Florida Bar News July 31, 2025

Trust account violations remain one of the most common sources of disciplinary action against Florida attorneys — a trend that underscores the critical importance of proper compliance.

Recognizing this, The Practice Resource Center of The Florida Bar offers a suite of trust accounting resources to help lawyers maintain compliance and avoid costly mistakes. These include forms, checklists, sample reports, CLEs, relevant ethics opinions, and a comprehensive Trust Accounting FAQ, all available at LegalFuel.com.

“Attorneys must account for every penny held in trust,” said LegalFuel Director Christine Bilbrey. “Failing to do so can lead to client complaints, Bar audits, and even disciplinary proceedings.”

Despite the clear risks, many lawyers remain unaware of the obligations outlined in Chapter 5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, which governs trust accounts. These rules require attorneys to maintain detailed records and conduct monthly reconciliations and reviews. Some attorneys overlook these duties due to time constraints, lack of resources, or discomfort with financial management — but the consequences of noncompliance are serious.

Neglecting your trust account isn’t just a bookkeeping error — it puts client funds and your license at risk, the center warns.

Bilbrey urges all attorneys with trust accounts to take advantage of the resources available through the Practice Resource Center as proactive engagement with these tools not only ensures compliance — it protects clients, reputations, and careers.

Florida lawyers also now have free access to Nota, the financial platform designed to streamline trust account management and compliance. Nota has been added to The Florida Bar’s Member Benefits lineup, addressing the need for a simplified, efficient solution for managing client funds.

VIEWS AND CONCLUSIONS EXPRESSED IN ARTICLES HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF FLORIDA BAR STAFF, OFFICIALS, OR BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE FLORIDA BAR.