In this Best Of episode we revisit our most important insights on avoiding audits in legal and accounting practices. From bar and compliance audits to trust accounting pitfalls, they share practical strategies for clean records, strong workflows, and staying prepared—so firms can protect themselves before problems arise.

00:15 Types of Audits and Their Implications
01:10 Case Study
02:30 Common Audit Issues in Law Firms
04:33 Best Practices for Trust Accounting
06:20 Handling Prior Year Transactions
07:19 State-Specific Audit Requirements
10:37 Preparing for an Audit
15:34 The Importance of Practice Management Software
15:51 Handling Petty Cash: Lynda's Story
16:52 Importance of Workflow in Cash Management
17:26 Using Technology for SOPs and Workflows
17:52 Payroll and Multi-State Compliance
18:45 Avoiding Audits: Best Practices
20:35 Responding to Audits and Legal Requirements
22:55 Documentation and Record-Keeping
23:57 Setting Up Books for New Firms

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 explore cybersecurity for legal accountants. We discuss protecting sensitive data, the role of managed IT services, staff training, and real-world security risks - plus practical steps firms can take to strengthen protection, no matter their size.

2Fifteen Tech

Verito

Wizer Security Training

WISP Checklist

01:11 Cybersecurity for Legal Accountants
02:44 Cybersecurity Tools and Practices
03:53 Managed Devices and Remote Management
06:47 VPN Issues with QuickBooks
07:14 Real-Life Cybersecurity Incidents
09:16 Exploring New Cybersecurity Platforms
10:35 Insurance and Compliance Considerations
11:55 Document Security and Password Protection
14:52 AI in Music and Cybersecurity
16:21 Navigating Password Management Challenges
16:52 Solo Practitioners and Cybersecurity
17:28 The Cost of Cybersecurity Breaches
18:05 Protecting Contractors and Global Teams
18:55 Backup Solutions and Their Limitations
19:49 Scams and Security Protocols
20:58 Trust Accounts and Security Measures
25:55 Employee Training and Cybersecurity Awareness
29:29 End-of-Year Business Security Tips

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 explore class accounting and how law firms can use it to gain clearer financial insights. We break down when class accounting makes sense, how to set it up properly, and common pitfalls to avoid - helping firms track revenue and expenses with intention, accuracy, and purpose.

01:03 Class Accounting in Practice
01:52 Class Accounting for Law Firms
03:52 Challenges and Best Practices
05:21 Granular Tracking and Reporting
07:18 Common Mistakes and Solutions
08:31 Final Thoughts on Class Accounting
11:57 The Evolution of Tags
12:14 Class Accounting in Legal Firms
13:57 Practical Applications of Class Accounting
15:39 Challenges and Considerations
17:21 Real-World Examples and Insights

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

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 essentials of building and maintaining a strong chart of accounts for law firms.

Learn common COA mistakes, best practices for trust, IOLTA, and equity accounts, and how proper setup supports compliance, reporting, and smoother audits.

00:27 Understanding the Chart of Accounts (COA)
01:02 Importance of Proper COA Setup
01:51 Common COA Mistakes and Solutions
02:19 Handling Trust and Liability Accounts
03:01 Equity Section and Professional Presentation
06:24 Advanced Client Costs and Operating Expenses
08:33 Payroll Systems and Software Integration
12:30 Practice Area Income and Detailed Reporting
14:55 Addressing QuickBooks Payroll and Miscellaneous Expenses
15:11 Challenges in Bookkeeping and Cleanup
17:06 Chart of Accounts for Law Firms
18:55 Reconciling Discrepancies and Transfers
20:08 DIY vs Professional Services
21:22 Setting Up and Managing Chart of Accounts

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 break down when and how to hire for growth in accounting and legal firms. We explore the signs it’s time to bring on help, how to balance cost vs. benefit, and whether to choose contract or full-time staff, as well as how AI is reshaping roles and why culture and client care matter more than ever.

Short, practical, and full of real-world insight for firms ready to scale.

01:13 When is it Time to Hire?
01:57 Outsourcing vs. In-House Hiring
04:35 Delegation Challenges
05:50 Client Face Time and Capacity
07:11 AI and Hiring
13:26 Economic Shifts and Job Security
19:42 Planning for New Hires

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 we pull back the curtain on one of the most anticipated—and often misunderstood—topics in law firm management: year-end bonuses.

From partner distributions to employee bonuses, we explore how thoughtful planning, clear communication with your financial team, and early forecasting can make bonus season a celebration instead of a scramble.

00:54 Partner Bonuses Discussion
01:33 Employee Bonuses and Payroll
02:36 Profit Sharing and Bonus Structures
03:25 Emotional Impact of Bonuses
06:05 Planning Partner Bonuses
07:53 Importance of Recognizing Contributions
13:24 Value of Pay Stubs and Employee Benefits
16:23 Discussing Employee Benefits and Bonuses
16:54 The Importance of Health Coverage
17:32 Generosity and Sustainability in Firms
18:39 Evaluating Bonus Structures
21:12 Creative Bonus Ideas
22:39 Planning and Budgeting for Bonuses

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 walk you through the ultimate year-end checklist for accounting and law firms.

From tax planning and managing bonuses to reviewing health insurance, they break down the steps every firm should take as the year wraps up. You’ll also hear practical guidance on tidy books, goal-setting, and smart budgeting to set your practice up for a strong start in the new year.

Tune in for timely strategies, helpful reminders, and a roadmap to make your year-end process smoother and more efficient.

01:38 Ultimate Year-End Checklist
03:08 Accounting Tips and Tricks
05:44 Law Firm Year-End Planning
11:59 Health Insurance Challenges
16:43 Vehicle Purchases and Documentation
18:36 Addressing Trust Ledger Issues
19:33 Customizing Checklists for Law Firms
20:34 Year-End Payroll and Tax Preparations
26:43 Setting Goals and Budgeting for the New Year

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 unpack the often-confusing world of business structures. From LLCs to S-Corps, they explore how each entity works, when it makes sense to switch, and the financial ripple effects those decisions can create.

We break down key considerations like payroll setup, salary versus bonuses, and the compliance requirements business owners frequently overlook. Along the way, they emphasize the importance of strategic planning and partnering closely with tax professionals to ensure both your business and personal finances stay aligned.

Whether you're choosing your first business structure or re-evaluating your current one, this episode offers practical insight, clear explanations, and the guidance you need for confident decision-making.

02:33 Understanding LLC Structures
03:05 Tax Implications and Professional Advice
06:30 Payroll Setup and Best Practices
09:54 Choosing the Right Payroll Provider
12:36 Switching to an S-Corp: Timing and Draws
14:19 Understanding Paycheck Regularity and IRS Expectations
14:32 Bonus vs. Regular Pay: Strategic Considerations
15:17 Tax Strategies for High Earners and Boutique Firms
16:16 Compliance and Strategic Planning in Payroll
18:04 LLC vs. S Corp: Tax Implications and Structures
19:13 The Complexity of C Corporations
21:51 Importance of Operating Agreements and Key Person Insurance
24:45 Exit Strategies and Scalability
26:02 Engaging with Tax Professionals

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.