Not all accountants are familiar with the rules and regulations governing these accounts, nor do they know that the rules change with each jurisdiction. Trust accounting (including IOLTAs) isn’t a part of standard business accounting. Because it’s an industry-specific account, it’s a common area to make mistakes. The next step is to determine how your law firm is going to receive money from clients.

It helps lawyers track, transfer, report, and monitor funds as necessary to remain compliant with state bar regulations. Additionally, it allows lawyers to generate reports quickly without compromising functionality or data by enabling integrations with other platforms. By using trust accounting software effectively, law firms can maintain their reputation while ensuring compliance. One of the most important decisions your law practice will make is deciding on your firm’s financial structure and management style.

Keep thorough records

As with the law, too much can go wrong if you don’t have the right professional in charge. Let a competent, experienced professional or company handle things is always better. Double-entry accounting aids in the detection and prevention of accounting errors. In double-entry accounting, each transaction results in two transaction entries.

It does not prohibit electronic transfers or foreclose means of withdrawal which may be developed in the future, provided that the recipient of the payment is identified as part of the transaction. When payment is made by check, the check must be payable to a specific person or entity. A prenumbered check must be used, except that starter checks may be used for a brief period between the opening of a new account and issuance of numbered checks by the bank or depository. [1] A lawyer should hold property of others with the care required of a professional fiduciary. Securities should be kept in a safe deposit box, except when some other form of safekeeping is warranted by special circumstances.

What are some tips for effective bookkeeping for a law firm?

Its value lies in comparing it on a monthly basis to a control balance. The control balance starts with the previous month’s balance, then adds receipts from the Trust Receipts Journal and subtracts disbursements from the Trust Disbursements Journal. Once the total matches the trial balance, the reconciliation readily follows by adding amounts of any outstanding checks and subtracting any deposits not credited by the bank at month’s end. Well kept books for attorneys will aid accountants by giving them accurate financial data to work with. Yes, you can utilise accounting platforms like Quickbooks and Xero, and follow some of our tips above.

And with proper legal accounting and bookkeeping, it couldn’t be easier to get a big-picture overview at a glance. Your COA will look different depending on your jurisdiction, law firm’s size, and practice area, but will always have these categories. You’re responsible for recording the receipt and disbursement of these funds and posting the transactions law firm bookkeeping to the ledger accounts of clients. While not necessary, we recommend working with a bookkeeper who has experience working with law firms. Legal bookkeepers manage your finances on a transaction-by-transaction level while ensuring the books are balanced. They take count of every transaction the firm makes, watching what money comes in and goes out.

Get clear on trust account rules

ZipBooks is considered by many to be the best accounting software for smaller law firms. On top of that, ZipBooks is more than reasonably affordable; it’s highly affordable compared to many options. Accounting software for law firms is vital for busy and growing offices.

• Make sure whatever tool you use integrates properly or choose an all-in-one software for both.
• Upon dissolution of a law firm, the partners shall make reasonable efforts to ensure the maintenance of client trust account records specified in this Rule.
• As an attorney, you may be aware of state bar requirements for trust accounts, but that doesn’t prevent you make mistakes.
• Whether it is handled in-house or outsourced to a professional, bookkeeping can help reduce the cost of operations.

As you know, the only way to avoid running afoul of laws and regulations is to have strong legal accounting and bookkeeping practices. In fact, some bookkeeping tools integrate with your practice management tools, allowing you to easily track your clients, invoices, and more. Make sure whatever tool you use integrates, or choose an all-in-one software for both. Every state has an IOLTA program, and it’s likely that the bank where you opened your regular business checking account also offers IOLTA accounts. But rules vary by state, so consult your State Bar Association and a professional accountant before finalizing your accounting setup.