Mastering IOLA, Escrow, and Bookkeeping.
This course explores fundamental legal ethics principles, focusing on key professional responsibilities such as handling client funds, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining ethical integrity in legal practice. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of fiduciary duties, ethical risk management, and best practices for compliance with professional conduct rules. The course provides real-world examples and guidance on how to navigate ethical dilemmas while upholding the highest standards of legal practice.
Topics Covered:
Join ethics gurus Michael Ross and Kevin Culley for this in-depth course on what attorneys must and must not do when it comes to all-things money related. They will discuss IOLA and escrow accounts, bookkeeping procedures, how to return checks and much more. If you want to avoid the Grievance Committee, this is a must-watch course.
The NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers is the largest statewide trial bar in the US with 5,700+ lawyer and judge members. We are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing the civil justice system. Our highly acclaimed CLE programming features extraordinary presenters covering the most timely and important topics.
Principal of the Law Offices of Michael S. Ross
Michael S. Ross, Esq., is the principal of the Law Offices of Michael S. Ross, where he concentrates his practice in attorney ethics. He is a former Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Southern District of New York and has taught at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and at Brooklyn Law School for over thirty-five years. Michael has presented many CLEs for the Academy - search "Ethics" in our On Demand section to hear more of his programs!
Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Department
Kevin Culley is uniquely positioned as an expert on IOLA (Interest on Lawyer Account) matters. He began his career as a principal at the firm of Cooper and Culley, handling litigation, real estate, trust matters, and guardianships. He later transitioned to working in the appellate division for Judge Alfred Lerner. For the past 18 years, Kevin has been a key figure at the Attorney Grievance Committee for the First Department, which is often regarded as the "U.S. Attorney’s Office" of grievance committees across the country. As the director and supervisor of IOLA investigations within the committee, Kevin has played a crucial role in ensuring compliance with trust account regulations. He has also contributed as a presenter on IOLA-related issues for various legal education programs, including those sponsored by the appellate division and the County Lawyers’ Association.
