the funds entrusted to them. Other funds, such as settlement payments, advances for costs, or funds received from third parties, may also need to be deposited in trust accounts. Funds received as advance payment for future services must be deposited into a trust account unless they are a true retainer, which is earned immediately and may be deposited into the operating account. Attorneys are responsible for properly managing all funds entrusted to them by clients or other persons, ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Here are some types of law trust accounts and how they fit into California State’s Rules & Regulations.
Types of Trust Accounts
IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts): Used for client funds that are nominal or held for a short period. The interest earned is paid to the State Bar to fund legal aid programs.
Non-IOLTA Trust Accounts: Used for larger or longer-term client funds, where interest is paid to the client.
Visual: Below is a chart comparing IOLTA vs. non-IOLTA accounts.
Feature | IOLTA Account | Non-IOLTA Account |
Purpose | Nominal or short-term funds | Large or long-term funds |
Interest | Paid to State Bar for legal aid | Paid to client |
Common Use | Retainers, small settlements | Large settlements, escrow |
Bank Requirements | Must be at an approved IOLTA bank | No specific bank requirement |
IOLTA requirements and the State Bar's regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with trust account rules and ethical standards.
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Choosing a Financial Institution for Your Trust Account
Selecting the right financial institution for your client trust account is a foundational step in safeguarding client funds and ensuring compliance with California law. Under Rule 1.15 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, attorneys are required to hold client funds in a separate trust account, distinct from the law firm’s operating or personal accounts. When evaluating potential banks or credit unions, California attorneys should prioritize institutions with a strong reputation for handling lawyers trust accounts and a clear understanding of the unique requirements for client trust accounts.
The State Bar of California maintains a list of eligible financial institutions that are approved to offer Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA). These institutions meet specific criteria set by the State Bar, ensuring that your client trust account will be managed in accordance with professional conduct standards. IOLTA accounts are particularly useful for holding nominal or short-term client funds, as the interest earned supports statewide legal aid initiatives.
2. Key Trust Account Rules in California
Lawyer's obligations under California law require strict adherence to trust accounting rules, especially in light of recent regulatory changes.
California attorneys must follow strict trust accounting rules under Rule 1.15 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct and the Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP), introduced in 2023. Here are five key requirements:
CTAPP Compliance: Attorneys must register their client trust accounts with the State Bar and complete the annual self assessment, which includes meeting reporting requirements as part of the compliance process.
The new rule and new rules replaced the former rule and introduced additional compliance steps for California lawyers, including enhanced registration, reporting, and record-keeping obligations.
Attorneys are strongly encouraged to consult the State Bar's handbook for detailed guidance on managing client trust accounts and ensuring full compliance.
Key Concept 1: Separate Clients Are Separate Accounts
Client funds must be kept separate, even when held in a common trust account. Maintain a client ledger for each individual client trust account California to avoid losing track of how much money each client has. Client funds that earn income over the costs to hold the account cannot be placed in an IOLTA account.
Strict separation of client accounts is essential to prevent any apparent conflict of interest or impropriety, ensuring public confidence in the legal system.
Segregation of Funds: Client trust accoun must be kept in a trust account separate from personal or firm operating accounts to prevent commingling.
Prompt Deposits: All client funds, such as retainers or settlements, must be deposited into the trust account immediately upon receipt.
Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records, including ledgers for each client, bank statements, and reconciliation reports, for at least five years.
Three-Way Reconciliation: Reconcile trust accounts monthly by comparing client ledgers, bank statements, and trust account balances.
CTAPP Compliance: Register trust accounts annually with the State Bar and complete a self-assessment to verify compliance.
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3. Regulations for Trust Accounts
To comply with the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California, law firms must follow these requirements for trust accounts:
The trust account must be held in a financial institution authorized to do business in California.
The account must be designated as a trust account and titled "Client Trust Account" or "attorney client trust account."
The account must be reconciled monthly, and the records must be maintained for at least five years.
Only client funds should be deposited into the account.
Record Keeping and Reporting for Trust Accounts
Accurate record keeping and transparent reporting are essential elements of client trust accounting and are mandated by Rule 1.15 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys must maintain detailed records for all client trust accounts, documenting every deposit, withdrawal, and any interest earned. These records serve as proof of compliance with the rules governing client trust accounts and must be retained for at least five years after the conclusion of the client’s matter.
4. Prohibited Activities About Trust Accounts
Certain activities are strictly forbidden trust accounts. Law firms must avoid engaging in the following actions:
Commingling of funds: It is prohibited to deposit personal funds or funds from the law firm into the trust account.
Neglecting to record transactions: All transactions must be recorded accurately and promptly.
Paying personal or business expenses from the trust account.
Borrowing funds from the trust account.
5. Penalties for Non-Compliance
The State Bar of California takes trust account violations very seriously. Failure to comply with the trust account rules and regulations may result in disciplinary action, including fines, suspension, or disbarment. In fact, many lawyers have faced disciplinary action due to trust account violations, which highlights the importance of strict compliance.
California law firms must adhere to the trust account rules and regulations to maintain compliance with the State Bar and protect their client’s funds. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations can lead to severe consequences for the law firm and its clients.
6. Understanding Fees & Costs Associated with Setting Up a Trust Account
Creating and managing a trust account can come with various fees and costs. Here are some of the fees and expenses associated with setting up and managing a trust account:
Initial set-up fees: Many banks and financial institutions charge fees for setting up a new one. This fee may vary depending on the type of account and the institution.
Annual fees: Some banks may charge an annual fee for maintaining the trust account. This fee may be a flat rate or a percentage of the account balance.
Transaction fees: Banks may charge a fee for each transaction made on the trust account, such as deposits or withdrawals.
Investment fees: If the trust account is invested in stocks, bonds, or other securities, there may be fees associated with managing those investments.
Legal fees: Depending on the complexity of the trust and the legal requirements, there may be legal fees associated with setting up and managing the trust account.
Accounting fees: Law firms and other professional service providers may charge fees for managing the accounting and record-keeping for the trust account.
Other costs: Other costs associated with managing a trust account may include taxes, insurance, and administrative expenses.
Understanding the fees and costs associated with setting up and managing a trust account is essential, as they can significantly impact the trust's overall value. By working with a qualified financial advisor or attorney, clients can ensure that they know all costs associated with their trust account and can make informed decisions about managing their funds.
How to Set Up a Client Trust Account in California
Setting up a compliant trust account is straightforward with these steps:
Choose a Bank: Select a State Bar-approved bank for IOLTA accounts or any FDIC-insured bank for non-IOLTA accounts.
Open the Account: Provide your law firm’s Tax ID and State Bar number. Label the account as “[Your Firm Name] Client Trust Account.”
Register with CTAPP: Submit your trust account details to the State Bar annually via the CTAPP portal.
Set Up Sub-Accounts: Create separate ledgers or sub-accounts for each client to track funds individually.
Integrate Software: Use QuickBooks or Clio for automated recordkeeping and reconciliation.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, trust account rules and regulations are critical to running a law firm in California. By following these rules and regulations, law firms can maintain compliance with the State Bar, protect their client's funds, and improve their financial management practices. All law firms in California must fully understand and adhere to these rules and regulations to ensure the success and sustainability of their practice.
Irvine Bookkeeping are expert in law firm bookkeeping. We specialize in managing trust accounts with precision, ensuring compliance with all legal regulations. Trust us to keep your financial records accurate and focus on your clients.
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