The theme of yesterday’s post was that “back to school” season means that it’s time to get “back to basics.” In it, I shared thoughts on competence, communication, confidentiality, conflicts, and candor.
Today, it’s time to get back to the basics of trust accounting. I know (all too well) that it’s nobody’s favorite topic. Still, it’s important and it’s my job.
I want to be very clear about why trust accounting is important.
- The rules are meant to ensure that lawyers act competently to safeguard client funds. I’m not sure there’s a greater threat to the public’s confidence in the profession’s ability (and privilege) to self-regulate than would be posed by an abdication of this duty.
- Understanding the rules is good way to avoid a disciplinary sanction.
I wanted this post to be long enough without being too long. So, I decided to present the information in a syllabus, as if we are beginning a semester-long course. Alas, WordPress didn’t like the outline’s formatting.
Here it is:
Feel free to download and share.
Finally, my original plan was to present the syllabus/nutshell via video. Not just any video, but a video recorded on my deck and during which I paused during the transitions to display and taste the herbs & spices that I’m growing out there.
Alas, I’ve been informed that nothing I’m growing is a spice. As such, so much for the idea of “spicing up” trust accounting with a video in which my “spices” were special guests.
Still, I decided to record from the deck anyway. Midway thru, I got caught in a rainstorm. So, the outline will have to do.
The best laid plans.
As always, let’s be careful out there.