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.

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.

In this episode Sarah and Lynda explore the power and potential of cloud accounting for law firms and legal-focused accountants. From ditching outdated desktop systems to embracing modern, cloud-based tools like QuickBooks Online and Clio, this conversation is packed with insights on how to transform your practice through technology.

They break down the real benefits of going cloud-based—including improved security, workflow efficiency, and greater financial visibility—and don’t shy away from the challenges like software costs and resistance to change. With an eye toward the future, we also discuss how AI is reshaping accounting and legal tech.

Whether you’re just starting to explore cloud solutions or looking to refine your current setup, this episode offers practical advice on choosing the right tools to streamline operations and support long-term growth.

Tune in and learn how to work smarter, not harder.

-----------------------------------

00:29 Discussing Cloud Accounting
01:47 Challenges and Benefits of Cloud Accounting
03:26 Cost Implications and Software Choices
05:26 Global Business and Technology Integration
07:54 Adapting to New Technologies
10:45 Evaluating and Implementing Software
14:00 Client-Specific Software Solutions
18:17 Understanding Law Firm Technology
19:00 Resistance to Change in Technology
21:17 Benefits of Legal-Specific Software
23:34 Integration and Efficiency
26:48 Modernizing Law Firms
31:56 Nostalgia and Modern Communication
-------------------------------------

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.

🎉 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 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 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.

----------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------

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 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.

------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------

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, 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.

-----------------------------------
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
---------------------------

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.