Accountants Law Pod™

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 Handling Trust and Liability Accounts
03:01 Equity Section and Professional Presentation
06:24 Advanced Client Costs and Operating Expenses
08:33 Payroll Systems and Software Integration
12:30 Practice Area Income and Detailed Reporting
14:55 Addressing QuickBooks Payroll and Miscellaneous Expenses
15:11 Challenges in Bookkeeping and Cleanup
17:06 Chart of Accounts for Law Firms
18:55 Reconciling Discrepancies and Transfers
20:08 DIY vs Professional Services
21:22 Setting Up and Managing Chart of Accounts

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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 When is it Time to Hire?
01:57 Outsourcing vs. In-House Hiring
04:35 Delegation Challenges
05:50 Client Face Time and Capacity
07:11 AI and Hiring
13:26 Economic Shifts and Job Security
19:42 Planning for New Hires

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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 Discussion
01:33 Employee Bonuses and Payroll
02:36 Profit Sharing and Bonus Structures
03:25 Emotional Impact of Bonuses
06:05 Planning Partner Bonuses
07:53 Importance of Recognizing Contributions
13:24 Value of Pay Stubs and Employee Benefits
16:23 Discussing Employee Benefits and Bonuses
16:54 The Importance of Health Coverage
17:32 Generosity and Sustainability in Firms
18:39 Evaluating Bonus Structures
21:12 Creative Bonus Ideas
22:39 Planning and Budgeting for Bonuses

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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 timely strategies, helpful reminders, and a roadmap to make your year-end process smoother and more efficient.

01:38 Ultimate Year-End Checklist
03:08 Accounting Tips and Tricks
05:44 Law Firm Year-End Planning
11:59 Health Insurance Challenges
16:43 Vehicle Purchases and Documentation
18:36 Addressing Trust Ledger Issues
19:33 Customizing Checklists for Law Firms
20:34 Year-End Payroll and Tax Preparations
26:43 Setting Goals and Budgeting for the New Year

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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 the importance of strategic planning and partnering closely with tax professionals to ensure both your business and personal finances stay aligned.

Whether you're choosing your first business structure or re-evaluating your current one, this episode offers practical insight, clear explanations, and the guidance you need for confident decision-making.

02:33 Understanding LLC Structures
03:05 Tax Implications and Professional Advice
06:30 Payroll Setup and Best Practices
09:54 Choosing the Right Payroll Provider
12:36 Switching to an S-Corp: Timing and Draws
14:19 Understanding Paycheck Regularity and IRS Expectations
14:32 Bonus vs. Regular Pay: Strategic Considerations
15:17 Tax Strategies for High Earners and Boutique Firms
16:16 Compliance and Strategic Planning in Payroll
18:04 LLC vs. S Corp: Tax Implications and Structures
19:13 The Complexity of C Corporations
21:51 Importance of Operating Agreements and Key Person Insurance
24:45 Exit Strategies and Scalability
26:02 Engaging with Tax Professionals

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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.

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: Essential Expenses
05:44 Software and Tools for Budgeting
07:57 Planning for Taxes
09:50 Setting Financial Goals and Cash Flow Management
16:32 Choosing the Right Software

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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.

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 Compliance Challenges in Law Firms
02:50 Self-Assessment and Beta Testing
03:40 Non-Compliant Trust Account Journals
05:27 Client Notification and Dormant Accounts
09:44 Attorney Supervision and Training Issues
10:22 Contingency Firms and Fee Calculations
12:46 Handling Disputes and Documentation
13:49 Trust Accounting Policies and Practices
15:24 Self-Assessment and Compliance Reviews
16:45 Software and Reconciliation Challenges
17:56 Fraud Prevention and Oversight
19:29 Compliance Tools and Best Practices
20:46 California Bar Compliance and Adjacent States

State Bar Launches Mandatory Client Trust Account Compliance Reviews

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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, more predictable cash flow.

00:37 Cash Flow Strategy for Lawyers
01:20 Simplified Cash Flow Description
02:37 Key Cash Flow Management Tips
04:15 Importance of Software in Cash Flow
09:00 Billing and Follow-Up Best Practices
13:48 Cash Flow Challenges in Contingency Firms
17:46 Billing Strategies for Attorneys
18:39 Understanding Cash Flow Statements
19:44 Key Financial Metrics for Law Firms
20:32 Planning for Year-End Expenses
25:22 The Importance of Marketing in Cash Flow
29:15 Simplifying Cash Flow Management

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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 Challenges with Bookkeeping and Clearing Accounts
03:16 Balancing the Balance Sheet and P&L
03:57 Cash Flow Management and Forecasting
12:03 The Reveal Framework for Financial Management
23:09 Strategic Spending and Cash Management
25:29 Understanding Lines of Credit
25:48 Smart and Strategic Spending
27:04 Prepayments and Tax Strategies
27:59 Maximizing Tax Deductions
29:55 Investing in Your Team
32:38 Compensation Models and Bonuses
39:40 Coaching vs. CFO Services

Danielle Hendon and 4Corners CFO

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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 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 — and discuss how ClioCon continues to shape the future of legal practice management, client service, and financial operations.

ClioCon 2025 Opening Keynote with Jack Newton: The Future of Legal Work, Unveiled

00:36 ClioCon Conference Overview
01:33 AI Innovations at ClioCon
02:12 Vincent and Work: Core Features
03:58 Legal Research and Case Management
07:08 Clio Grow and Client Screening
09:29 Energy Concerns and AI Infrastructure
13:18 Future of Legal Practice with AI
15:51 Emotional Keynotes and Personal Stories
17:16 Inspiring Story of Change and Redemption
17:58 The Human Element in AI
19:20 Clio Accounting Updates
20:56 Challenges in Building a GL
21:58 Exciting AI Developments in Legal Tech
23:42 Product Lab Insights
25:43 Backup Solutions for Legal Software

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 [email protected] 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!

If you want to follow along with Steve’s airstream adventures, as well as Accountants Law Pod updates, be sure to follow us on instagram at Accountants Law Pod.

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.