Where must client retainers be deposited?

Client retainers, also known as advance payment retainer fees, must be deposited into a separate client trust account. This requirement is in place to ensure that the client's funds are managed with integrity and that the lawyer does not commingle the client's money with their own personal finances or operating accounts. Maintaining a separate trust account is critical for protecting clients' interests, as it helps to prevent misuse of funds and allows for an accurate accounting of client money.

When legal services are rendered and funds from the retainer are earned, the attorney can then transfer the appropriate amount from the trust account to their operating account. This practice not only helps uphold a lawyer's ethical obligations but also fosters transparency and trust between lawyers and their clients.

Other options, such as depositing the retainer into the lawyer's personal account or a mutual fund account, are problematic as they violate the basic tenets of trust accounting, including the risk of misappropriation of client funds and the lack of accountability. Similarly, using any savings account does not adhere to the specific requirements of safeguarding client funds.