Under MRPC Rule 1.15, what must a lawyer do with client property?

Under MRPC Rule 1.15, the requirement that a lawyer must hold client property separately from their own is essential for preserving the integrity of the client's assets and maintaining trust in the attorney-client relationship. This rule mandates that lawyers should establish distinct accounts for client funds and property to avoid any commingling, which could lead to conflicts and accounting issues.

Maintaining accurate records of the client’s property is equally important, as it provides transparency and allows both the lawyer and the client to track the status and disposition of the property. This is crucial for both ethical practice and legal accountability. By keeping diligent records, a lawyer demonstrates professionalism and compliance with ethical obligations, which protects both the client’s interests and the lawyer's own legal standing.

The other options do not align with the ethical obligations outlined in the MRPC. Mixing client property with personal property undermines client trust and can lead to serious ethical breaches. Selling unclaimed client property is not a general practice outlined in the rules; instead, attorneys are generally expected to safeguard client property until they can return it. Publicly disclosing client property holdings would violate confidentiality requirements inherent to the attorney-client relationship. Therefore, holding client property separate and maintaining proper documentation is the correct answer, reflecting best practices in law