As law firms continue to modernize their financial operations, digital payments like ACH and wires are becoming more common. However, checks remain a critical payment method in the legal industry. Regulatory requirements, trust accounting rules, client preferences, and court processes all contribute to the continued reliance on checks.
The challenge for law firms today isn’t whether checks are still necessary—it’s how to manage check payments efficiently, securely, and without disrupting modern workflows.
Below are the most common types of payments law firms make by check, and how platforms like Checkrun help firms do so securely and efficiently.
1. Client Settlement Payments
Settlement disbursements are one of the most common reasons law firms issue checks. In many cases, clients, courts, or opposing parties require physical checks for settlement distribution, especially when trust accounts (IOLTA) are involved.
Many firms continue to issue settlement checks because they:
- Provide a clear audit trail
- Align with trust accounting requirements
- Reduce disputes over payment timing
Where Checkrun helps:
Checkrun allows law firms to securely issue settlement checks quickly, while maintaining approval controls and audit trails, and providing payees with choices on how they want to be paid.
2. Trust Account (IOLTA) Payments
Compliance rules often require law firms to issue checks directly from trust or IOLTA accounts, particularly when disbursing funds to third parties.
Checks help ensure:
- Proper segregation of client funds
- Clear transaction records
- Reduced risk of errors and fraud
How Checkrun helps:
Checkrun integrates with QuickBooks Online to issue checks directly from your accounts without prefunding, while automating approval workflows—helping firms stay compliant without added administrative burden of manual processes.
3. Court Fees and Government Payments
Many courts, municipalities, and government agencies still require and prefer payment by check. Filing fees, judgment payments, and certain regulatory fees can’t often be paid electronically.
Using checks ensures:
- Acceptance by the receiving agency
- Clear documentation for audits and reimbursements
- Avoidance of rejected or delayed payments
How Checkrun helps:
With Checkrun, firms can issue and track court-related checks quickly—without relying on manual processes or in-person signatures.
4. Vendor and Office Expense Payments
Law firms still issue checks for:
- Court reporters
- Investigators
- Local vendors
- Office services and lease payments
While ACH may be available in some cases, many vendors still prefer or require checks.
Where Checkrun helps:
Checkrun eliminates the need for in-office check printing by offering automated check issuance and optional print-and-mail services, reducing AP workload and costs.
Modernizing Law Firm Check Payments with Checkrun
Checks aren’t going away for law firms anytime soon—but inefficient, manual check processes should. Printing, signing, mailing, and tracking checks by hand increases risk, slows operations, and creates unnecessary overhead.
Checkrun modernizes law firm check payments by:
- Automating check signing, printing and delivery
- Enforcing approval workflows
- Integrating with QuickBooks Online
- Providing real-time payment tracking and reporting
- Enhancing security and fraud prevention
Law firms don’t need to choose between compliance and efficiency—with Checkrun, they get both.
If your firm still relies on checks for settlements, court fees, vendors, or trust disbursements, Checkrun helps you manage those payments with speed, security, and control. Book a demo to see how Checkrun simplifies law firm check payments without disrupting compliance.
