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Law Office Management

Nov. 26, 2025

10 facts about client trust accounting

Mismanaging client funds -- through commingling, overdrafts, or poor recordkeeping--is the fastest route to serious State Bar discipline, making proper trust account management, including IOLTA compliance, essential for every lawyer.

Christine C. Rosskopf

Senior Counsel
Rosing Pott & Strohbehn

501 W Broadway A380
San Diego , CA 92101

Email: crosskopf@rosinglaw.com

See more...

10 facts about client trust accounting
Photo: Shutterstock

When I was a prosecutor for the State Bar, I often said the fastest and easiest way to get yourself into serious trouble with the State Bar is to mess with client funds. Even the most honest lawyer can get him or herself into serious trouble by not understanding the rules of client trust accounting. Here are 10 facts you need to know.

Fact 1. If you hold any funds for the benefit of a client, you need a trust account. This includes cost retainer, deposits paid against fees, and/or...

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