Service · Accounting

Accounting for Attorneys

Specialized accounting services designed for law firms, ensuring compliance and financial clarity.

Trust + Books Snapshot

Reconciled

Trust Coverage

3.8x

Open AR

$148.7K

Invoice Match

97%

Reconciliation

Daily

MatterTrust BalanceWIPA/R DaysStatus

Harrison LLP v. R.

M-2024-041

$42,800$11,20018dBalanced

Patel Estate Plan

M-2024-118

$18,500$6,4309dClear

Summit Employment

M-2025-006

$26,900$14,21024dWatch

Nexus M&A

M-2024-232

$61,200$19,83012dClear

Monthly Close

2 business days

Trust Exceptions

0

Advanced Costs

$64.2K

AR Risk

Low

Specialized Financial Management for Law Firms

Our accounting services are tailored specifically for legal practices, with expertise in trust accounting and compliance requirements.

100%

Compliance

With IOLTA regulations

30%

Time Saved

On administrative tasks

45%

Improved Cash Flow

Through better cash flow management

Comprehensive Accounting Services

Our specialized accounting services help law firms maintain financial compliance and optimize operations.

3-Way Trust Reconciliations

Ensure compliance with IOLTA rules through comprehensive trust account reconciliations.

Standardized Chart of Accounts

Implement an industry-specific chart of accounts tailored for legal practices.

Bank Reconciliations

Reconcile operating and trust accounts regularly to ensure accuracy and audit readiness.

Budget Preparations

Develop comprehensive budgets to manage firm finances, profitability, and growth.

Financial Reporting

Generate detailed financial reports for informed decision-making across partners and operations leadership.

Payroll Management

Handle employee compensation, benefits, and tax compliance with a reliable monthly cadence.

Our Accounting Process

From initial cleanup to ongoing maintenance, we provide comprehensive accounting services for law firms.

Step 01

Clean Up the Books

Organize and correct your financial records before monthly operations begin.

Playbook Move 01

Review existing QBO data and align the chart of accounts to legal standards.

Playbook Move 02

Reconcile operating and trust accounts from the last reconciled date.

Playbook Move 03

Categorize transactions and separate client-related expenses correctly.

Step 02

Monthly Bookkeeping

Maintain accurate books and reliable reporting with repeatable monthly controls.

Playbook Move 01

Sync Clio and LawPay with QBO to automate core income and expense flows.

Playbook Move 02

Record and categorize all transactions, separating client costs properly.

Playbook Move 03

Reconcile operating and trust bank accounts every month.

Step 03

Trust Accounting

Handle client trust funds with strict controls and transparent reporting.

Playbook Move 01

Account for client funds held temporarily in IOLTA trust accounts.

Playbook Move 02

Track advanced client costs paid from trust on behalf of clients.

Playbook Move 03

Track reimbursable client costs paid from operating accounts.

Understanding Trust Accounting

Proper handling of client funds is critical for legal compliance and ethical practice.

Funds Held in Trust

  • Client funds are held temporarily in IOLTA accounts.
  • These funds are not firm income and require strict handling.
  • Detailed record-keeping and regular reconciliation are required.
  • All trust activity is subject to bar association rules.

Reimbursable Client Costs

  • Paid from the firm's operating account.
  • Recorded as an asset under reimbursable client costs.
  • Client repays through direct payment or invoice.
  • No special trust compliance treatment is required.

Advanced Client Costs

  • Paid from the client's trust account.
  • Recorded as a reduction of trust liability.
  • Deducted directly from the client's trust balance.
  • Must comply with IOLTA trust accounting rules.

Best Practices for Law Firm Accounting

Follow these guidelines to maintain financial compliance and operational efficiency.

Outcome 01

Track expenses separately with dedicated QBO accounts for reimbursable and advanced client costs.

Outcome 02

Reconcile reimbursements and trust transactions monthly to maintain clean books.

Outcome 03

Provide clients with detailed invoices and trust statements for full transparency.

Outcome 04

Maintain records of client files, bank statements, and tax documents for compliance.

Outcome 05

Use internal controls such as dual-approval disbursements to reduce error and fraud risk.

Outcome 06

Conduct quarterly reviews of trust compliance and firm financial statements.