Ethics Hotline & Opinions

Ethics Docket No. 1990-05

MARYLAND STATE BAR ASSOCIATION, INC.

COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

ETHICS DOCKET NO. 1990-05

Attorney Trust Account Designation on Check

 

Your inquiry encloses a copy of your trust account. You requested this Committee's opinion as to whether the check complies with Maryland Rule BU6. Your check contains your name, the designation of Attorney at Law, and your address on the top left, and also contains the language "Trust Account." Rule BU6 of the Maryland Rules states:

An attorney of law firm shall maintain each attorney trust account with a title that includes the name of the attorney or law firm and that clearly designates the account as "Attorney Trust Account," "Attorney Escrow Account," for "Clients' Funds Account" on all checks and deposit slips. The title shall distinguish the account from any other fiduciary account that the attorney or law firm may maintain and from any personal or business account of the attorney or law firm.

It is the opinion of the Committee that since your check does not contain either of the three designations set forth in Rule BU6, it does not comply with the Rule.

 

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