What is the maximum amount a paralegal can take from a client in cash?

• A. 5000.00
• B. 7500.00 at one time
• C. 10000.00
• D. 12500.00

Answer: (B)

Handling cash with clients is all about staying within rules that protect both you and the client, and keeping a clear paper trail for trust accounting and anti-money-laundering purposes. The maximum cash retainer a paralegal can take from a client in a single payment is seven thousand five hundred dollars. This limit helps ensure transactions are properly documented, facilitates prompt deposits into the appropriate trust or business account, and reduces the risk of cash being used for illicit activity.

If a client wants to pay more than that in cash, avoid taking the excess at once. Arrange the payment through other legitimate means (such as cheque or electronic transfer), or split the retainer into separate cash payments that stay at or below the limit per transaction. In all cases, provide a receipt and follow proper trust accounting procedures.

The other options either fall short of the maximum that can be taken in one go or exceed the allowed cap, so they’re not the correct choice when the question asks for the maximum single cash payment.