Accountants Law Pod™

🎉 Season 3 Kickoff: Legal Marketing with Heart & Strategy

In this special episode of Accountants Law Pod, we celebrate the launch of Season 3 with guest Matt Plavnick, founder of Axis Marketing Strategies.

Matt shares how he found his way into the world of legal marketing, along with powerful insights on:

Supporting lawyers beyond logos and lead gen
Understanding the business side of law
Aligning internal and external firm communication
Smart marketing budgets for law firms
Empathy, client experience, and why messaging matters

Whether you're a legal professional, bookkeeper, or marketer, this episode delivers practical tips and real-life examples to elevate your strategy and strengthen your brand.

00:34 Introducing Special Guest: Matt Plavnick
02:18 Matt Plavnick's Journey into Legal Marketing
06:53 Challenges and Strategies in Legal Marketing
18:04 Budgeting and Marketing Investments for Law Firms
25:40 Client Acquisition and Tracking
28:25 Marketing While Serving Clients
28:40 Working with Marketing-Savvy Clients
29:37 Avoiding Transactional Relationships
32:25 Challenges of Junior Partners
33:28 Fine-Tuning Marketing Strategies
37:21 The Importance of Follow-Up
49:24 Balancing Autonomy and Management
50:17 Recognizing and Celebrating Team Efforts
50:58 Parallel Insights in Marketing and Accounting

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!

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 key financial statements every law firm needs to understand. From solo attorneys to multi-partner firms tracking KPIs, this conversation dives into how tailored financial reporting can drive smarter business decisions.

💡 What you'll learn:
The must-have financial statements for legal professionals

How cloud accounting tools offer unmatched flexibility

Why attorney financial education is non-negotiable

Tips for turning numbers into actionable insights

The power of personalized coaching for legal bookkeeping

Whether you're a firm owner or a finance pro in the legal space, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you make sense of your numbers—and use them to grow.

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02:09 Deep Dive into Key Financial Statements
03:48 Tailoring Financial Reports for Different Clients
07:40 The Role of Coaches and Understanding Reports
13:30 Tracking Marketing and Advertising Effectiveness
15:20 Understanding Client Billing and Workflow
16:07 Identifying and Correcting Financial Discrepancies
16:40 The Importance of Accurate Financial Tracking
18:08 Navigating QuickBooks and Hidden Costs
19:54 Educating Clients on Financial Statements
23:26 The Value of Detailed Financial Reports
26:52 Tailored Pricing and Client Relationships
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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 Sarah and Steve team up with assistant and guest, Teaira, to tackle a topic every modern professional should master: how to build an authentic, effective online presence.

They share actionable strategies for:
✅ Clarifying your brand messaging
✅ Choosing the right platforms
✅ Leveraging social media with intention
✅ Using AI tools to streamline content creation
✅ Humanizing your brand and building trust online

From overcoming the fear of visibility to managing your content workload without burning out, this episode is packed with insights for accountants, bookkeepers, and attorneys ready to grow their influence online—without losing their minds (or their weekends).

Start small, stay consistent, and show up as you—we’ll show you how.

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00:27 Building a Strong Online Presence
01:22 Clarifying Your Brand Message
01:54 Choosing Your Online Platforms
02:23 Consistency and Content Creation
04:07 Humanizing Your Online Presence
05:30 The Importance of Authenticity
10:51 Overcoming the Daunting Start
13:49 Personal Stories and Examples
14:44 Being Yourself Online
17:50 Starting Your Message: Where to Begin?
18:15 Addressing Client Questions
20:15 Building an Online Presence
22:59 Utilizing AI and Tools for Content Creation
25:44 Engaging with Your Audience
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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!

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, Sarah and Steve dive into the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) every law firm should be tracking, sharing practical, actionable insights on metrics that drive real growth — from new client acquisition and retention to financial performance, productivity, and efficiency.

Whether you're running a solo practice or managing a growing legal team, this episode breaks down how to implement, track, and leverage KPIs to improve your firm’s profitability, client satisfaction, and long-term success.

Ready to turn numbers into strategy? Tune in and start measuring what matters most.

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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
18:47 Implementing Metrics with Chart Software
20:39 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Law Firms
23:37 Employee and Client Satisfaction Metrics
25:08 Visualizing and Implementing KPIs
29:10 Celebrating KPI Successes
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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!

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.

From their biggest business regrets to the systems they wish they had in place sooner, this candid conversation dives into the power of SOPs, mentorship, and goal setting for legal accounting professionals.

Whether you're a solo bookkeeper or growing a firm, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights you won’t want to miss.

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02:12 Biggest Business Regrets
03:57 Reflecting on Business Experiences
08:26 Documenting SOPs and Workflow Challenges
11:27 AI and Future of Accounting
13:31 Learning from Business Regrets
14:27 Embracing the Journey Together
15:02 Handling Regrets in Business Decisions
20:25 The Importance of Mentorship
24:18 Navigating Business Challenges
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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 one of the most misunderstood areas in legal accounting: accounts receivable (AR) retainers vs. trust retainers.

From compliance risks to workflow bottlenecks, they explore the key differences, common mistakes, and best practices for handling each type of retainer—so you can stay audit-ready and aligned with legal ethics rules.

If you’ve ever second-guessed where that client deposit belongs—this episode is for you.

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01:00 Accounts Receivable Retainers vs Trust Retainers
01:55 Software and Workflow Challenges
03:08 Practical Tips and Manual Work
05:48 Jurisdictional Differences and Regulations
06:20 Explaining Retainers to Clients
14:26 Billing Models and Compliance
16:36 Deciding on Client File Priorities
17:35 Subscription Methods for Better Cash Flow
18:03 Prepaid Services and Liabilities
19:01 Complexities of Accounts Receivable
20:17 Reconciling Financial Discrepancies
22:44 Best Practices for Managing Client Funds
24:14 Challenges with Bank Feeds and Real-Time Balances
26:36 Ensuring Accurate Billing and Trust Management
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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.

🎉 Episode 100

In this milestone 100th episode of the Accountants Law Pod, our hosts share their top tips for effective IOLTA bookkeeping and trust account management. From using tools like Clio and LeanLaw to nailing three-way reconciliations, they cover the must-know strategies to stay compliant and audit-ready.

Whether you're an attorney or a bookkeeper, this episode is packed with insights on avoiding common trust accounting pitfalls, understanding state regulations, and maintaining monthly financial transparency.

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01:37 Top Tips for IOLTA Bookkeeping
02:29 Choosing the Right Software
04:11 Trust Account Management
07:27 Common Pitfalls and Best Practices
17:43 Personal Injury Law Firms and Trust Accounts
20:57 Navigating Trust Laws for New Attorneys
21:09 Preferred Trust Account Banks
21:36 Challenges in Setting Up IOLTA Trust Accounts
22:12 Impact of Regulatory Changes on Attorneys
23:20 The Importance of Transparency in Trust Accounting
24:07 The Role of Bookkeepers in Compliance
26:52 Government Changes Affecting Mail and Payments
27:32 Embracing Technology in Law Firms
30:52 Celebrating 100 Episodes
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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 today's episode we dive headfirst into the real-world financial struggles that accounting professionals and law firms face every day—from cash flow crunches and high overhead costs to late client payments and clunky billing systems.

If you're tired of spinning your wheels financially and ready for practical advice (with a side of humor), this episode is your roadmap to clarity, control, and growth.

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02:39 Financial Challenges Discussion
04:30 Client Stories and Financial Visibility
06:01 Law Firms and Financial Management
12:45 AI and Job Market Insights
13:40 Productivity and Expense Management
18:00 Billing Practices in Law Firms
19:47 Challenges in Personal Injury Law
23:12 Leveraging Technology in Legal Practice
24:06 The Value of Outsourcing Financial Tasks
28:25 Importance of Tracking Billable and Non-Billable Time
30:42 Effective Use of Consultants and Coaches
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Be sure to subscribe for more episodes!
Find us on Spotify and 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.

Join us as we unpack the ever-evolving world of tax and regulatory changes—specifically for attorneys and law firms.

Tune in as they explore key tax planning strategies for law firms, including:

Payroll taxes and reasonable compensation for attorneys
Retirement plan considerations and how to choose the right one
The benefits and challenges of transitioning from LLC to S Corp
Why bookkeeping firms play a crucial role in proactive tax planning
Managing advanced client costs and staying compliant
Improving law firm cash flow management through strategic decisions

Whether you're an attorney running your own practice or a financial professional supporting law firms, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Subscribe and listen in to strengthen your firm’s financial foundation and future-proof your strategy.

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00:33 Discussing Tax and Regulatory Changes
02:35 Payroll Taxes and Reasonable Salary
06:01 Entity Structure and Tax Implications
09:50 Client Communication and Involvement
10:35 Advisory Role and Tax Planning
13:52 Quarterly Estimates and Compliance
14:43 Starting the Conversation: Tax Returns and Action Items
14:54 Challenges in Obtaining Tax Returns
15:21 Educating Clients on Financial Matters
15:55 Respect and Appreciation in the Financial Profession
17:11 The Role of Tax Professionals and CPAs
18:29 Tailored Tax Services and Recommendations
19:19 Cost Receivables in Law Firm Books
22:24 Advanced Client Costs and Accounting Methods
27:11 The Impact of Bad Financial Advice on Social Media
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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.

Join Sarah, Steve, and Lynda as they tackle the intimidating world of audits—specifically for law firms!

From tax audits to bar audits, we’ll uncover the sneaky pitfalls that can land you in hot water. Tune in for expert tips on managing trust accounts, the art of proper documentation, and why three-way bank reconciliations are your best friends.

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00:15 Types of Audits and Their Implications
00:44 Bar Audits and Their Consequences
02:35 Trust Account Issues and Best Practices
06:10 Handling Prior Year Transactions
07:19 Self-Reporting and State Requirements
08:51 Preparing for an Audit
13:17 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
15:52 Handling Petty Cash
16:52 Importance of Workflow in Cash Management
17:18 Avoiding Audits with Proper Documentation
17:52 Payroll and Multi-State Compliance
20:35 Responding to Audits and Legal Obligations
23:58 Setting Up Books for New Firms
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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.