Law Firm Accounting and Bookkeeping 101

Your business’s accounting method will affect cash flow, tax filing, and even how you do your bookkeeping. You’ll need to choose an accounting method before your firm files its first tax return, and then stick with it on all subsequent returns. Manage business revenue in your checking account, and set aside money you’ll need at a later date (for emergencies, to pay taxes, etc.) in a savings account. Even though interest rates on business accounts are traditionally low, having a cash surplus in a business savings account can improve your likelihood of being approved for a loan.

• Putting time and effort into your accounting and bookkeeping will help you keep track of what money is coming in, how you’re spending it, and who it belongs to.
• Whether you mismanage the accounts, put funds in the wrong account, accidentally use funds, or fail to report correctly, trust accounting errors are a big deal in accounting for law firms.
• Lawyers are not accountants and they often make the same common mistakes when it comes to accounting for law firms.
• Once you’ve determined what kinds of payments your firm will accept, you’ll then need to choose a payment provider to work with.

We work with you to customize bookkeeping solutions based on your specific business needs and budget. Every day that we come into work, we take pride in the part we play in helping our neighbors succeed. The communities of the Bay Area recognize the effort we put in for them, and it shows. If you look at what businesses who’ve tried our bookkeeping nearby are saying, you’ll see one five-star testimonial after another.

Open Separate Accounts Before Going Into Business

After all, you have to sift through the options alone, convince your partners to agree, and pray that it works as it should. Your bookkeeper, CPA, and the IRS all require you to keep documents proving your income, credits, and deductions. This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax law firm bookkeeping advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Bench assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein. You will also need to understand your obligations in regards to employment law and employment tax.

As a solo practitioner or small law firm owner, you have more important things to do with your time then manage your books. My team and I take care of your books for you, so you can get back to doing what you really love, practicing law. As a solo practitioner or small law firm owner, you have more important things to do with your time than manage your books.

Failing to Accurately Maintain Your IOLTA (Trust) Bookkeeping

This type of software provides a range of features and benefits, such as auto-generated reports, secure data storage, and access from any device. Automation can also reduce the time spent on manual data entry tasks, making it easier for accountants and bookkeepers to remain up-to-date with ethical rules and client information. Additionally, cloud-based legal accounting software offers real-time insights into financials while eliminating the need for costly on-premise installations. To handle bookkeeping for lawyers and attorneys, follow these guidelines.

This can be a valuable asset to your firm, as it can help you save time and money. To avoid this type of situation, use accounting software that allows you to automate these processes. For example, keeping track of invoices or monthly recurring expenses. Again, you should also be spending time daily recording your firm’s transactions. Managing your books via accounting software may get you started as a solo attorney. But, if you want to spend your time focused on practicing law rather than deep in the weeds of your firm’s finances, you’ll likely want to consider hiring help.

Actively Manage Your Finances and Financial KPIs

Ask other attorneys you know or ask your State Bar for referrals. Any CPA should be willing to sit down with you for a free consultation. Now you cross off law bookkeeping out of your to-do list and feel stress-free about the financial aspect. As a result, you take comfort in allowing yourself to offload financial tasks and turn your attention exclusively to business development and legal cases.