Accountants Law Pod™

Hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart

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178

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Oct 2026

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October 22, 202647 min

Mergers and Acquisitions with Matt and Randy Crabtree

Thinking about selling your firm someday, or wondering what's driving all the private equity deals in professional services? Sarah, Lynda, and Steve sit down with Randy Crabtree, CPA, co-founder and partner of Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals and his son Matt Crabtree of Breakaway Advising for a candid, father-and-son look at the M&A world. Matt brings the advisor's perspective, and Randy shares what it's really like to go through a transaction after pivoting from the specialty tax firm he founded 20 years ago. They talk about why due diligence has gotten so much tougher since COVID, the $3.7 trillion in private equity "dry powder" fueling today's deals, why professional services firms are such hot targets, and why the right buyer can matter more than the highest offer. Matt also shares his "Four T's" of preparing to sell (Time, Talent, Traction, and Transparency), plus why you should start getting ready about five years before you go to market. Along the way, the group digs into AI, training the next generation, and why change in the profession is more exciting than scary. 00:25 Introduction to the Crabtree Family and Their Expertise 03:17 The Current State of Mergers and Acquisitions 06:13 The Impact of COVID-19 on M&A Dynamics 09:14 Preparing for Sale: Timing and Strategy 12:06 Personal Experiences in Business Transitions 15:02 The Role of Culture in M&A Transactions 17:55 Navigating Post-Sale Challenges 20:57 The Future of M&A in Professional Services 23:42 The Influence of AI on Business Valuation 27:26 Private Equity and Market Dynamics 28:22 The Wild West of AI in Business 29:37 Navigating the Private Equity Landscape 32:21 Generational Shifts in Work Ethic 33:15 Embracing Change in Professional Services 38:17 Preparing for Business Transactions 40:21 The Four T's of Selling a Business 44:29 Building a Strong Advisory Team 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

October 15, 202632 min

Navigating Client Communications

"Do you have time for a quick question?" might be the most loaded phrase in professional services. In this episode, Sarah Prevost and Steve Libhart dig into client communication and boundaries from both sides: how attorneys manage their own clients, and how accountants and bookkeepers manage their attorney clients. They talk through why attorneys are trained to question everything (and why that isn't personal), a better alternative to the "quick question," and how unexpected requests like class accounting can become a scope creep conversation and a new revenue opportunity. Steve shares how posting unexplained transactions to owner's draw finally got a busy attorney's attention, and Sarah explains why she keeps an eye on client threads when a new CFO or COO enters the picture. They also cover sending preliminary reports when answers don't come in, supporting team members who feel stuck in the middle, working backward from the solution before asking for help, knowing when to let a client go, and the rise of "expandable deadlines" with a new generation of business owners. 00:25 Introduction and overview of communication challenges 02:18 Differences between legal and accounting communication styles 04:26 The importance of setting boundaries and expectations 06:22 Handling quick questions and managing scope creep 08:24 Tools for respectful and effective communication 10:28 Onboarding processes and managing client relationships 12:25 Dealing with difficult clients and boundary setting 14:21 The impact of generational communication differences 16:23 Managing emotional responses and scope creep 18:18 The role of organization and SOPs in communication 20:24 Using proactive tools to address communication issues 22:29 The importance of patience and strategic responses 24:22 Handling internal team dynamics and client interactions 26:17 Adapting communication for different practice areas 28:11 The future of communication with younger generations 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

October 8, 202629 min

Engagement Letters That Save You

Engagement letters aren't just paperwork, they're your best defense against scope creep. In this episode, Sarah and Lynda dig into what makes a strong engagement letter for legal bookkeepers and accountants working with law firms. They cover why signature authority matters (and what happens when it's ignored), how to define the entity and responsible party up front, and why listing out bank accounts, IOLTA accounts, and loans by name protects you when a client suddenly opens ten more accounts. They also talk through start dates versus signing dates, weekly versus monthly billing, cancellation and termination clauses, and what happens to records when an engagement ends. Along the way, they share real stories, including one that almost ended in a client asking for a full refund after work was already completed, plus practical advice on client responsibilities and deadlines, trust account language, software access and confidentiality, and why tools like Ignition can save you from chasing down expired credit cards. Whether you're just starting to work with law firms or you've been at it for years, this episode is full of the practical, hard won lessons every legal bookkeeper needs in their contract. 00:25 Introduction and Engagement Letters Overview 03:26 The Importance of Engagement Letters 06:23 Defining Scope and Responsibilities 09:33 Handling Changes and Cancellations 12:22 Client Responsibilities and Deadlines 15:21 Software and Technology in Engagements 18:28 Trust Accounts and Compliance 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

October 1, 202632 min

The Profitability Puzzle: How to Know When Your Law Firm Is Truly Profitable

Revenue is not the same as profit, and this episode dives into exactly why. Lynda, Sarah, and Steve unpack what "truly profitable" actually looks like for a law firm, from net profit margins and gross profit per matter to profitability per partner and attorney. They talk through the real cost of scope creep, why busy doesn't mean profitable, how retainer balances can be misleading, and why write-offs quietly hurt your bottom line more than you think. The conversation also covers marketing spend and ROI tracking, billing realization rates, the pros and cons of flat fee versus hourly billing, and how to build in the right cash cushion during periods of growth. If you've ever looked at your P&L and wondered whether the number at the bottom is really telling you the full story, this episode is for you. 00:15 Understanding Law Firm Profitability 05:31 Analyzing Expenses and Overhead 10:39 Marketing Strategies for Law Firms 14:58 Evaluating Client Profitability 15:26 The Importance of Tracking Marketing ROI 18:16 Understanding Pricing and Collections 21:02 The Balance Between Busy and Profitable 25:05 Navigating Flat Fee vs. Billable Hour Models 30:15 Intentional Growth and Client Relationships 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

September 24, 202627 min

Partnership Accounting: What Changes When You Add a Partner to Your Firm

Partnership accounting changes everything, and most law firm bookkeepers find out the hard way. In this episode Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart break down exactly what happens to a firm's finances when a new partner enters the picture. From setting up capital accounts and documenting buy-ins correctly, to understanding the difference between a partner draw and a salary, to navigating the equity versus non-equity partner distinction, this is the practical, real-world guide to partnership accounting that every legal bookkeeper needs in their toolkit. The team also covers eat what you kill compensation models, guaranteed payments, K-1 reporting, and what to do when a partner exits. If you have a law firm client that is or ever will be a partnership, this one is required listening. 02:20 Navigating Partnership Changes 06:30 Understanding Partnership Agreements 12:01 Compensation Models in Partnerships 18:01 The Complexity of Bookkeeping in Partnerships 24:13 Final Thoughts on Partnerships 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Has a client ever added a partner without telling you first? Drop it in the comments. We want to hear the story. Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

September 17, 202634 min

Burnout is Real: How Legal Bookkeepers Can Protect Their Energy

Burnout is real, and it hits legal bookkeepers and accountants harder than most people realize. In this candid episode, Sarah Prevost and Steven Libhart dig into what burnout actually looks like in the day-to-day: the mental load of trust accounting, the disruptive phone calls, the feeling of always being "on call" for clients. They talk through practical ways to set healthy boundaries without damaging client relationships, why giving yourself permission to disconnect matters, and how small daily rituals, walks, painting, watching fish, whatever it is, can protect your energy long term. The conversation also touches on niching down (like specializing in cleanup work only), planning around the industry's natural slow season, and why celebrating the small wins matters just as much as the big ones. A grounding, honest episode for anyone in this profession who's stretched thin and needs permission to slow down. 00:29 Burnout Topic Setup 02:01 A Morning Overload 05:30 Give Yourself Space 06:12 Disconnect And Delegate 09:00 Midday Reset Rituals 10:25 Unwanted Advice Stress 12:13 Signs Of Burnout 14:01 Grace And Morning Routines 14:47 Setting Client Boundaries 16:25 Scripts For Saying No 18:30 Travel Days Communication 19:27 Billing on the Road 19:50 Vacation Guilt and RV Work 20:53 Speak Up for Your Needs 22:58 Plan Rest to Avoid Burnout 23:29 Grace and Daily Recovery 24:27 RV Repairman Lifestyle 26:57 Permission to Pivot 29:52 Work Models and Seasons 31:23 Closing Gifts and Self Care 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

September 10, 202625 min

Understanding Attorney Fees in the Current Market

Attorney fee structures are shifting fast, and AI is a big reason why. In this episode, Lynda, Sarah, and Steve dig into what's driving the polarization between skyrocketing hourly rates at top firms and the growing push toward alternative fee arrangements, fixed fees, phased billing, and evergreen retainers. They talk through the fear attorneys have around underpricing fixed fee work, how AI-driven efficiency is forcing firms to rethink the value they charge for, and why practice management software and clean time tracking matter more than ever in this shift. The conversation also touches on personal injury contingency models, state-by-state variation in billing rules, and whether AI will ever really replace the human judgment attorneys bring to emotionally complex cases. A thought-provoking listen for anyone watching how legal billing is evolving in real time. 01:07 Attorney Fees Topic 02:37 AI and Pricing Pressure 03:31 Skyrocketing Hourly Rates 04:15 Alternative Fee Arrangements 05:34 Client Pushback and Line Items 06:42 Fixed Fees and Divorce Risk 07:35 Data Tracking and Realization 10:37 Revenue Management Mindset 20:05 AI Tools and Practice Software 22:04 Humans Still Matter 23:23 Rules Trust Accounting and Future Legal Billing Rates in 2026: What to Negotiate and How to Reduce Outside Legal Spend Value Billing Is Coming And Will Reshape the Legal Industry 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

September 3, 202629 min

Demystifying Accounting Concepts for Law Firms (Best Of)

Teaira is still on her honeymoon, so we're revisiting a fan favorite! Hosts Linda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart break down the accounting concepts that confuse even the most experienced attorneys, and explain why getting them right matters so much. In this episode: Trust accounts vs. IOLTA vs. operating accounts, and why keeping them separate protects you Why reconciling monthly (or even weekly) beats waiting for quarterly deadlines What commingling actually looks like in practice, and how easily it happens by accident Why "just open a new bank account" is never the fix for a messed-up trust account Why an overly detailed chart of accounts creates more headaches than it solves When to bring a legal accounting professional onto your team (hint: earlier than you think) The ongoing debate over passing credit card fees on to clients Whether you're an attorney trying to make sense of your firm's books or a bookkeeper building your legal accounting niche, this episode is full of real talk and practical clarity. 01:43 Trust Accounts Basics 02:52 Reconciliation Habits 05:09 Commingling Pitfalls 06:40 Hire Accounting Help Early 08:34 Chart of Accounts Mistakes 10:48 Profit vs Cash Confusion 13:00 Legal Accounting Community 14:11 Bad Trust Accounting Advice 14:52 Untangling Years of Errors 15:36 Why New Accounts Fail 17:33 Compliance Risks and Squirrels 17:57 Owner Oversight and Workflows 19:45 Billing Systems and Cleanup Projects 20:34 Credit Card Fees Debate 22:24 Client Experience and Responsiveness 25:17 Testing Fee Models and Cashflow 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. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

August 27, 202628 min

Small Law Firm Strategies (Best Of)

Teaira is away on her honeymoon, so we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations! Hosts Linda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steven Libhart dig into the essential bookkeeping and accounting strategies every small law firm needs, from day one through eventual exit. In this episode, we cover: Why spreadsheets don't cut it long-term, and how to know when it's time to invest in real software The must-have pieces for a solid bookkeeping foundation: contracts, SOPs, and scope creep tracking Billing strategies for law firms, from hourly vs. fixed fee to getting paid faster Why exit strategy planning matters, even when you're just starting out The value of finding your niche within a niche in legal accounting Why understanding your financial statements (not just handing them off) is key to running a healthy practice Whether you're a solo bookkeeper serving law firms or an attorney trying to get your financial house in order, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice. 00:52 Exit Strategy Reality Check 02:40 Growth Spurts and Hiring 03:34 Ditch the Spreadsheet 04:29 Core Software Stack 06:39 Trust Accounting Risks 07:34 Contracts SOPs and Budgeting 11:03 Billing and Getting Paid 13:42 Know Your Reports and KPIs 14:25 Client Communication Touchpoints 16:04 Niche Down for Expertise 19:23 Workflow Fixes and Automation Story 20:48 Modernize for Mergers and Scale 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. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

August 20, 202621 min

Why We Love Xero (Recorded at XeroCon 2026)

This episode comes to you live from XeroCon 2026 in Denver, recorded inside a vintage Airstream turned podcast studio! Lynda, Sarah, Steve, and producer Teaira dish on why Xero has become such a viable platform for law firms, from its accountant-friendly pricing and reporting tools to its seamless Clio integration and app ecosystem. They talk through the differences between Xero and QuickBooks for legal bookkeeping, touch on 1099 filing, and share some fun behind-the-scenes updates on the podcast's growth (20,000+ downloads and counting), the Accountants Law Lab, and a sneak peek at a new resource in the works for law firm owners. A lighter, on-the-road episode packed with real insight into why more legal accountants are giving Xero a serious look. 00:00 Airstream Cold Open 00:32 Welcome to XeroCon 00:58 Denver Adventures 01:34 Day One Floor Vibes 01:56 Why Xero for Law Firms 03:19 Pricing and Product Trust 05:22 Performance and Search Wins 08:38 Bank Feeds and Automation 09:52 Convention Floor and Brand 11:07 Integrations and App Ecosystem 12:01 Xero Mobile App Talk 12:23 Producer Teaira Spotlight 12:32 Tia Runs the Show 12:57 Roles Expanding Fast 13:36 Milestones and Momentum 13:57 Airstream Reunion Stories 14:21 Team Across Time Zones 14:44 Self Funded and Sponsorship Dreams 15:15 Danielle Upgrades Everything 15:45 Law Lab Resources Explosion 17:31 AI Chatbot and New Community 19:44 Conference Goals and Wrap Up 21:39 Post Recording Airstream Talk 22:01 ClioCon Scheduling Curveball 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes covering law firm bookkeeping, legal tech, and accounting practice tips. 📩 Have a question or topic idea? Email us at info@accountantslawpod.com 🧑‍💼 Join the Accountants Law Lab Mastermind: accountantslawlab.com 🌐 Visit us at accountantslawpod.com Accountants Law Pod is hosted by Lynda Artesani, Sarah Prevost, and Steve Libhart and directed, produced, and edited by Teaira Burge and The Proper Trust. Music by ComaStudio from Pixabay Disclaimer: The content presented in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. The stories we share from the field are meant to educate, never to shame. We have deep respect for attorneys and the complexity of running a firm, and we recognize that many of the mistakes we discuss happen simply because no one ever explained the rules.

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