Missouri Lawyer Trust Account Foundation (MLTAF) is a non-profit organization established by a Missouri Supreme Court Order to administer the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, a foundational element in funding civil legal services for low-income residents. It stands out as a pivotal entity that bridges the legal profession, financial institutions, and legal aid organizations to support equal access to justice.
Operating under strict Supreme Court rules, MLTAF ensures that attorneys properly manage client funds held in trust by providing comprehensive resources, guidelines, and certifications. Its work directly benefits legal aid nonprofits across Missouri, with recent grants totaling $750,000 awarded to organizations providing essential civil legal services. The foundation collaborates with eligible financial institutions that offer comparable interest rates on IOLTA accounts, reinforcing program integrity and maximizing fund generation for charitable legal services.
Services Offered
- IOLTA Program Administration
- Attorney Trust Account Compliance Guidance
- Mandatory Trust Account Certification
- Eligible Financial Institution Verification
- Attorney Forms and Rules Access
- Bank Forms and Rules Support
- Remittance Portal for Transactions
- Grant Applications and Funding for Legal Non-Profits
- Legal Aid Assistance Recipient Support
- Q&A and Exemption Information for Attorneys
- Checklist for IOLTA Account Holders
- Overdraft Notification Program Management
- Trust Account Record Keeping Rule Updates
- Lawyer Trust Account Handbook Provision
MLTAF serves attorneys, financial institutions, and legal aid grantees statewide, operating from Jefferson City and maintaining a list of Supreme Court-approved eligible financial institutions to ensure statewide compliance and support.
