Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Practice Exam 2026 - Free Barrister and Solicitor Practice Questions and Study Guide

Keeping detailed records and receipts in a trust account is essential for ensuring the proper handling of client funds. A trust account is a separate account used to hold client money, often required by law societies to protect clients' interests.

Maintaining detailed records helps in demonstrating that the funds are being managed properly and accountably. It provides a clear audit trail, showing when money was received, how it was disbursed, and ensuring compliance with professional regulations. This practice not only helps prevent misappropriation of client funds but also builds transparency and trust between the lawyer and the client, thus reinforcing the lawyer's ethical obligations.

The other methods described do not align with best practices in law. Mixing client funds with personal funds would be a direct violation of ethical guidelines and laws governing legal practice. Ignoring small account discrepancies fails to uphold due diligence and could lead to significant financial malpractice issues over time. Finally, relying on cash transactions increases the risk of mismanagement and lacks the documented proof necessary for accountability in financial dealings.