CPA for Attorneys

Posted Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Table Of Contents

Why Your Law Firm Needs a Specialized Accountant

You’re a lawyer. You battle clients, courts, and caffeine dependency — sometimes all before lunch. The last thing you need on your docket? A stack of accounting records that could double as evidence in a financial crime drama.

At WCG CPAs and Advisors, we live and breathe law firm accounting. We understand your world — the retainers, the trust accounts, the endless hours, and that special kind of stress that only comes from trying to “just do your own bookkeeping” at midnight.

Our goal? To make your firm’s finances make sense (and maybe make you laugh along the way).

Why Attorneys Need a CPA Who Understands Law Firms

The Limitations of a General Accountant for Lawyers

Your buddy’s accountant might be great for restaurants or startups, but law firms? That’s a whole different case file.

Between IOLTA trust accounts, retainer tracking, and multi-partner distributions, legal accounting isn’t just bookkeeping — it’s an art form with strict ethical rules.

That’s where WCG CPAs and Advisors shines. We don’t just balance the books — we understand the business of law. We know how to keep you compliant, profitable, and confident that no audit will ever ruin your week.

The Cost of DIY Financial Management in Law Practices

Let’s be honest: doing your own accounting is like representing yourself in court. Sure, it’s technically allowed, but… don’t.

Every hour you spend buried in spreadsheets is an hour you could spend billing, networking, or finally taking that weekend off. (Remember weekends?)

When you hand off your accounting to WCG CPAs and Advisors, you get more than reports — you get your time, peace of mind, and profitability back.

The Strategic Advantage of a CPA for Attorneys

Numbers don’t just tell you where you’ve been; they tell you where to go next.

At WCG CPAs and Advisors, we help you see the story behind the spreadsheets — what’s working, what’s not, and how to grow your firm without the financial guesswork.

We’ll identify hidden profit opportunities, optimize partner compensation, and make sure your financial strategy aligns with your long-term goals. (You know, those goals you set before tax season ate your soul.)

Compliance, Ethics, and IOLTA Rules – Why They Matter

A messed-up IOLTA account is no joke. Bar associations care about compliance like you care about deadlines.

We keep your trust accounting spotless — three-way reconciliations, monthly reporting, audit readiness — all handled like clockwork. You’ll never lose sleep wondering if your client funds are where they’re supposed to be.

At WCG CPAs and Advisors, we treat compliance like case law: always updated, always airtight.

Core Accounting Services for Attorneys and Law Firms

Strategic Tax Planning and Preparation for Attorneys

You know how you love finding loopholes in contracts? We do the same thing — but with the tax code.

WCG CPAs and Advisors specializes in attorney tax strategy. From partner distributions to deductible firm expenses, we know how to keep you compliant and clever. We’ll plan ahead so you can pay less, stress less, and keep more of what you earn.

Tax law is our courtroom, and your bottom line is our client.

Law Firm Bookkeeping and Accounting Services

Clean books aren’t just nice to have — they’re the foundation of every smart business decision you make.

We’ll handle every transaction, reconciliation, and report so your financial data is accurate, on time, and 100% understandable. (Because “miscellaneous expense” is not a category we accept.)

With WCG CPAs and Advisors, you’ll never look at your profit and loss statement like it’s written in another language again.

IOLTA and Trust Account Management

Trust account compliance isn’t optional — it’s sacred.

We manage your IOLTA and trust accounts with meticulous care, ensuring every dollar is traceable and reconciled monthly. You’ll always be audit-ready — and yes, we’ll explain what “three-way reconciliation” actually means without making your eyes glaze over.

Outsourced CFO and Advisory Services for Attorneys

Not every firm needs a full-time CFO — but every firm needs CFO-level strategy.

Our Outsourced CFO services give you executive-level financial insight without the executive-level salary. We’ll help you analyze KPIs, forecast cash flow, and plan for expansion.

Think of WCG as your financial co-counsel — there when you need expertise, not overhead.

Personal Financial Planning for Attorneys and Partners

Lawyers often spend their careers protecting other people’s futures while ignoring their own. We fix that.

We’ll help you design a personal financial strategy that matches your ambition — retirement planning, tax-efficient investing, and long-term wealth building.

Because yes, you deserve to have both a thriving firm and a comfortable life.

Payroll, Compensation, and Partner Distributions

Payroll mistakes can turn your office into a courtroom drama. We’ll handle everything from employee pay to partner draws with accuracy and transparency.

Whether you’re running a two-person practice or managing a growing team, WCG CPAs and Advisors ensures everyone gets paid correctly — and the IRS stays happy.

Law Firm Technology & Software Integration (Clio, QuickBooks, etc.)

Your tech stack should make your life easier, not harder. We’ll integrate your practice management and accounting systems so everything talks to each other — Clio, QuickBooks, Gusto, you name it.

If it tracks time, money, or billable hours, we can make it play nice with your accounting.

How a CPA for Attorneys Supports Law Firm Growth

Accounting Solutions for Solo Attorneys and Small Partnerships

Running solo doesn’t mean running alone.

WCG CPAs and Advisors gives solo practitioners and small partnerships big-firm financial guidance — without the corporate nonsense. You’ll get accurate data, clear insights, and strategies to help you scale confidently.

Scalable Advisory for Growing Law Firms

As your firm grows, your financial needs multiply. We’ll help you build systems that scale, so you can focus on your caseload — not your cash flow.

From onboarding associates to expanding into new markets, we’re the CFOs who make sure growth doesn’t outpace strategy.

Profitability and KPI Tracking for Law Practices

We track the metrics that matter: utilization, realization, overhead ratio, revenue per attorney, and client acquisition cost.

Why? Because what gets measured gets improved. With WCG CPAs and Advisors, you’ll know exactly which parts of your firm are profitable — and which need a strategic tune-up.

Guidance on Hiring, Staffing, and Firm Expansion

Thinking of bringing on another associate? Or maybe you’re ready to open that second office?

Before you do, let’s run the numbers. We’ll forecast costs, model profitability, and make sure your decision fits both your short-term budget and long-term goals.

Smart growth beats fast growth — and we’ll show you how to get both.

Cash Flow Forecasting and Budget Optimization

Cash flow shouldn’t feel like a rollercoaster.

We’ll help you anticipate expenses, plan for taxes, and maintain consistent profitability year-round. No more financial surprises — unless they’re good ones.

The Process – How WCG CPAs and Advisors Partner with Your Law Firm

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment

We start with a conversation — not a lecture. You tell us where your firm’s been, where it’s going, and what’s driving you crazy about your books.

Step 2: Onboarding and System Setup

We clean up your financials, organize your systems, and create a reporting structure that actually works. (Think of it as spring cleaning for your money.)

Step 3: Ongoing Accounting, Advisory, and Reporting

Monthly reports. Proactive communication. Strategic insights. No disappearing acts — just real partnership.

Step 4: Strategic Reviews and Continuous Improvement

We’ll meet quarterly to review progress, assess goals, and make sure your firm keeps moving forward — profitably, predictably, and confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPAs for Attorneys

When should a solo attorney hire a CPA?

Usually before your first tax season — or right after you realize your “simple spreadsheet” now has 17 tabs and tears.

What’s the difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a CPA for attorneys?

A bookkeeper records. An accountant summarizes. A CPA (like us) strategizes, analyzes, and keeps you out of trouble.

How can a CPA improve my law firm’s profit margins?

We identify inefficiencies, streamline billing, and ensure every expense earns its keep. Profit margins go up, stress levels go down.

Do I need a CPA if I use practice management software?

Yes — software records data; we turn it into actionable strategy.

What is “three-way reconciliation” for trust accounts?

It’s the triple-check that ensures your client ledgers, trust accounts, and bank statements all match. Think of it as the accountant’s cross-examination.

How does a CPA support individual law firm partners?

We handle partner tax planning, distributions, and retirement strategies so your personal finances align with your professional success.

What are the most common financial mistakes attorneys make?

Mixing client funds, neglecting cash flow, and assuming “busy” equals “profitable.” (It doesn’t.)

How much does a CPA for attorneys cost?

Less than a single IRS penalty — and way less than your hourly rate. We’re transparent, upfront, and always worth it.

Why Choose WCG CPAs and Advisors

Industry-Specific Expertise That Goes Beyond Compliance

We’re not just CPAs who tolerate lawyers — we love working with them. We know your challenges, your compliance rules, and your billing headaches, and we’ve solved them all.

Trusted Partnership: Clarity, Confidence, and Control

We’re the financial partners you can actually talk to — no jargon, no judgment. Just clarity and good advice (with a few laughs along the way).

Transparent Pricing and Tailored Solutions

We’ll give you a clear proposal with defined deliverables — no hourly surprise invoices.

Client Testimonials and Proven Results

WCG CPAs and Advisors took our messy books and turned them into a masterpiece. I now understand my numbers.
– R. Simmons, Managing Partner

I’ve worked with accountants who made me feel guilty. These guys make me feel like I have a financial superhero team.
– L. Chen, Solo Attorney

Related Resources for Attorneys

Law Firm Accounting Checklist

Stay organized and build a solid foundation for your firm’s finances.

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Guide to Managing IOLTA Accounts Like a Pro

Simplify trust accounting and stay compliant with ease.

Tax Deductions Every Attorney Should Know

Discover key write-offs that can help reduce your firm’s tax burden.

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5 KPIs Every Law Firm Should Track

Measure performance, profitability, and growth with the right metrics.

Deal Structures

Click to explore investor agreements, from loans to profit-sharing options and their complexities.

Operating Agreements

Learn how to safeguard investments, uncover hidden income, and prevent corporate waste.

Contact WCG CPAs and Advisors – The Best CPA for Attorneys

Your law firm deserves better than “good enough” accounting. It deserves WCG CPAs and Advisors — a partner who gets your world, your workflow, and your wicked sense of humor.

📞 Ready to get started?
Let’s make your firm’s financials as sharp as your legal briefs.

👉 Schedule Your Free Consultation
Because winning cases is great — but winning at money? That’s even better.

Table Of Contents

Tax Planning Season

Tax planning season is here! Let's schedule a time to review tax reduction strategies and generate a mock tax return.

Bookkeeping Services

Tired of maintaining your own books? Seems like a chore to offload?

Professional Consultation

Did you want to chat about this? Do you have any questions for us? Let’s chat!

The tax advisors, business consultants and rental property experts at WCG CPAs & Advisors are not salespeople; we are not putting lipstick on a pig expecting you to love it. Our job remains being professionally detached, giving you information and letting you decide within our ethical guidelines and your risk profiles.

We see far too many crazy schemes and half-baked ideas from attorneys and wealth managers. In some cases, they are good ideas. In most cases, all the entities, layering and mixed ownership is only the illusion of precision. As Chris Rock says, just because you can drive your car with your feet doesn’t make it a good idea. In other words, let’s not automatically convert “you can” into “you must.”

Let’s chat so you can be smart about it.

We typically schedule a 20-minute complimentary quick chat with one of our Partners or our amazing Senior Tax Professionals to determine if we are a good fit for each other, and how an engagement with our team looks. Tax returns only? Business advisory? Tax strategy and planning? Rental property support?

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