Explains why a single matter receipt cannot be produced from a bulk trust-to-general transfer in LawApp, covering compliance requirements under Australian trust accounting Rules. Outlines how to document client-specific transactions using trust ledgers or trust account statements.
- Single transaction = single receipt: Bulk transfers move funds from multiple client matters into the general account in one combined transaction. Only one general receipt is issued for the entire transfer.
- Not matter-specific: Because the transfer does not involve a direct client payment, the receipt is issued to the firm’s trust account, and not issued in any individual client’s name.
- Compliance with trust accounting rules: Each matter involved in the transfer is automatically updated in its own trust ledger account, showing the amount withdrawn for that matter and referencing the main trust withdrawal number. This complies with the Legal Profession Uniform Law and trust accounting regulations in all Australian states and territories.
✅ Best Practice for Client-Specific Records
If you need to provide a client with documentation showing how their trust funds were used:
You can generate a Trust Ledger or Trust Account Statement for the relevant matter.
These reports are matter-specific and include only the transactions associated with that file, including the client’s portion of any bulk trust-to-general transfer and the purpose of those funds. Both trust ledgers and statements are accepted and compliant formats under Law Society trust accounting rules for providing clients with financial records.
If you prefer to generate individual receipts per file, you can also complete the transfers on a matter-by-matter basis. How you choose to manage these transactions is entirely at your discretion—the bulk transfer feature simply provides a faster option for handling multiple matters at once, if that suits your workflow.
🛡️ Trust Accounting Compliance (Australia-wide)
- Receipts: Must be issued promptly when trust money is received into the general trust account.
- Trust ledgers: Every client matter must have its own trust ledger, and entries (including bulk transfers) must be recorded within two business days.
- Consistency: These rules are enforced under the Legal Profession Uniform Law and equivalent trust account regulations across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and other Australian jurisdictions.
Relevant State and Territory Guidelines
You may find more detailed information on trust accounting obligations in your jurisdiction via the links below:
- Law Society of New South Wales – Trust Accounts
- Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner – Trust Accounts
- Queensland Law Society – Trust Accounting
- Law Society of South Australia – Trust Accounting
- Legal Practice Board of Western Australia – Trust Accounts
- ACT Law Society – Trust Accounting
- Law Society of Tasmania – Trust Accounts
- Law Society Northern Territory – Trust Accounting
