How should a lawyer handle client funds according to Rule 1.15?

The correct approach for a lawyer to handle client funds, as outlined in Rule 1.15, is to keep those funds separate from the lawyer's own funds and to place them in trust accounts as required. This mandates that client funds be safeguarded and managed independently, ensuring that they are not co-mingled with the lawyer's personal assets. This separation protects clients' interests, helps prevent potential misuse or misappropriation of funds, and is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the legal profession.

Establishing a trust account specifically for client funds also ensures compliance with various ethical obligations and legal requirements, including safeguarding the funds until they are needed for their intended purpose. Such practices reflect the significant responsibilities lawyers have to manage client property with diligence and care, highlighting the fiduciary nature of the lawyer-client relationship. This way, lawyers can effectively manage client funds while avoiding conflicts of interest and protecting clients' rights.