Safekeeping Funds and Other Property

Trust accounts and disputes

Rule 1.15 requires client and third-party money to be held in a separate trust account, with the lawyer's own money allowed only to cover bank charges. Advance fees go into trust and come out as earned. On receiving funds, the lawyer must promptly notify, deliver, and account on request. Disputed amounts stay in trust until resolved, while undisputed amounts must be paid out promptly, and lawful third-party claims to specific funds must be protected. The study guide includes a worked settlement-distribution example.