Avoid the most common rule violation
Attend our Trust Account School for valuable tips on how to properly maintain your client's money.

By MARGARET FUNK

The quickest way to get disciplined in Colorado is to mishandle your client's money.

In 2015, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel received nearly 400 complaints about fees or improper handling of funds. Of the cases that resulted in discipline, violation of the trust account rule was at the top of the list. Some violations are intentional. Many are not and could have been avoided with better training.

Luckily, this office offers a half-day class that teaches lawyers everything they need to know about handling their clients' money. Trust Account School welcomes all attorneys to come to one of the five classes held each year. The class is taught by attorneys with the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel. It’s interactive and provides ample time for discussion and questions. (Oh, and you get free coffee and breakfast.)

Margaret Funk is Senior Deputy Regulation Counsel with the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel and teaches a portion of the Trust Account School.