Small law firms often rely on spreadsheets and patchwork processes to manage their finances, but that approach rarely scales. In this episode of Accountants Law Pod, we discuss the bookkeeping strategies law firms need to support growth, improve cash flow, and prepare for long-term success. The conversation explores why spreadsheets create risk, especially for trust accounting, and why investing early in the right technology stack can transform a firm’s financial operations.

We walk through the essential systems every firm should implement, including a general ledger, practice management software, and merchant services that help firms get paid faster. We also share practical advice on chart of accounts setup, financial statements, KPIs, and how outsourced accounting professionals can help law firms build reliable financial workflows.

From engagement letters and SOPs to budgeting and managing scope creep, this episode offers a roadmap for both law firms and legal bookkeepers looking to create sustainable, scalable systems. If you want your firm’s finances to support growth, not hold it back, this episode is for you.

01:35 Why Strategy Matters
02:35 Exit Plans and Growth
05:04 Ditch the Spreadsheets
06:05 Core Software Stack
08:21 Trust Accounting Risks
09:00 Steve’s Setup Checklist
11:26 Planning Your Work Year
12:28 Engagement Letters Matter
12:50 Outsource Accounting Help
13:02 Billing Models and Cash Flow
13:43 Get Paid Faster Systems
14:04 KPIs and Realization Rates
14:29 Software Setup Growing Pains
15:11 Track Practice Profitability
15:48 Financial Statements Basics
16:29 Client Education Touchpoints
18:18 Niche Down in Legal
19:24 Value Beyond Data Entry
21:51 Fixing Broken Workflows
23:17 Modernize for Growth Mergers
24:52 Choosing Clients and Rates
26:24 Goals Personal and Business

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Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

We dive into the world of law-firm business coaches - hot takes and hard truths. From confusing reports and costly programs to chart-of-accounts chaos, we break down red flags, what good coaching really looks like, and why clean books, clear goals, solid pricing, and strong systems matter long before you scale.

02:52 Coaches and Report Requests
03:30 Rainmaker and CFO Labels
05:34 Why Firms Hire Coaches
09:58 When Coaches Add Value
12:08 Hot Tip Paralegals and Books
13:56 Growth Needs Process
15:15 Better Margins Not Leads
16:20 Coach Requires Participation
17:49 Plans Payroll Accountability
19:37 Clean Books First
22:05 Pricing Before Hiring
22:48 Marketing Shifts With AI
23:41 Billboards And Exposure
25:36 Ready For A Coach

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Find us on Spotify and Google Podcasts as well!

If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at info@accountantslawpod.com or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com

If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up!

Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

Outsourced accounting helps law firms stay focused, cut costs, and stay compliant - especially with trust accounting.

We cover spotting workflow red flags, fixing cash-flow confusion, planning for taxes and payroll, and using KPIs to guide smarter decisions. Strong financials fuel growth, modernization, and even exit planning.

01:08 Outsourced Accounting for Law Firms: Why It Matters
02:34 Outside Perspective & Delegating the Right Work
06:00 Pricing, Value, and the ‘Show Us the Books’ Reality Check
08:13 Outsourcing vs In‑House: Focus, Cost Savings, and Billing Pitfalls
10:50 The Elephant in the Room: Trust Accounting & Compliance Oversight
12:27 Settlement Disbursements: Slowing Down to Avoid Trust Mistakes
14:37 ‘Where Did All My Money Go?’ Cash Flow, Liabilities, and Year‑End Confusion
17:49 Advisory Support: Budgeting, Runway Planning, and Not Overspending for Taxes
21:48 KPIs That Drive Growth: Marketing Spend, Workflow, and Modernizing to Scale/Exit

Listen to Danielle's episode here: https://youtu.be/uUbuIvuAg0Y?si=Zs27vzuhdMd1FtzK

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Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

In this episode, we break down common attorney compensation models—including “eat what you kill,” flat fee structures, and performance-based pay—exploring the pros, cons, and real-world challenges firms face when implementing or transitioning models.

03:15 Attorney Compensation Models Overview
03:44 Eat What You Kill Model
04:23 Flat Fees and Other Compensation Models
05:47 Challenges with Compensation Models
16:10 Generational Differences in Compensation
18:00 AI and Future of Work

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If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at info@accountantslawpod.com or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up! Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of today’s leading legal accounting tools—Clio, LeanLaw, CosmoLex, MyCase, and PracticePanther. We compare features, pricing, user experience, and explore how each integrates with QuickBooks.

Do you agree with our decisions? How would you fill out your own Software Showdown bracket? We want to hear your thoughts!

02:05 Transition to Legal Accounting Software
02:47 10-99 Forms and Client Issues
03:44 Software Showdown Introduction
05:59 Trust Books Overview
09:04 Lean Law Overview
16:59 Clio vs. CosmoLex
18:40 Diving into Software Usability Issues
19:33 CosmoLex: The Best All-in-One Solution?
21:03 The Pros and Cons of Clio
29:20 Comparing My Case and Practice Panther

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If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at info@accountantslawpod.com or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com

If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up!

Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

Dive into trust account pitfalls as we explore real-life fraud cases, cybersecurity risks, and how mishandled workflows lead to compliance failures. Learn practical safeguards, staff training tips, and best practices to protect your firm’s trust funds - with a fun quiz to test your knowledge.

01:31 Listener Question: Preventing Trust Account Mishaps
01:59 Cybersecurity and Trust Account Safety
05:07 Real-Life Scenarios and Best Practices
08:19 Flat Fees and Trust Account Compliance
18:57 Trust Account Mismanagement
19:44 Importance of Proper Workflow
21:31 Handling Cash in Law Firms
22:46 Billing Errors and Best Practices
25:42 Trust Fund Protocols and Training
27:39 Fraudulent Checks and Money Laundering
28:57 Game Show: Trust Account Scenarios

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If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at info@accountantslawpod.com or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com

If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up!

Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

In this episode we break down the accounting pitfalls law firms face - from IOLTA missteps to messy trust reconciliations.

We explain why early legal-accounting support matters, how to handle credit card fees correctly, and the key practices that keep firms compliant, confident, and profitable.

00:53 Demystifying Accounting Concepts for Law Firms
01:43 Understanding Trust Accounts and IOLTA
02:52 Reconciling Accounts and Compliance
04:49 Importance of Proper Record Keeping
06:44 When to Hire a Legal Accounting Professional
07:53 Common Mistakes in Legal Accounting
12:39 The Value of Specialized Legal Accountants
14:07 Random Conversation and Initial Connection
14:25 Common Mistakes in Legal Accounting
14:52 Challenges with Trust Accounts
17:57 Importance of Proper Documentation
20:34 Credit Card Fees and Client Relations

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If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at info@accountantslawpod.com or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com

If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up!

Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.

Start the year with smart tax planning for law firms. In this episode, we cover common bookkeeping challenges, goal-setting strategies, and how to prepare for tax season.

We explore entity structure reviews, billing practices, software choices, staff retention, and staying ahead of changing tax rules. Learn how regular check-ins support compliance and financial health.

01:39 Tax Planning for Legal Professionals
02:45 Goal Setting and Forecasting
04:43 Implementing Changes in Practice Management
05:44 Reviewing Financial Structures and Costs
06:27 Tax Strategies and Meeting with Professionals
10:21 Billing Practices and Client Management
12:47 Software and Resource Management
13:36 Reflecting on True Stories and Employee Benefits
14:17 Evaluating Team Meetings and New Perspectives
15:22 Tax Planning and Client Engagement
19:32 Business Planning and Compliance
22:36 Setting Goals and Planning for the Future

Be sure to subscribe for more episodes!
Find us on YouTube as well!

If you have questions, topic requests, or guest suggestions you can email us at info@accountantslawpod.com or send us a message through our website, www.accountantslawpod.com

If you want to join us in the Accountants Law Lab, visit our website at www.accountantslawlab.com to sign up!

Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed/produced by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay - Edited by audiovideo_uk

Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice.