Accountants Law Pod™

Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart
  • 4.7 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Where Accounting Professionals and Law Firms Converge

  1. QBO Alternatives

    4H AGO

    QBO Alternatives

    With QuickBooks Desktop support ending in 2026 and growing frustration around QuickBooks Online, many law firms are asking the same question: What are the best accounting software alternatives for law firms? In this episode of Accountants Law Pod, we break down the reality of switching accounting systems and what law firms need to know before making a move. From reporting limitations and payroll issues in QuickBooks Online to the growing interest in alternatives like Xero, Clio Accounting, and MyCase, we explore the pros, cons, and risks behind each option. We also dive into how your accounting software impacts far more than bookkeeping—including financial reporting, KPIs, budgeting, compliance, trust accounting, and long-term firm growth. If you're considering moving away from QuickBooks or evaluating legal accounting software, this episode will help you make a more informed decision and avoid costly mistakes. In This Episode, We Cover: • Why QuickBooks Desktop is being phased out (2026) • Common frustrations with QuickBooks Online for law firms • Pros and cons of all-in-one tools like Clio Accounting and MyCase • Why many all-in-one legal tools lack flexibility and scalability • How software choice affects law firm growth and financial visibility • Why Xero is emerging as the strongest QuickBooks alternative • When larger firms may need more advanced accounting systems • The importance of proper chart of accounts by practice area Whether you’re a law firm owner, legal bookkeeper, CPA, or legal accounting professional, this episode will help you navigate your options and choose the right system for your firm’s future. 01:03 QBO Alternatives Setup 01:47 Desktop Sunset Reality 03:13 Clio Accounting Limits 05:15 Xero as Top Pick 07:49 All in One vs Flexibility 09:38 Why People Quit QBO 12:00 Migration Data Headaches 13:56 Timing and Adoption Risks 14:46 Still Like QuickBooks 15:24 Switching From QuickBooks 16:17 User Roles And Privacy 17:43 Hiring And Talent Pool 18:14 Stop Cheap Software Picks 19:21 Receptionist Doing Books 21:27 Entity Growth And COA 23:17 Practice Management ROI 24:41 Starting Firms Right 26:58 All In One Tradeoffs 29:14 Best Long Term Options Be sure to subscribe for more episodes! Find us on Spotify and 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.

    32 min
  2. How AI Is Transforming Judicial Work: A Conversation with the Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell

    MAR 26

    How AI Is Transforming Judicial Work: A Conversation with the Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell

    How will artificial intelligence reshape the courtroom and the legal profession? In this episode, we speak with U.S. Magistrate Judge Maritza Dominguez Braswell (District of Colorado) about the rapidly evolving role of AI in courts and the broader legal industry. Judge Braswell shares insights from launching the Judicial AI Consortium, a national judges-only forum focused on responsible AI adoption in the judiciary, and discusses her AI Brief newsletter, which helps judges and court staff stay informed about emerging AI tools and risks. We explore key issues surrounding AI in legal practice, including AI hallucinations, disclosure challenges, confidentiality concerns, bias risks, and how courts are beginning to address AI-generated content in legal filings. Judge Braswell also introduces her practical “AI sandwich approach," where humans begin and end the legal work while AI supports the middle of the process, helping legal professionals use AI responsibly without compromising ethical standards. The conversation also covers: • AI risks in legal research and court filings • Ethical considerations for attorneys using AI tools • Training needs for lawyers and judges as AI adoption grows • Access-to-justice opportunities created by AI technology • The future of AI inside the courtroom For attorneys, legal professionals, and those working in the legal accounting and law firm ecosystem, this discussion offers an important perspective on how technology is changing the legal landscape and what professionals must understand to stay prepared. Learn more about the Judicial AI Consortium (JAIC) 00:46 Meet Judge Braswell 02:13 Her AI Work and Consortium 04:42 AI Brief Newsletter Audience 05:36 Courtroom AI Guidance 07:46 Disclosure and Hallucinations 10:08 Sandwich Approach Framework 11:54 Human Connection and Access 15:19 Security Risks and Job Shifts 20:57 AI in Court Live Research 23:25 Leveling the Playing Field 26:35 Teaching AI and Critical Thinking 27:59 Critical Thinking Checks 28:17 Legal Design Sprint Skills 28:56 Where to Learn AI 31:56 Personal Practice Ideas 33:17 Workplace Safety Guardrails 36:05 Small Use Cases First 36:39 Beyond Chatbots Tools 37:31 Redacting in NotebookLM 38:25 Peer Sharing and Prototyping 39:49 AI for Judges Consortium 42:28 AI Is Here to Stay 44:35 Limitations and Getting Better 46:10 Creative Family Use Stories 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.

    49 min
  3. Bookkeeping Strategies for Small Law Firms

    MAR 19

    Bookkeeping Strategies for Small Law Firms

    Small law firms often rely on spreadsheets and patchwork processes to manage their finances, but that approach rarely scales. In this episode of Accountants Law Pod, we discuss the bookkeeping strategies law firms need to support growth, improve cash flow, and prepare for long-term success. The conversation explores why spreadsheets create risk, especially for trust accounting, and why investing early in the right technology stack can transform a firm’s financial operations. We walk through the essential systems every firm should implement, including a general ledger, practice management software, and merchant services that help firms get paid faster. We also share practical advice on chart of accounts setup, financial statements, KPIs, and how outsourced accounting professionals can help law firms build reliable financial workflows. From engagement letters and SOPs to budgeting and managing scope creep, this episode offers a roadmap for both law firms and legal bookkeepers looking to create sustainable, scalable systems. If you want your firm’s finances to support growth, not hold it back, this episode is for you. 01:35 Why Strategy Matters 02:35 Exit Plans and Growth 05:04 Ditch the Spreadsheets 06:05 Core Software Stack 08:21 Trust Accounting Risks 09:00 Steve’s Setup Checklist 11:26 Planning Your Work Year 12:28 Engagement Letters Matter 12:50 Outsource Accounting Help 13:02 Billing Models and Cash Flow 13:43 Get Paid Faster Systems 14:04 KPIs and Realization Rates 14:29 Software Setup Growing Pains 15:11 Track Practice Profitability 15:48 Financial Statements Basics 16:29 Client Education Touchpoints 18:18 Niche Down in Legal 19:24 Value Beyond Data Entry 21:51 Fixing Broken Workflows 23:17 Modernize for Growth Mergers 24:52 Choosing Clients and Rates 26:24 Goals Personal and Business Subscribe for more conversations on legal accounting, bookkeeping for law firms, and trust accounting compliance. 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 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.

    28 min
  4. Our Law Firm Business Coach Hot Takes

    MAR 12

    Our Law Firm Business Coach Hot Takes

    We dive into the world of law-firm business coaches - hot takes and hard truths. From confusing reports and costly programs to chart-of-accounts chaos, we break down red flags, what good coaching really looks like, and why clean books, clear goals, solid pricing, and strong systems matter long before you scale. 02:52 Coaches and Report Requests 03:30 Rainmaker and CFO Labels 05:34 Why Firms Hire Coaches 09:58 When Coaches Add Value 12:08 Hot Tip Paralegals and Books 13:56 Growth Needs Process 15:15 Better Margins Not Leads 16:20 Coach Requires Participation 17:49 Plans Payroll Accountability 19:37 Clean Books First 22:05 Pricing Before Hiring 22:48 Marketing Shifts With AI 23:41 Billboards And Exposure 25:36 Ready For A Coach 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.

    28 min
  5. The Outsourced Accountant: How Virtual Accounting Can Transform Your Law Firm

    MAR 5

    The Outsourced Accountant: How Virtual Accounting Can Transform Your Law Firm

    Outsourced accounting helps law firms stay focused, cut costs, and stay compliant - especially with trust accounting. We cover spotting workflow red flags, fixing cash-flow confusion, planning for taxes and payroll, and using KPIs to guide smarter decisions. Strong financials fuel growth, modernization, and even exit planning. 01:08 Outsourced Accounting for Law Firms: Why It Matters 02:34 Outside Perspective & Delegating the Right Work 06:00 Pricing, Value, and the ‘Show Us the Books’ Reality Check 08:13 Outsourcing vs In‑House: Focus, Cost Savings, and Billing Pitfalls 10:50 The Elephant in the Room: Trust Accounting & Compliance Oversight 12:27 Settlement Disbursements: Slowing Down to Avoid Trust Mistakes 14:37 ‘Where Did All My Money Go?’ Cash Flow, Liabilities, and Year‑End Confusion 17:49 Advisory Support: Budgeting, Runway Planning, and Not Overspending for Taxes 21:48 KPIs That Drive Growth: Marketing Spend, Workflow, and Modernizing to Scale/Exit Listen to Danielle's episode here: https://youtu.be/uUbuIvuAg0Y?si=Zs27vzuhdMd1FtzK 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.

    30 min
  6. Attorney Compensation Models: A Deep Dive

    FEB 26

    Attorney Compensation Models: A Deep Dive

    In this episode, we break down common attorney compensation models—including “eat what you kill,” flat fee structures, and performance-based pay—exploring the pros, cons, and real-world challenges firms face when implementing or transitioning models. 03:15 Attorney Compensation Models Overview 03:44 Eat What You Kill Model 04:23 Flat Fees and Other Compensation Models 05:47 Challenges with Compensation Models 16:10 Generational Differences in Compensation 18:00 AI and Future of Work 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.

    26 min
  7. The Ultimate Legal Accounting Software Showdown

    FEB 19

    The Ultimate Legal Accounting Software Showdown

    In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of today’s leading legal accounting tools—Clio, LeanLaw, CosmoLex, MyCase, and PracticePanther. We compare features, pricing, user experience, and explore how each integrates with QuickBooks. Do you agree with our decisions? How would you fill out your own Software Showdown bracket? We want to hear your thoughts! 02:05 Transition to Legal Accounting Software 02:47 10-99 Forms and Client Issues 03:44 Software Showdown Introduction 05:59 Trust Books Overview 09:04 Lean Law Overview 16:59 Clio vs. CosmoLex 18:40 Diving into Software Usability Issues 19:33 CosmoLex: The Best All-in-One Solution? 21:03 The Pros and Cons of Clio 29:20 Comparing My Case and Practice Panther 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.

    39 min
  8. Preventing Trust Account Mishaps: Best Practices

    FEB 12

    Preventing Trust Account Mishaps: Best Practices

    Dive into trust account pitfalls as we explore real-life fraud cases, cybersecurity risks, and how mishandled workflows lead to compliance failures. Learn practical safeguards, staff training tips, and best practices to protect your firm’s trust funds - with a fun quiz to test your knowledge. 01:31 Listener Question: Preventing Trust Account Mishaps 01:59 Cybersecurity and Trust Account Safety 05:07 Real-Life Scenarios and Best Practices 08:19 Flat Fees and Trust Account Compliance 18:57 Trust Account Mismanagement 19:44 Importance of Proper Workflow 21:31 Handling Cash in Law Firms 22:46 Billing Errors and Best Practices 25:42 Trust Fund Protocols and Training 27:39 Fraudulent Checks and Money Laundering 28:57 Game Show: Trust Account Scenarios 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.

    36 min
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4.7
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Where Accounting Professionals and Law Firms Converge

Information

  • Creator
    Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Accountants Law Pod™

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