New Hampshire IOLTA Compliance: Trust Account Rules & Requirements
Complete guide to New Hampshire's IOLTA compliance requirements. Covers reconciliation rules, record retention periods, overdraft notification requirements, and how Disbo automates compliance for New Hampshire law firms under New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15.
Reconciliation
Monthly
Record Retention
7 years
Overdraft Notice
Required
Interest Remittance
IOLTA Program
New Hampshire IOLTA Requirements at a Glance
Key trust account rules under New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15
| Requirement | New Hampshire Rule |
|---|---|
| Reconciliation Frequency | Monthly three-way reconciliation |
| Record Retention Period | 7 years |
| Overdraft Notification | Required — bank must notify Professional Conduct Committee |
| Interest Remittance | To New Hampshire Bar Foundation IOLTA program |
| Governing Rule | New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15 |
| Client Ledger | Required — individual ledger per matter |
Source: New Hampshire Bar Association · New Hampshire IOLTA Program
New Hampshire IOLTA Key Requirements
- 7-year retention requirement applies to all trust records
- Three-way reconciliation required monthly
- Professional Conduct Committee overdraft notification required
- IOLTA accounts at NH-approved financial institutions
- Written monthly reconciliation records required
New Hampshire IOLTA Note
New Hampshire's 7-year retention requirement is among the strictest in New England. The Professional Conduct Committee receives overdraft notifications and has authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
Common IOLTA Violations in New Hampshire
These are the most frequently cited IOLTA violations for New Hampshire law firms. Each one can trigger bar discipline — and each is preventable with the right software.
- Failure to retain records for the mandatory 7-year period
- Missing monthly three-way reconciliation records
- Commingling client trust and operating funds
- Inadequate client ledger records
- Non-compliant IOLTA account designation
How Disbo Keeps Your New Hampshire Firm IOLTA Compliant
Disbo's rules engine applies New Hampshire's specific IOLTA requirements — including New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15 — automatically to every trust account transaction. Stop managing compliance manually. Let Disbo enforce the rules so your team can focus on clients.
Negative Balance Prevention
Disbo blocks any disbursement that would overdraw a client's trust balance — eliminating the #1 IOLTA violation in New Hampshire.
Automated Three-Way Reconciliation
Continuous reconciliation runs behind the scenes. Monthly reconciliation records are generated automatically and stored for 7 years.
One-Click Audit Package
If the New Hampshire Bar initiates an audit, generate a complete audit package — ledgers, reconciliation reports, disbursement records — in under 60 seconds.
7 years Immutable Audit Trail
Every trust account event is timestamped, logged, and retained for 7 years — meeting New Hampshire's retention requirement automatically.
Monthly Reconciliation Status
Bank Balance
$124,500
Trust Ledger
$124,500
Client Totals
$124,500
Recent Trust Activity
Smith v. Acme
Settlement Receipt
Smith v. Acme
Attorney Fees
Smith v. Acme
Medical Lien Payment
Jones Matter
Settlement Receipt
New Hampshire IOLTA Compliance FAQ
What rule governs IOLTA trust accounts in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire IOLTA trust accounts are governed by New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15. This rule sets the requirements for reconciliation frequency, record retention, client ledger maintenance, overdraft notification, and interest remittance to the New Hampshire IOLTA program.
How often must New Hampshire attorneys reconcile their IOLTA accounts?
New Hampshire attorneys must complete a three-way reconciliation of their IOLTA trust accounts monthly. Three-way reconciliation compares the bank statement balance, the trust account ledger balance, and the sum of all individual client ledger balances — all three must match.
How long must New Hampshire attorneys retain IOLTA records?
New Hampshire attorneys must retain all IOLTA trust account records — including bank statements, client ledgers, reconciliation reports, and disbursement documentation — for 7 years under New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15. Disbo retains all records automatically for the required period.
What happens if a New Hampshire IOLTA account is overdrawn?
Required — bank must notify Professional Conduct Committee. An overdraft notification triggers a disciplinary review process. Attorneys must ensure sufficient cleared funds are in the trust account before any disbursement. Disbo blocks transactions that would create a negative balance before they process.
Where does New Hampshire IOLTA interest go?
To New Hampshire Bar Foundation IOLTA program. These funds support civil legal aid programs for low-income residents throughout New Hampshire. All IOLTA accounts must be at approved financial institutions that forward interest to the New Hampshire IOLTA program.
See How Disbo Keeps Your New Hampshire Firm Compliant
Stop managing New Hampshire IOLTA compliance with spreadsheets. Disbo enforces New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.15 automatically — negative balance prevention, three-way reconciliation, and audit-ready records built in from day one.
No credit card required. Setup in minutes.