When handling client property, what must a lawyer do according to the safekeeping rules?

The requirement for a lawyer to keep client property separate from their own property is grounded in the principles of professionalism and fiduciary duty that guide the legal profession. The Model Rules of Professional Conduct emphasize that lawyers must maintain the integrity of client funds and property by keeping them in a separate account. This separation is vital to prevent any potential commingling of funds, which could lead to misuse or misappropriation.

By keeping client property distinct from the lawyer's personal assets, a lawyer ensures that they are properly managing the client’s resources and protecting the client's interests. This practice fosters trust in the attorney-client relationship and helps in maintaining transparency regarding the handling of the client’s funds.

The other options—mixing funds, inadequately maintaining financial records, and delivering funds only upon request—do not align with the ethical standards set forth in the Model Rules. Mixing funds could lead to serious ethical violations, while improper record-keeping can create confusion and risks for both the lawyer and the client. Only delivering funds upon request does not adequately address the lawyer's responsibility to manage and safeguard client property proactively.