For Lawyers

Lawyers Like You Make NC IOLTA Possible

By working directly with lawyers and financial institutions across our state to set up designated, interest-bearing accounts, NC IOLTA has awarded more than $100 million to organizations that provide legal aid to individuals, families, and children. Lawyers like you make this possible. By banking with our Prime Partners and Benchmark Banks, institutions that set the highest interest rates possible, you are directly increasing access to justice and building strong, equitable communities across North Carolina.

Open an IOLTA Account

All the information you need to open an IOLTA account.

Eligible Banks

Effective July 1, 2010, lawyers may maintain NC IOLTA accounts only at eligible banks.

Prime Partner Banks

Prime Partner Banks are those that go above and beyond the eligibility requirements of the IOLTA rule to support the NC IOLTA program.

Court Awards & Cy Pres

The NC General Assembly passed a statute stating that the unpaid residuals in class action litigation (unless otherwise ordered by the court) shall be divided and sent equally to the NC State Bar for the provision of civil legal services for indigents and to the Indigent Person’s Attorney Fund.

Trust Accounting

The NC State Bar's Trust Account Handbook explains the requirements for segregating, safekeeping, and record keeping client funds on deposit in a lawyer's trust account. The Handbook also answers questions about establishing a trust account, deposits and disbursements from a trust account, the State Bar's random audit program, and what to expect when selected for audit.

Forms & Resources

Here you can find all IOLTA forms, as well as links to additional resources for IOLTA.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lawyers

View frequently asked questions here.