Accountants Law Pod

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 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! 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 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! 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.

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 Communication Be sure to subscribe for more episodes! 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.

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 Business Continuity 12:44 AI in Business Forecasting 18:17 The Rise of AI Companions 20:34 Financial Planning Tools and Their Limitations 21:54 The Importance of Accurate Data 24:18 Evaluating Marketing and Advertising Spend 30:04 Seasonality and Marketing Strategies 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.

💼 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 Software Tools for Billing and Time Tracking 14:07 Communication and Trust in Client Relationships 15:15 Trust Account Management Challenges 15:58 Importance of Accurate Billing 18:26 Handling Client Costs and Expenses 20:37 Billing Processes and Client Communication 26:20 Common Billing Mistakes and Risks 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.

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 Charting Software and KPI Involvement 21:59 Key Metrics for Law Firms 23:37 Client and Employee Satisfaction 24:12 Open and Closed Matters 25:01 Adapting to Market Changes 26:32 Trust Ledger Balance 27:48 Implementing KPIs Effectively 29:06 Celebrating KPI Successes 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! 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.

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 of Customizable Reports and Permissions 14:20 Challenges in Software Acquisition 14:34 User Interface Importance 14:58 Vendor Interactions and Support 15:31 Choosing the Right Software 17:43 Practice Area Considerations 26:07 Software Trials and Demos 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! 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, 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 solution for law firms. Why payment processing for attorneys comes with unique compliance and regulatory challenges. How features like split payments, digital disbursements, and AI-supported fraud prevention give law firms an edge. The role of cutting-edge security in protecting client funds. How client-focused design is simplifying billing and boosting firm efficiency. A sneak peek into Confido’s future enhancements for the legal industry. Whether you’re an accountant, bookkeeper, or attorney, this conversation sheds light on how payment innovation can reduce risk, improve compliance, and create a smoother client experience. 🎧 Tune in to hear Emery’s journey, the tech behind Confido, and practical insights for law firms navigating today’s financial landscape. Resources from this episode: Chargebacks for Law FirmsState By State Guide to SurchargingState By State Guide to Disbursing Funds Electronically 00:32 Special Guest Introduction: Emery 01:10 Emery's Background and Confido Legal 04:02 Client-Focused Approach and Customer Service 08:19 Navigating Payment Processing for Law Firms 12:39 Challenges and Solutions in Payment Systems 17:22 Fraud Prevention and Security Measures 19:42 Innovations in Payment Processing 26:56 Discussing Pricing and Payment Collection 27:33 Evergreen Retainers in Family Law 28:27 Weekly Billing Practices 28:52 Merchant Services and Fees 35:07 Security and Fraud Prevention 43:55 Future of AI in Legal Payments 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! 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.

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 communication between attorneys, paralegals, accountants, and tax preparers is key Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started in legal accounting, this episode will help you manage ACC with clarity, compliance, and confidence. 01:01 Advanced Client Costs Overview 01:47 Handling Advanced Client Costs 03:40 Soft vs. Hard Costs 05:18 Tax Implications and Best Practices 15:00 Internal Controls and Approval Processes 17:51 Common Mistakes and Pitfalls 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.

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 14:58 Future of Banking and Changing Practices 17:07 Customer Service Challenges in Online Banking 17:42 Specialized Banking for Lawyers 18:40 Relay Bank and Employee Credit Cards 21:40 The Importance of Customer Service in Banking 24:06 Password Issues and Customer Service Frustrations 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! 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 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 migration (what history to keep, what to archive) Data pitfalls to watch: corrupted files, class/job mapping, custom fields, IOLTA nuances, and attachment handling A practical prep list: cleanup, cutover date, sandbox testing, and training When to DIY vs. bring in a migration partner—and how to brief them 00:24 QuickBooks Desktop: A Legacy Software 01:15 Challenges with QuickBooks Desktop 02:34 Transitioning to QuickBooks Online 04:40 Data Migration Complexities 11:11 The Evolution of QuickBooks 14:32 A Troublesome QuickBooks File 14:56 The Importance of Data Backup 15:40 Community Knowledge Sharing 16:11 Challenges with Desktop and Online Integration 16:39 Migrating Data and Ensuring Accuracy 18:31 Starting Fresh with New Files 22:38 Converting to Different Ledger Systems Be sure to subscribe for more episodes! 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! 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, 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 automation vs. human support How to protect sensitive client data when outsourcing Tips for creating a smooth and secure onboarding experience Why treating employees like customers is the key to retention Whether you’re expanding your firm or just beginning to build your team, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you make hiring decisions with confidence and clarity. 01:50 Smart Hiring for Law Firms 03:04 Challenges in Hiring and Delegation 06:11 Cost Considerations in Hiring 12:16 Contract vs. Direct Hire 15:25 Offshoring and International Hiring 17:16 Facing the Fear of Hiring 18:01 The Importance of Cultural Fit 18:58 Contract vs. Full-Time Hiring 21:54 Challenges of Global Hiring 23:01 Treating Your Team as Customers 24:12 The Cost of Replacement 24:58 Navigating Mistakes and Learning 30:08 Protecting Client Data 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! 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.

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! Three-way reconciliation got you sweating? You’re not alone. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the chaos (and importance) of trust accounting. From client mix-ups to compliance missteps, they share real stories, expert advice, and practical tips for getting it right—every single time. 03:21 Triple Checking and Three-Way Reconciliation 05:09 Trust Account Challenges and Solutions 11:06 Banking Issues and Recommendations 18:25 Client Communication and Project Management 20:56 Challenges in Project Timelines 21:04 Importance of Client Communication 21:48 Access to Financial Information 22:49 Common Financial Mistakes 23:28 Multi-Entity and Payroll Complexities 24:29 The Role of Compliance 25:21 Trust Account Management 29:41 Human Touch in Financial Oversight 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! 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.

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! Are you charging what you're really worth? In this powerful episode, Lynda and Sarah unpack the mindset shifts accountants need to confidently price their services—especially when working with attorneys. From navigating inflation to communicating value, this conversation is your permission slip to raise your rates and stop second-guessing your worth. 00:43 Discussing Pricing Mindset 09:17 Evaluating Client Relationships 12:44 The Role of Accountants in Client Success 16:04 The Puzzle of Specialization 16:31 Valuing Your Expertise 17:08 Effective Communication Strategies 18:15 Pricing and Compensation 19:34 Building Confidence and Courage 20:26 The Importance of Contracts 21:28 Continuous Learning and Support 29:13 Navigating Inflation and Costs 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! 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.

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! Tax season stress, shoebox clients, and outdated spreadsheets—oh my! In this Best Of episode, we dive into how accounting pros can transform legal practices with smarter workflows, trust compliance, and tech-driven efficiency. Tune in to learn how specialized support leads to streamlined operations, better goal-setting, and real cost savings for law firms. 01:54 Revolutionizing Legal Accounting 04:36 The Importance of Goal Setting 06:32 Operational Tweaks and Efficiency 07:56 Specialized Accounting for Law Firms 12:33 Compliance and Trust Accounts 14:36 Reconciling Trust Accounts 14:53 Software and Spreadsheets 15:36 Handling Client Costs 16:46 Entity Structure and Tax Strategies 20:03 Specialized Workflows for Law Firms 22:26 Embracing Technology and Automation 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! 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 dive into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) tools for fraud prevention in law firms: Positive Pay. Sarah and Steven take the reins and get real about the risks law firms face and how Positive Pay can serve as a financial fortress. They unpack the benefits, challenges, and day-to-day realities of implementing Positive Pay, especially when managing both operating and trust accounts. From the importance of data accuracy to working hand-in-hand with your bank, this episode sheds light on how a little extra effort can lead to major cost savings and stronger financial security. Whether you're new to the concept or looking to tighten up your internal controls, this conversation is packed with practical insights and straight talk about keeping your clients' funds—and your firm—safe. 03:13 Managing Positive Pay for Law Firms 05:51 ACH and Check Fraud Prevention 08:38 Practical Tips and Real-Life Examples 21:29 Workflow and Security Protocols 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! 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.

What’s the secret to a law firm that thrives—not just survives? In this episode, we sit down with industry veterans Roxanne Jensen and Bill Horton from EvolveLaw to tackle the big-picture strategy behind successful firms. From rate setting to succession planning, AI to annual bonuses, this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom and forward-thinking advice. Whether you're a managing partner or a bookkeeper supporting one, this episode will change the way you think about law firm growth. 00:22 Guest Introductions: Roxanne Jensen and Bill Horton 00:52 Roxanne's Journey in Law and Consulting 01:48 Bill's Career Path from CPA to Consultant 03:01 How Roxanne and Bill Joined Forces 05:00 Challenges and Strategies in Law Firm Management 08:58 Importance of Business Planning in Law Firms 11:51 Raising Billing Rates: A Key to Revenue Growth 17:18 Client Feedback and Rate Tolerance 18:37 Recruitment and Retention in Law Firms 21:25 Strategic Planning and Profitability Measures 30:31 Succession Planning and Sustainability 32:58 The Pain of Annual Bonuses 33:29 Strategic Planning for Bonuses 33:53 Importance of Objective Data 34:21 Succession Planning Challenges 37:31 Organic Growth vs. Lateral Hires 38:39 Brand Transition in Succession 44:38 Disruptors and Future Planning 45:18 The Role of Strategic CFOs and COOs 54:20 Tailored Consulting Services 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! 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.

Ready to level up your client onboarding process? In this episode, we share real-world strategies for welcoming new attorney clients with clarity and confidence. From setting up portals and managing financial access to navigating communication styles and tech transitions, this conversation covers it all. Whether you're dealing with solo practitioners or multi-member firms, you'll walk away with practical tips to streamline onboarding, strengthen client relationships, and tailor your approach for every legal niche. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: Creating effective client portals & checklists Managing bank access and financial documentation Adapting to varied communication styles Tackling tech challenges and legacy systems Personalizing onboarding for different law firm dynamics Handling financial discrepancies and setting expectations The value of regular updates and clear communication Offering advisory insights from day one 🕒 Time Stamps: 00:34 – Onboarding New Attorney Clients 01:21 – Setting Up Client Portals and Checklists 04:57 – Communication Styles and Tools 06:28 – Challenges with Tech Stack and Migrations 13:47 – Personalizing Client Interactions 17:36 – Importance of Regular Client Updates 21:08 – Addressing Financial Discrepancies 25:55 – Customizing the Onboarding Process 28:35 – Tips for Smooth Onboarding 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! 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 the team reunite after their recent travels to dive into the foundational (and often misunderstood) world of legal bookkeeping. From trust accounting to client cost management, the trio explores the nuanced challenges of keeping law firm books clean, compliant, and client-ready. Whether you're a new bookkeeper stepping into the legal space or a seasoned pro facing tricky transactions, this episode is full of wisdom, warnings, and a few laughs along the way. What You’ll Learn: How trust accounting trips up even experienced bookkeepers The importance of knowing a law firm’s practice area Why client costs aren’t always as simple as they seem Real talk on cleanup projects, consulting fees, and client expectations How economic shifts affect cash flow and AR The evolving roles of paralegals, CPAs, and bookkeepers in financial management Common pitfalls that derail law firm books—and how to avoid them Favorite tools and tips for continuous learning in legal accounting 04:41 – Intro to Legal Bookkeeping Basics 05:50 – Trust Accounting Challenges 07:08 – Navigating Different Law Practices 12:02 – Tips for New Legal Bookkeepers 15:14 – Handling Cleanup + Consulting Fees 17:00 – Tackling Messy Legal Books 18:11 – Client Transaction Complexities 18:50 – Economic Uncertainty & Cash Flow 20:46 – Real Estate & Market Trends 26:02 – The Role of Bookkeepers, CPAs & Paralegals 28:14 – Common Mistakes in Legal Bookkeeping 30:30 – Why Accurate Records Matter 35:16 – Final Thoughts & Favorite Resources Whether you’re cleaning up a trust ledger or guiding a firm through cash flow chaos, this episode offers a wealth of insight (and a few road trip stories for good measure). 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! 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 dive into the high-stakes world of compliance in the legal industry. From managing trust accounts to navigating ethical obligations, they explore the essential role bookkeepers play in keeping law firms on the right side of financial regulations. Through personal stories and practical insights, the trio discusses: The day-to-day realities of maintaining compliance State-specific nuances every legal bookkeeper should know The power of clear documentation The real risks of non-compliance—and how to avoid them Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to legal bookkeeping, this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to protecting law firms from financial missteps and upholding ethical best practices. 01:37 Main Topic Introduction: Upholding Compliance in the Legal Industry 02:27 Bookkeepers' Responsibilities and Legal Compliance 04:28 Common Compliance Issues and Solutions 07:10 Navigating Trust Accounts and Software Challenges 12:57 Ensuring Accurate Billing and Record-Keeping 13:57 Handling Payroll and Trust Account Compliance 14:14 Addressing Cash Flow Issues and Billing Practices 14:52 Ethical Dilemmas and Compliance Conversations 16:29 Fraud and Trust Account Management 20:55 Documentation and Record Keeping 26:33 Internal and External Compliance Measures 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.