What You’ll Learn
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
Identify your ethical duties related to handling and safeguarding client trust funds
Clearly distinguish between trust accounts and operating accounts—and the risks of commingling
Explain all three required components of a compliant three-way trust reconciliation
Spot common trust accounting errors that frequently lead to disciplinary action
Apply best practices for reconciliation frequency, documentation, and internal controls
Why trust accounting deserves your full attention
Trust accounting mistakes rarely come from bad intentions. They usually come from unclear processes, incomplete reconciliations, or misunderstandings about ethical requirements.
Bar regulators don’t evaluate effort—they evaluate outcomes. If client funds are mishandled, commingled, or poorly documented, responsibility ultimately rests with the attorney, regardless of who performed the bookkeeping.
This webinar is about reducing risk, increasing confidence, and making sure your trust accounting practices stand up to scrutiny.
Three-way reconciliation is not optional—it’s ethical
Many firms believe they are “reconciling” their trust accounts because the bank balance matches the register. That’s only part of the picture.
A proper three-way reconciliation requires alignment between:
The trust bank statement
The trust account register
The total of all individual client ledger balances
Miss one of these components, and you are exposed—ethically and professionally. We break down each piece, explain the purpose behind it, and show how they work together to protect both your clients and your license.
Frequently asked questions
Does this webinar qualify for CLE credit?
Yes. This program is designed to qualify for Ethics or Professional Responsibility CLE credit, subject to jurisdictional approval and attendance requirements.
Is this session specific to my state’s trust accounting rules?
The webinar focuses on ethical principles and widely adopted standards. Attendees are encouraged to confirm and follow trust accounting rules specific to their jurisdiction.
Do I need accounting or bookkeeping experience?
No. The session is introductory and designed for legal professionals without formal accounting backgrounds.
Will this cover software tools?
We discuss both manual and software-assisted reconciliation approaches, with an emphasis on ethical responsibility rather than technology reliance.
Is there a live Q&A?
Yes. The final portion of the program is reserved for live audience questions.
Join us for this CLE webinar to strengthen your understanding of three-way reconciliation, reduce compliance risk, and gain confidence that your firm’s trust accounting practices align with your ethical obligations.