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Tax season stress, shoebox clients, and outdated spreadsheets—oh my!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

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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.

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.

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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
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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 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.