Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA)

Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) are interest-bearing accounts used by attorneys to hold client funds that are too small or temporary to generate interest on their own. The interest earned is usually directed to a state or charitable program supporting legal services for the underserved, rather than the lawyer or their client. This system allows funds to generate social benefit without affecting the client's rights or the lawyer's fees, ensuring that unclaimed or minimal client funds contribute to improving access to justice and legal aid initiatives.