Accountants Law Pod

Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart

Where Accounting Professionals and Law Firms Converge

  1. Demystifying Accounting Concepts for Law Firms

    3D AGO

    Demystifying Accounting Concepts for Law Firms

    In this episode we break down the accounting pitfalls law firms face - from IOLTA missteps to messy trust reconciliations. We explain why early legal-accounting support matters, how to handle credit card fees correctly, and the key practices that keep firms compliant, confident, and profitable. 00:53 Demystifying Accounting Concepts for Law Firms 01:43 Understanding Trust Accounts and IOLTA 02:52 Reconciling Accounts and Compliance 04:49 Importance of Proper Record Keeping 06:44 When to Hire a Legal Accounting Professional 07:53 Common Mistakes in Legal Accounting 12:39 The Value of Specialized Legal Accountants 14:07 Random Conversation and Initial Connection 14:25 Common Mistakes in Legal Accounting 14:52 Challenges with Trust Accounts 17:57 Importance of Proper Documentation 20:34 Credit Card Fees and Client Relations 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.

    29 min
  2. Tax Planning for Legal Professionals

    JAN 29

    Tax Planning for Legal Professionals

    Start the year with smart tax planning for law firms. In this episode, we cover common bookkeeping challenges, goal-setting strategies, and how to prepare for tax season. We explore entity structure reviews, billing practices, software choices, staff retention, and staying ahead of changing tax rules. Learn how regular check-ins support compliance and financial health. 01:39 Tax Planning for Legal Professionals 02:45 Goal Setting and Forecasting 04:43 Implementing Changes in Practice Management 05:44 Reviewing Financial Structures and Costs 06:27 Tax Strategies and Meeting with Professionals 10:21 Billing Practices and Client Management 12:47 Software and Resource Management 13:36 Reflecting on True Stories and Employee Benefits 14:17 Evaluating Team Meetings and New Perspectives 15:22 Tax Planning and Client Engagement 19:32 Business Planning and Compliance 22:36 Setting Goals and Planning for the Future 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
  3. Avoiding an Audit (Best Of)

    JAN 22

    Avoiding an Audit (Best Of)

    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 Study02:30 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.

    30 min
  4. Cybersecurity for Legal Accountants

    JAN 15

    Cybersecurity for Legal Accountants

    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.

    31 min
  5. Class Accounting

    JAN 8

    Class Accounting

    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.

    26 min
  6. Unpacking the Law Firm Chart of Accounts

    JAN 1

    Unpacking the Law Firm Chart of Accounts

    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.

    29 min
  7. When Is It Time to Hire? The Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Signs You Need Help

    12/25/2025

    When Is It Time to Hire? The Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Signs You Need Help

    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.

    23 min
  8. Year-End Bonuses: Do's and Don'ts

    12/18/2025

    Year-End Bonuses: Do's and Don'ts

    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.

    30 min
See All (141)

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
    141
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Accountants Law Pod

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