State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Michigan
home
member area
contact us



practice management resource center

From Our Lending Library

The ABA Guide to Lawyer Trust Accounts

by Jay Foonberg

Lending Library Number: 1

Most lawyers learn in law school ethics class that the quickest route to disbarment is to "commingle" their funds with client trust funds. Unfortunately, many law schools don't define commingling or give practical guidance. But most trust account problems can be avoided by following some simple rules. Lawyers must learn the stringent ethics rules that apply to setting up client trust accounts, keeping appropriate records for those accounts and properly reporting the disbursement of the funds to their clients. This is a complete guide to policies and procedures that lawyers must follow.

Full Description

Borrow this book

 


 print this page


for members
SBM general information

member directory

admissions, ethics, and
   regulation


diversity & inclusion

justice initiatives

member services

practice management
   resource center


public policy resource
   center


publications and
   advertising


research and links

sections


ethics for members
ethics developments
ethics opinions
TAON (trust accounts)


from the courts
opinion searching
virtual court


for the public
public resources
media resources


giving opportunities
a lawyer helps
access to justice
   campaign
 




trust

Resources
A Discussion of Trust Accounts for Michigan Attorneys PDF

Common Trust Account Errors PDF

Ten Commandments of Good Trust Accounts PDF

Client Notification of Trust Account Transfer MS WORD

Sample Trust Account Self Audit PDF

Links
Managing Your Client Trust Account: Where the Buck Stops—Law Practice Today (2011)

Ethics Opinions on Trust Account References—from the State Bar of Michigan

Michigan State Bar Foundation

Taon Alert
Lawyers With Trust Accounts are Impacted by the TAON Rule


Practice Management Resource Center
Calendaring
Career Transitioning
Client Relations
Disaster Resources
Ethics Helpline
Financial Management
Insurance
Law Office Management
Learning
Lending Library
Marketing
Personnel Matters
Record Retention
Technology
Trust Accounts