The Massachusetts OBC/BBO and participating bar associations offer free monthly programs for lawyers in need of training on IOLTA compliance.
Free monthly OBC/BBO trainings provide guidance for attorneys, paralegals, bookkeepers, or other law office support staff interested in receiving training on the requirements of Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.15 (as revised effective 7/1/15), providing participants with a detailed review of the records required to be maintained for IOLTA accounts and other trust accounts. The programs cover record-keeping “traps for the unwary,” including:
- How to maintain your IOLTA account check register and individual client ledgers, either manually or using accounting software, in compliance with the rules
- How to complete the mandatory “three-way” reconciliation of your IOLTA account and produce the required reconciliation reports
- How to document the withdrawal of an earned fee from a trust account, including required notification and accountings to clients
- What transactions are prohibited, including writing checks payable to “cash” and using checks that are not prenumbered
Programs are free, but advanced registration is required. To register, please call the Office of Bar Counsel at (617) 728-8750 and ask for “trust account program registration.” Programs will be in a virtual live webinar (interactive) format, with specific times varying by date:
- Thursday, September 23, 2021 (12pm – 1pm)
- Wednesday, October 20, 2021 (12pm – 1pm) (MBA)
- Monday, November 22, 2021 (10am – 11am)
- Thursday, December 16, 2021 (10am – 11am)
- Friday, January 21, 2022 (12pm – 1pm) (REBA)
- Thursday, February 17, 2022 (2pm – 3pm) (MBA)
- Wednesday, March 16, 2022 (2pm – 3pm)
- Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (10am- 11am)
- Thursday, May 12, 2022(2pm – 3pm)
- Tuesday, June 7, 2022 (10am- 11am) (MBA)
- Thursday, July 28, 2022 (2pm – 3pm)
- Monday, August 29, 2022 (12pm-1pm)
Related:
2021 BBO IOLTA Training Program Materials
Mass IOLTA Committee Resources for Attorneys (List of approved banks included)
IOLTA Section of our Law Practice Startup Guide
Carefully Scrutinize Trust Accounting Claims (ABA Law Practice Magazine, 2021)
