---
title: "Check that the lawyer's own money is not mixed into a client trust account"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money/check-a-trust-ledger-kept-in-the-practice-s-own-name/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A41-CO20261022-17-US"
practice_area: "Trust accounting & handling client money"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Check that the lawyer's own money is not mixed into a client trust account

> From the ledger kept in the practice's own name, list each amount, whether the file describes it as the lawyer's own money, and whether it is identified as an amount for bank service charges. Do not move the money.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money/check-a-trust-ledger-kept-in-the-practice-s-own-name/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Trust accounting & handling client money](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the ledger kept in the practice's own name, list each amount, whether the file describes it as the lawyer's own money, and whether it is identified as an amount for bank service charges. Do not move the money. |
| What the lawyer must review | Model Rule 1.15(a) requires client and third-person property to be held separate from the lawyer's own property. Rule 1.15(b) allows the lawyer's own funds in a client trust account only to pay bank service charges, and only in the amount necessary for that purpose. Comment 2 says commingling is normally impermissible, and that accurate records must show which part of the funds is the lawyer's. The lawyer decides whether the amount may stay in the account. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Check a trust ledger kept in the practice's own name](https://ailawframework.com/obligations/trust-accounting-and-handling-client-money/check-a-trust-ledger-kept-in-the-practice-s-own-name.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the ledger kept in the practice's own name, list each amount, whether the file describes it as the lawyer's own money, and whether it is identified as an amount for bank service charges. Do not move the money.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The text opened is the ABA Model Rule. The rule adopted in the lawyer's jurisdiction controls where it differs.
- Comment 2 does not allow the lawyer's own money in the trust account for a purpose other than bank service charges.

## Sources

- [ABA Model Rule 1.15, Safekeeping property](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_15_safekeeping_property/) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Model Rule 1.15, Comment](https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/rule_1_15_safekeeping_property/comment_on_rule_1_15/) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*