Accountants Law Pod™

In this episode we explore cybersecurity for legal accountants. We discuss protecting sensitive data, the role of managed IT services, staff training, and real-world security risks - plus practical steps firms can take to strengthen protection, no matter their size. 2Fifteen Tech Verito Wizer Security Training WISP Checklist 01:11 Cybersecurity for Legal Accountants 02:44 Cybersecurity Tools and P...

In this episode we explore class accounting and how law firms can use it to gain clearer financial insights. We break down when class accounting makes sense, how to set it up properly, and common pitfalls to avoid - helping firms track revenue and expenses with intention, accuracy, and purpose. 01:03 Class Accounting in Practice 01:52 Class Accounting for Law Firms 03:52 Challenges and Best Practi...

In this episode we break down the essentials of building and maintaining a strong chart of accounts for law firms. Learn common COA mistakes, best practices for trust, IOLTA, and equity accounts, and how proper setup supports compliance, reporting, and smoother audits. 00:27 Understanding the Chart of Accounts (COA) 01:02 Importance of Proper COA Setup 01:51 Common COA Mistakes and Solutions 02:19...

In this episode we break down when and how to hire for growth in accounting and legal firms. We explore the signs it’s time to bring on help, how to balance cost vs. benefit, and whether to choose contract or full-time staff, as well as how AI is reshaping roles and why culture and client care matter more than ever. Short, practical, and full of real-world insight for firms ready to scale. 01:13 W...

In this episode of Accountants Law Pod we pull back the curtain on one of the most anticipated—and often misunderstood—topics in law firm management: year-end bonuses. From partner distributions to employee bonuses, we explore how thoughtful planning, clear communication with your financial team, and early forecasting can make bonus season a celebration instead of a scramble. 00:54 Partner Bonuses...

In this episode we walk you through the ultimate year-end checklist for accounting and law firms. From tax planning and managing bonuses to reviewing health insurance, they break down the steps every firm should take as the year wraps up. You’ll also hear practical guidance on tidy books, goal-setting, and smart budgeting to set your practice up for a strong start in the new year. Tune in for time...

In this episode we unpack the often-confusing world of business structures. From LLCs to S-Corps, they explore how each entity works, when it makes sense to switch, and the financial ripple effects those decisions can create. We break down key considerations like payroll setup, salary versus bonuses, and the compliance requirements business owners frequently overlook. Along the way, they emphasize...

Law firms thrive on smart budgeting. In this episode, we cover how to build a realistic budget, manage fixed and variable costs, plan for estimated taxes, and use tools like Clio to keep finances on track. Plus: practical tips for forecasting, overhead, and long-term financial discipline. 00:28 The Importance of Budgeting for Lawyers 01:51 Realistic Budgeting and Overhead Costs 03:21 Starting Out:...

California’s bar just tightened its compliance rules, and the fallout is real. In this episode, we break down the surprising results of a statewide compliance test—trust account errors, missing three-way reconciliations, and more. Learn what law firms must fix now, the tools that help, and why these rules could soon impact firms across the country. 00:59 Scary Changes in California Bar Rules 01:30...

In this episode of Accountants Law Pod, Steve and Sarah dive into essential cash flow strategies designed specifically for law firms. They unpack how accurate billing, regular financial reviews, and automated systems can improve stability and planning. From managing receivables to balancing marketing budgets and contingency fees, this discussion offers actionable steps for building a healthier, mo...

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Hendon of Four Corners CFO to unpack the true role of a CFO in law firms. From cash flow and bonus planning to capacity-based budgeting, Danielle shares her “Reveal Framework” for creating sustainable profitability and smarter financial strategy. 00:37 Introducing the Guest: Danielle Hendon 00:57 Understanding the Role of a CFO in Law Firms 01:26 Challeng...

In this episode of the Accountants Law Pod, we dive into the highlights of  ClioCon 2025, one of the most influential events in the legal industry. We share key takeaways from this year’s conference, from groundbreaking tech innovations to the evolving relationship between law firms and accounting professionals. Tune in as we reflect on the sessions, speakers, and connections that stood out —...

Ghosted by a client? You’re not alone. In this Best Of episode, Sarah, Lynda, and Steve share real stories and smart strategies for handling unresponsive clients, setting boundaries, and keeping communication clear and professional. 01:22 Main Topic: Being Ghosted by Clients 03:12 Strategies to Handle Client Ghosting 05:25 Challenges and Real-Life Examples 09:52 Professionalism and Client Communic...

Discover how financial forecasting can future-proof your law firm. Hosts Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart discuss tax planning, budgeting, seasonal trends, and AI tools for forecasting. Learn strategies for continuity, growth, and smarter decision-making. 02:39 Financial Forecasting and Business Planning 03:26 Importance of Forecasting and Tax Planning 08:55 Exit Strategies and Bus...

💼 Accuracy in billing isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this episode, we cover common pitfalls, smarter tracking, and tools to keep law firms profitable & trusted. 🎧 00:50 Listener Question: Settlement Fund Error 04:01 Explaining Qualified Settlement Funds (QSF) 04:55 Listener Questions: Conflict Checks 07:53 Importance of Billing Accuracy 08:40 Best Practices for Billing in Law Firms 11:17...

Best Of: Learn how KPIs drive law firm success. Sarah and Steve share practical tips to track growth, performance & profitability. 01:43 Introduction to KPIs for Legal Practices 03:18 Client Development and Growth KPIs 06:44 Client Retention and Referral Strategies 14:59 Efficiency and Productivity KPIs 17:48 Tracking Time and Email Management 18:31 Implementing Metrics and Tools 19:16 Chartin...

Discover the best law firm billing software options and learn how to choose the right solution for trust management, compliance, and efficiency. 00:41 Introduction to Law Firm Billing Software 02:07 Key Features to Consider in Legal Accounting Software 03:32 Listing Popular Legal Billing Software 05:55 Challenges in Adopting New Software 08:32 All-in-One vs. Ecosystem of Platforms 12:45 Importance...

In this episode of Accountants Law Pod, our hosts sit down with Emery Wager, from Confido Legal, a payment processing platform designed exclusively for law firms. Together, they explore the complex world of legal payments and how technology is reshaping the way firms manage transactions. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The origin story of Confido and how it’s grown into a trusted payment sol...

Understanding Advanced Client Costs: A Deep Dive In this episode of the Accountants Law Pod, Sarah and Steve unpack the complexities of advanced client costs (ACC) in law firms. 💡 What You’ll Learn: The difference between hard costs vs. soft costs Best practices for categorizing and recording expenses IRS guidelines every firm should know Internal controls to prevent costly mistakes Why communica...

Discover the pros and cons of alternative banking for law firms—compliance, FDIC, service, and tips to choose the right fit. 02:04 Introduction to Alternative Banking Options 02:36 Experiences with Non-Brick-and-Mortar Banks 03:19 Trust Accounting and Bar Requirements 04:05 Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Banks 06:06 Security and FDIC Insurance 12:58 Customer Service and Jurisdictional Rules 14:5...

Join our hosts as they unpack the shift many law firms are making from QuickBooks Desktop to modern, cloud tools like QuickBooks Online. They cover why firms are moving, what makes migrations tricky (hello, legacy data), and how to plan a smooth cutover—without losing your audit trail or your mind. You’ll learn: Where Desktop falls short for today’s remote, integrated workflows How to scope a migr...

Hey there, and welcome back to The Accountants Law Pod! Our team is taking a short summer break to rest, recharge, and maybe enjoy a few umbrella drinks. In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our most-loved episodes in this special Best Of series. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or diving back in for a refresher, we hope you enjoy—and we’ll be back with brand new episodes soon! Th...

In this episode, Lynda, Sarah, and Steve dive deep into the nuanced world of hiring for law firms and accounting practices. They explore essential questions like: Should you hire a part-time contractor or a full-time employee? How do you balance financial cost with cultural fit? When is the right time to bring someone on board? You’ll also hear a thoughtful discussion about: The pros and cons of a...

Hey there, and welcome back to The Accountants Law Pod! Our team is taking a short summer break to rest, recharge, and maybe enjoy a few umbrella drinks. In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our most-loved episodes in this special Best Of series. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or diving back in for a refresher, we hope you enjoy—and we’ll be back with brand new episodes soon! Ar...

Hey there, and welcome back to The Accountants Law Pod! Our team is taking a short summer break to rest, recharge, and maybe enjoy a few umbrella drinks. In the meantime, we're revisiting some of our most-loved episodes in this special Best Of series. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or diving back in for a refresher, we hope you enjoy—and we’ll be back with brand new episodes soon! Ta...