Join us for a free ethics CLE exploring the fundamentals of Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA). Attendees will gain an understanding of what IOLTA is, why it matters, and how to manage client trust accounts in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards. The session will also address common compliance issues and outline best practices for preventing mismanagement and protecting clients. Additionally, attendees will learn how IOLTA funds support access to justice initiatives in Arkansas.

Who Should Attend:

Solo and small firm practitioners, new attorneys, and anyone responsible for managing or overseeing client trust accounts.

Presenters:

Robert Brech
Executive Director, Arkansas Office of Professional Conduct

Robert Brech serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Office of Professional Conduct. Before stepping into this role, he was the Deputy Director of Budget at the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. His career in state service spans more than two decades, including leadership roles across multiple agencies.

From 2018 to 2021, he was General Counsel for the Arkansas Public School Resource Center. Prior to that, he spent more than twenty years with the Arkansas Department of Health, where he served as Chief Financial Officer, Deputy General Counsel, and General Counsel.

Brech is a graduate of the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.

Abby Brenneman
Executive Director, Arkansas Access to Justice

Abby Brenneman grew up in Bonnerdale, AR, in a three-generation household consisting of her maternal grandparents, parents, and 6 siblings.

She is a proud graduate of Hot Springs Community College and Henderson State University. She graduated cum laude from the William H Bowen School of Law in 2019.

She served as Program Coordinator for the Access to Justice Commission from December 2021 to January 2023 and has served as the Executive Director since January 2024. Before joining the Access to Justice Commission, Abby was a staff attorney for the Center for Arkansas Legal Services. In their Hot Springs office, she handled family law, probate, consumer protection, and housing cases for low-income residents of Garland County and surrounding areas.

Abby also serves as a Judge Advocate for the Arkansas Army National Guard. She spent 2023 in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with the 2-153 Infantry Battalion. She has also served as defense counsel with the 326th Trial Defense Team, where she defended Soldiers facing non-judicial punishment, courts-martial, and other adverse administrative actions. She is currently the Brigade Judge Advocate for the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and mixing music on her Pioneer XDJ-XZ.

Tameka Parker
IOLTA Program Manager, Arkansas Access to Justice

Tameka joined Arkansas Access to Justice Commission and Foundation staff in August 2019. She has more than 24 years of experience working in State Government, having held positions in health care, education, and human services agencies.

Tameka is a native Arkansan and enjoys reading, long walks and spending time with family.