RPC 1.15A trust accounts are a cornerstone of legal ethics in Washington State. Attorneys are required to properly safeguard client property, including funds held in trust, and comply with strict fiduciary, recordkeeping, and delivery standards. Failure to follow these rules can result in disciplinary action, reputational damage, or even disbarment. This article explains the key requirements of RPC 1.15A and offers practical guidance to ensure full compliance.
What Is RPC 1.15A?
RPC 1.15A outlines the responsibilities lawyers have when handling client trust accounts. These rules help preserve the integrity of the legal profession and protect clients from financial harm. Attorneys must separate client funds from their own, maintain complete records, deliver property promptly, and avoid any act that could be seen as misuse or commingling of funds.
Fiduciary Duty and Client Property
Washington attorneys have a fiduciary duty to act in their clients’ best interests. This duty extends to all client property, whether money, documents, or other assets. Property belonging to clients must be kept secure and treated with care. A breach of this duty—such as failing to safeguard a retainer—can lead to ethics violations under RPC 1.15A.
The Ban on Commingling Funds
One of the most critical aspects of RPC 1.15A trust account management is the prohibition against commingling. Lawyers cannot mix client funds with their personal or business accounts. Instead, funds must be deposited into a clearly labeled trust account—typically an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account). Each client’s funds must be tracked separately within that account.
Detailed Recordkeeping Requirements
RPC 1.15A requires that lawyers maintain complete records for all trust account activity. This includes:
- Individual client ledgers
- Receipts for deposits and disbursements
- Bank statements and canceled checks
- Monthly reconciliation reports
These records must be preserved for at least seven years and should be organized in a way that allows the attorney or regulatory authorities to verify the handling of client property at any time.
Prompt Delivery of Funds and Property
Lawyers must promptly deliver funds or property to the client or to a third party entitled to receive them. This includes returning unearned retainers, paying settlement funds without delay, and responding quickly to requests for disbursement. Holding onto client funds without justification—even for a short period—can be a violation of RPC 1.15A.
Best Practices for Managing RPC 1.15A Trust Accounts
To comply with RPC 1.15A, Washington attorneys should implement the following best practices:
- Open a dedicated IOLTA account and track client funds separately
- Conduct monthly reconciliations to catch errors early
- Use accounting software tailored for legal practices
- Train staff regularly on proper handling of trust funds
- Avoid disbursing funds before they have fully cleared
Consequences of Violating RPC 1.15A
Violations of RPC 1.15A can have serious consequences, including:
- Ethics complaints and WSBA investigations
- Restitution orders or fines
- Suspension or disbarment
- Civil lawsuits for breach of fiduciary duty
Being proactive about compliance not only protects your law license but also strengthens your reputation with clients and the legal community.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and complying with RPC 1.15A trust account rules is not optional—it is a core part of ethical legal practice in Washington. By implementing strong internal controls, maintaining thorough records, and acting with integrity, attorneys can fulfill their fiduciary duties and avoid costly mistakes. If you need assistance evaluating your firm’s trust account practices, Blanford Law is here to help.
Blanford Law: Protecting Your Property and Trust
At Blanford Law, we prioritize the ethical handling of client trust accounts in strict compliance with RPC 1.15A. Our team ensures that your funds are safeguarded, accurately recorded, and promptly delivered when needed. To learn more about our ethical standards and how we can help, check out our client reviews.
🔗 Additional Resources
1. Understanding RPC 1.3 – Diligence in Legal Representation
This article explores the duty of diligence under Washington’s RPC 1.3, emphasizing a lawyer’s responsibility to act with commitment and promptness. It highlights the consequences of procrastination and underscores the importance of managing client matters effectively to avoid ethical violations.
2. RPC 1.7 – Conflict of Interest: Current Clients
A detailed breakdown of RPC 1.7, which governs conflicts involving current clients. The article explains what constitutes direct adversity or material limitation and offers guidance on when and how attorneys can proceed with informed consent.
3. Understanding RPC 1.2 – Scope of Representation and Client Authority in Washington State
This article analyzes RPC 1.2 and the delicate balance between a client’s decision-making authority and the lawyer’s professional judgment. It includes examples of limited-scope representation and outlines restrictions on advising or assisting in illegal conduct.
4. RPC Violations in Suits Season 2: A Washington State Perspective
A creative and educational look at how characters in Suits violate Washington’s Rules of Professional Conduct. The article illustrates real-life ethical pitfalls using entertaining scenarios from the show, offering practical takeaways for Washington attorneys.
5. RPC 1.11 – Washington Conflicts of Interest: Government Officers, Private Practice, and Screening Procedures
This article addresses the ethics of lawyers moving between public service and private practice under RPC 1.11. It discusses imputed disqualification, proper screening mechanisms, and client consent requirements for compliance in Washington State.