What must lawyers do with client funds upon their request?

When a client requests their funds, lawyers are required to promptly deliver those funds to the client. This obligation ensures that attorneys uphold their fiduciary duty and maintain the trust that clients place in them. The prompt delivery of client funds also helps to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and assures clients that their assets are managed ethically.

Holding the funds until case closure would not be appropriate, as it does not align with the client's interest or request. Releasing funds only after payment of an invoice would contradict the duty to the client, since funds belonging to the client should not be withheld in expectation of payment for services. Transferring funds to a third-party account for safety, while it may seem like a precautionary measure, does not fulfill the obligation to promptly deliver the funds to the client upon request.

Overall, the requirement to promptly deliver the funds emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency in the attorney-client relationship. This principle is central to legal ethics and the proper management of client funds.