Trust Me, I'm a Lawyer: Trust Accounts, Finances, Fee-Splitting, and Freelancing
Violating trust account rules can subject a lawyer to disbarment, civil damages, and even criminal charges. Protect yourself against a potential trust account violation by increasing your understanding of trust account compliance—the ethical implications of your conduct. This course will cover the five biggest trust account misunderstandings and your duty to preserve and safeguard client funds and property. We’ll address the differences between qualified and non-qualified funds, what does and doesn’t belong in a trust account, and the distinction between commingling and safekeeping. We will also discuss fact situations (and reported cases) where disputes have arisen and strategies to resolve those conflicting claims. Additionally, this course will discuss the best practices for maintaining financial control of your legal practice.