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).

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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.

In this episode, hosts Lynda Artesani and Sarah Prevost return from the Karbon Next conference with fresh insights and a renewed appreciation for the power of connection. They share their biggest takeaways from attending a smaller, more focused conference—highlighting the real magic that happens in hallway conversations, one-on-one chats, and late-night brainstorming with fellow pros.

The episode then shifts gears into a candid and educational discussion on cash vs. accrual accounting—what the differences are, when each method applies, and why law firm bookkeepers need to get this right. Lynda and Sarah draw a clever (and helpful!) comparison between personalized client service in hospitality and the experience clients should receive in the accounting world.

Key Takeaways:
Why smaller conferences can lead to bigger breakthroughs
The role of AI in reshaping modern accounting practices
How to validate a law firm’s accounting method with its tax return
When cash vs. accrual matters—and how to explain it to clients
The art of delivering boutique-level service, no matter your firm size

Whether you're new to legal bookkeeping or a seasoned pro, this episode will leave you inspired to sharpen your skills and treat every client like a VIP.

00:15 Recap of Karbon Next Conference
00:47 Insights from Conference Attendees
01:21 Software and Technology Discussions
06:00 Customer Service Excellence at Four Seasons
10:40 Exploring AI in Business
13:17 Cash vs. Accrual Accounting
15:14 Understanding Revenue Recognition
15:23 Cash Basis Accounting Explained
16:06 Accrual Method in Larger Firms
16:37 Importance of Accurate Recording
17:03 Handling Accounts Receivable and Payable
18:06 Client Education on Accounting Methods
18:46 Common Issues in Cash Basis Accounting
19:25 Planning and Method Selection
20:16 QuickBooks Settings and Reporting
20:57 Addressing Client Concerns and Misunderstandings
23:08 Initiating Conversations with Clients

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.