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Maryland · MD

Business Banking for Lawyers in Maryland

Free business checking with 1.75% APY, built-in accounting, and unlimited sub-accounts for lawyers in Maryland.

Starting a Law Business in Maryland

State Tax Rate

2%–5.75% (graduated, plus local taxes)

LLC Filing Fee

$100 (LLC/PLLC)

Major Markets

Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Silver Spring, Annapolis

Key Requirements in Maryland

Must pass the Maryland bar exam (or qualify via UBE score transfer)
IOLTA trust account required for client funds
Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements vary by state
Professional liability (malpractice) insurance recommended

Best Banks for Lawyers in Maryland

Compare Maryland's top business banking options for lawyers.

1

Holdings

$0/mo · 1.75% APY

Free business checking with built-in AI accounting, unlimited sub-accounts, and FDIC insurance up to $3M. Available nationwide including Maryland.

Key Features

  • Free business checking
  • Built-in AI bookkeeping
  • Unlimited sub-accounts
  • 1.75% APY on all balances

Pros

  • No fees, no minimums
  • Accounting included free
  • FDIC insured up to $3M

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • No cash deposit
2

Sandy Spring Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers in the Baltimore-DC corridor

Pros

Maryland-headquartered, strong business banking

Cons

Primarily MD/VA/DC area

3

Howard Bank

Community bank

Best for: lawyers wanting personalized Maryland banking

Pros

Maryland-focused, business-first approach

Cons

Smaller branch network

4

Old Point National Bank

Community bank

Best for: lawyers on Maryland's Eastern Shore

Pros

Chesapeake region presence, relationship banking

Cons

Limited Western Maryland coverage

Why Lawyers in Maryland Choose Holdings

Free Business Checking

No monthly fees, no minimums, no hidden costs. Every dollar stays in your business.

Built-In AI Bookkeeping

Automatic transaction categorization, real-time P&L and balance sheet. No QuickBooks needed.

1.75% APY on Every Dollar

Your operating funds earn interest while they sit. No tiered rates, no caps.

Unlimited Sub-Accounts

Organize funds by job, project, or purpose. Track payroll, taxes, and expenses separately.

Lawyers Banking in Maryland — FAQ

Do law firms in Maryland need a separate business bank account?

Yes — Maryland attorneys are required to maintain an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers' Trust Account) for client funds, separate from their operating account. This is a core ethical requirement enforced by the Maryland State Bar Association.

What type of business entity should a law firm use in Maryland?

Most Maryland law firms operate as a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company), PC (Professional Corporation), or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership). Filing fee is $100 for an LLC/PLLC. Check with the Maryland State Bar Association for entity restrictions.

What banking features matter most for Maryland law firms?

Law firms in Maryland need IOLTA-compliant trust accounting, easy separation of client and operating funds, robust transaction tracking for billing, and ideally integration with practice management software. AI bookkeeping can automate trust reconciliation.

Can Maryland lawyers use online-only banks?

Yes, but your IOLTA account must be held at an institution approved by the Maryland State Bar Association. Many online banks qualify, but verify IOLTA eligibility before opening. Your operating account can be at any bank.

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Ready to open your account?

Holdings offers free banking with 1.75% APY for lawyers in Maryland. Open your account in minutes.

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