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Holdings
New York · NY

Business Banking for Lawyers in New York

Free business tools, accounting, and banking for lawyers in New York. 1.75% APY, zero fees, FDIC insured up to $3M.

Starting a Law Business in New York

State Tax Rate

4%–10.9% (graduated, plus NYC tax up to 3.876%)

LLC Filing Fee

$200 (LLC/PLLC)

Major Markets

New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Syracuse

Key Requirements in New York

Must pass the New York 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
Must comply with state Rules of Professional Conduct

Best Financial Platforms for Lawyers in New York

Compare New York's top financial tools and platforms for lawyers.

1

Holdings

$0/mo · 1.75% APY

57 free tools, accounting software, and banking — all in one platform. Free for lawyers in New York. 1.75% APY, FDIC insured up to $3M.

Key Features

  • 57 free tools (invoicing, expenses, taxes)
  • Built-in AI accounting
  • Free business checking with 1.75% APY
  • Unlimited sub-accounts

Pros

  • All tools and accounting free — no subscription
  • Replaces QuickBooks, Expensify, and your bank — $0/mo
  • FDIC insured up to $3M

Cons

  • No physical branches
  • No cash deposit
2

Signature Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers with significant banking needs

Pros

NYC-based, strong commercial banking, single-point-of-contact model

Cons

High minimum deposits

3

M&T Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers in Upstate New York

Pros

Strong Upstate NY presence, full-service business banking

Cons

Less competitive in NYC metro

4

Sterling National Bank

Regional bank

Best for: lawyers in the NYC/Long Island area

Pros

NY metro focus, strong business lending

Cons

Limited upstate presence

Why Lawyers in New York Choose Holdings

50+ Free Business Tools

Invoicing, expense tracking, tax calculators, and more — all free, no signup required. Replace your paid software stack.

Built-In AI Accounting

Automatic transaction categorization, real-time P&L and balance sheet. No QuickBooks needed — $0/mo.

Free Banking with 1.75% APY

Business checking that connects to your tools and accounting. No fees, no minimums, FDIC insured up to $3M.

Unlimited Sub-Accounts

Organize funds by job, project, or purpose. Track payroll, taxes, and expenses separately — all in one workspace.

Lawyers Financial Tools in New York — FAQ

Do law firms in New York need a separate business bank account?

Yes — New York 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 New York State Bar Association / Appellate Division.

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

Most New York law firms operate as a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company), PC (Professional Corporation), or LLP (Limited Liability Partnership). Filing fee is $200 for an LLC/PLLC. Check with the New York State Bar Association / Appellate Division for entity restrictions.

What banking features matter most for New York law firms?

Law firms in New York 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 New York lawyers use online-only banks?

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

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Ready to run your business from one place?

Holdings gives lawyers in New York free tools, accounting, and banking — all in one place. Try it free in minutes.

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