Skip to main content

IOLTA Program

Helping to provide legal services to New Hampshire citizens who are struggling to overcome poverty, abuse and discrimination.

The Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program is a special partnership between attorneys and the credit union community whereby interest on lawyer escrow accounts is paid to local Bar Foundations resulting in a statewide grant program to promote equal access to justice. The IOLTA program helps provide legal services to New Hampshire citizens who are struggling to overcome poverty, abuse and discrimination.

This beneficial program lets lawyers and law firms establish dividend-bearing accounts for client deposits which are expected to be short term. Examples are real estate deposits and closings, personal injury awards, and litigation settlements.

The dividends generated in these accounts are transferred to the NH Bar Foundation for charitable purposes. The NH Bar Foundation annually makes grants for operating funds to civil legal service providers serving disadvantaged and vulnerable people, including NH Legal Assistance, the NH Bar Association’s Pro Bono Referral Program, the NH Bar Association’s DOVE (Domestic Violence Emergency) Program, the Legal Advice and Referral Center, and the Disability Rights Center of NH.

In support of the philanthropic nature of these accounts and our commitment to community-based banking, Members First Credit Union offers special rates for IOLTA accounts that exceed our standard account rates.


Features:

  • Higher dividend-bearing account
  • Dividends are sent to the NH Bar Foundation for charitable purposes
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • No monthly service charges
  • Free online banking
  • Free 24-hour telephone banking

Learn more about IOLTA programs on the NH Bar Foundation’s website or contact us for more information.