IOLTA
Thank you for completing your 2011 IOLTA Certification.
IOLTA funds are used to support legal aid, legal education for the public, and other activities that improve the quality of justice. Since 1986, the Montana Justice Foundation has distributed nearly $5 million to over forty legal aid organizations and access to justice initiatives throughout the state of Montana. These organizations focus on clients’ most basic human needs: preserving housing, protecting subsistence income, obtaining access to health care, providing food and clothing for families and maintaining their safety, independence, and dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions about IOLTA Attorney Certification
How can I maximize my IOLTA contribution?
As part of our Leadership Bank program the Montana Justice Foundation recongizes several banks throughout Montana who provide exceptional support to the MJF through favorable interest rates. Consider banking at one of these banks to maximize your IOLTA contribution. For a complete list of Leadership Banks, click here.
How can I further support the work of the Montana Justice Foundation and the access to justice cause?
If you are exempt from IOLTA or just committed to access to justice, consider making a donation or pledge to the Montana Justice Foundation. Your tax-deductible gift will support critical access to justice programs in Montana.
What is IOLTA?
IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) is a law-related public service program that strengthens our justice system. IOLTA programs operate throughout the United States and Canada. They generate funds that are used to support legal aid, legal education for the public, and other activities that improve the quality of justice.
How it works
The Montana Rules of Professional Conduct require attorneys to place client funds into trust accounts separate from the attorney’s or law firm’s own money. Funds that are either nominal in amount or those held for too short a period of time to generate any meaningful interest for the client are placed into pooled, interest-bearing trust accounts. The interest generated by these IOLTA accounts is then collected by the Montana Justice Foundation and distributed 
in a competitive grant process among qualified non-profit organizations committed to achieving access to justice for all Montanans.
The Montana IOLTA program was established by Supreme Court rule in 1986 as an opt-out program. Mandatory participation in the program was instituted in 1996 under Rule 1.18 of the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct.
Opening or Making Changes to an IOLTA Account?
Click here for a Notfication to Financial Institution form.
Click here for a list of eligible Institutions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
