Trust Accounting Management Principles & Record Keeping Procedures
COURSE NUMBER
3757
CLE
Approved by The Florida Bar for 2.5 hours of General CLE credit including 2.5 hours of Ethics CLE credit and 0.5 hour of Technology CLE credit.
DESCRIPTION:
Chapter 5 of The Rules Regulating the Florida Bar requires attorneys utilizing trust accounts to maintain specific records and perform monthly procedures.
Unfortunately, many attorneys remain unaware of these requirements, while others claim time and resource constraints prevent them from dedicating attention to their trust accounts. However, it’s essential to follow Chapter 5’s guidelines to reliably safeguard client funds and protect one’s legal license.
- How to determine whether funds belong in a trust account or operating account
- How to properly document receipts and disbursements
- Maintaining accurate client ledger cards
- Conducting monthly reconciliation and comparison
- Establishing a written plan for supervision and trust account compliance
- Understanding the implications of an audit and how to handle it effectively
PRESENTERS:
Elizabeth Tarbert, Ethics Counsel (Ethics & Advertising, The Florida Bar)
Christine Bilbrey, Sr. Practice Management Advisor (Practice Resource Center, The Florida Bar)
Karla Eckardt, Practice Management Advisor (Practice Resource Center, The Florida Bar)
Carl Totaro, Chief Auditor (Lawyer Regulation, The Florida Bar)
Tom Boyle, TrustBooks Co-founder (Florida Bar Member Benefit)
RESOURCES:
Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) 866-352-0707
Ethics Hotline 800-235-8619
LEGALFUEL CLE PRESENTATIONS ARE INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DO NOT REPLACE PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT. STATEMENTS OF FACT AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE PRESENTERS INDIVIDUALLY AND, UNLESS EXPRESSLY STATED TO THE CONTRARY, ARE NOT THE OPINION OF THE FLORIDA BAR OR ITS COMMITTEES. THE FLORIDA BAR DOES NOT ENDORSE OR APPROVE, AND ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR, THE CONTENT, ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION PRESENTED. ANY FEEDBACK SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE EVENT ORGANIZER.