Annual Conference 2018 FM Package
-
Register
- Users - $79
This package includes 8 recordings focused on financial management from Annual Conference 2018.
$79
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
This session focuses on an introduction to accounting department duties, accounts payable process, accounts receivable process, general ledger, general ledger accounts, account types, cash versus accrual accounting methods, and fixed asset management.
This session focuses on an introduction to accounting department duties, accounts payable process, accounts receivable process, general ledger, general ledger accounts, account types, cash versus accrual accounting methods, and fixed asset management. We will outline duties and processes in detail in the accounting department. There will be a review of the balance sheet and profit and loss statements so that you have an understanding of where account balances reside. We'll also discuss types of expenses and the importance of understanding the main expenses that affect a law firm. We will include a discussion of depreciation and some of the methods of applying depreciation.
Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of accounting department structure and responsibilities.
- Identify the main differences in cash versus accrual accounting.
- Recognize what types of accounts are on a balance sheet and profit and loss statement.
- Develop a clear process of accounts payable.
- Develop a clear process of accounts receivable.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Andrea L. Myers, CLM
Andrea L. Myers, CLM, is the Director of Finance and Operations with Miller Johnson where she is responsible for managing the accounting and collections team for the firm. Those functions include accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reporting, tax preparation and filing, and overseeing the firm's billing systems. Myers also oversees the firm's Operations Departments and manages third-party relationships to which document services have been outsourced. An ALA member with 11 years of legal industry experience, she has served on the board of ALA West Michigan Chapter for 10 years in various roles, served as a Regional Representative for two years, and served on 2017 Annual Conference Planning Committee.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
We'll discuss bank account types, transfers and trust accounts as well as outline the types of options available to your firm. Additionally, we'll identify reasons behind incorporating different types of bank accounts in your portfolio and discuss the importance of banking security features during the session.
The second session of Law Firm Accounting Series focuses on improving your knowledge in the areas of banking and investments. We'll discuss bank account types, transfers and trust accounts as well as outline the types of options available to your firm. Additionally, we'll identify reasons behind incorporating different types of bank accounts in your portfolio and discuss the importance of banking security features during the session.
Objectives:
- Examine the differences between bank account types.
- Identify bank security features that you can implement.
- Explain bank rules and regulations as to deposits.
- Identify the differences between wire and ACH transactions.
- Identify types of investment alternatives.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Andrea L. Myers, CLM
Andrea L. Myers, CLM, is the Director of Finance and Operations with Miller Johnson where she is responsible for managing the accounting and collections team for the firm. Those functions include accounts payable and receivable, cash management, financial reporting, tax preparation and filing, and overseeing the firm's billing systems. Myers also oversees the firm's Operations Departments and manages third-party relationships to which document services have been outsourced. An ALA member with 11 years of legal industry experience, she has served on the board of ALA West Michigan Chapter for 10 years in various roles, served as a Regional Representative for two years, and served on 2017 Annual Conference Planning Committee.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
Learn how to employ "safe" methods to capture partner feedback on the current compensation plan and using this feedback to gain traction.
In some law firms embracing project management, process improvement, and strategic pricing, leaders have observed that the partner compensation system hasn't kept pace and may not fully reward the new behaviors -- even when those behaviors are very profitable for the firm. For some leaders, this is a major understatement! In other law firms, lawyers resist change because of vague fears of disrupting quality or firm culture, but what they really fear is the loss of income. And some law firms have solved it: embracing the new normal of efficiency requires adjustments to partner compensation, adjustments that better link quality, financial performance, and client satisfaction. Turns out, the new normal pays quite well. This session will explore the typical resistance to change and delve into how compensation plans have been successfully adjusted and rolled out.
Objectives:
- Identify the root causes of partner resistance, even in the face of overwhelming market pressure to adapt.
- Learn how to employ "safe" methods to capture partner feedback on the current compensation plan and using this feedback to gain traction.
- Understand the critical links between firm and practice strategy and partner compensation, so what's right for the partner is what's right for the partnership.
- Become aware of the typical roadblocks, from poor data to outdated systems to a culture of privacy -- and how everyone from rainmakers to service partners to rising partners has both a valid beef and a need to get over it.
- Understand the pros and cons of the usual approaches to compensation redesign and rollout, from going too fast to going too slow
Audience: Advanced
Other Information:
75 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Timothy B. Corcoran
Timothy B. Corcoran is a Principal with the Corcoran Consulting Group and a Past President of the Legal Marketing Association. In his practice, he advises law firm leaders, in-house counsel and legal service providers on how to profit during a time of great change. This includes assisting law firm leaders with business strategy, primarily in the areas of operational excellence and business growth, and assisting in-house counsel with managing preferred provider programs.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/03/2018
Do you know how to handle advanced fees, retainers and real estate settlements as they relate to your trust account? This session will teach you all aspects of trust accounting from beginning to end.
Do you know how to handle advanced fees, retainers and real estate settlements as they relate to your trust account? This session will teach you all aspects of trust accounting from beginning to end. You'll advance your knowledge regarding the ABA Model Rules that affect the procedures related to trust accounting. You'll also gain a better understanding of the state trust account rules that also are relevant to your trust account process. Additionally, we'll review the process surrounding requirements of bank reconciliation of a trust account.
Objectives:
- Develop the procedures for a three-part reconciliation of the trust account.
- Identify situations that require segregated trust accounts.
- Identify the differences of advanced fees and retainers.
- Discuss and identify the relevant ABA Model Rules.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa R. Dasher
Lisa R. Dasher is Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy & Ford P.A., a Florida defense firm with more than 185 attorneys and ten offices throughout Florida. A 35-year veteran of the firm, Ms. Dasher is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm and execution of firm policies, as well the management of multiple firm functions, including human resources, technology, vendor relations and marketing. Additionally, she served on ALA's Annual Conference Committee (2010–2012) and currently serves on ALA's Professional Development Advisory Committee.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
In this session, we'll bring to light various special issues related to different facets of a law firm accounting department.
In this session, we'll bring to light various special issues related to different facets of a law firm accounting department. Are you intimidated by discussions of alternative fee arrangements? Do you need to further your understanding of electronic billing? Are you looking for a new accounting system? Is your collections workflow in need of an update? Take this opportunity to learn about these pieces of the accounting puzzle.
Objectives:
- Identify different types of alternative fee arrangement models.
- Outline important features in a billing and timekeeping system.
- Discuss features in electronic billing that can benefit your firm.
- Outline of the goals of electronic billing.
- Define the steps in the collection process and begin to develop your policy.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa R. Dasher
Lisa R. Dasher is Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for Wicker Smith O'Hara McCoy & Ford P.A., a Florida defense firm with more than 185 attorneys and ten offices throughout Florida. A 35-year veteran of the firm, Ms. Dasher is responsible for the overall financial management of the firm and execution of firm policies, as well the management of multiple firm functions, including human resources, technology, vendor relations and marketing. Additionally, she served on ALA's Annual Conference Committee (2010–2012) and currently serves on ALA's Professional Development Advisory Committee.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
This session will focus on the latest developments in the tax law and the impact of these changes to the profession. We'll emphasize tax planning strategies for both law firms and individual attorneys.
This session will focus on the latest developments in the tax law and the impact of these changes to the profession. We'll emphasize tax planning strategies for both law firms and individual attorneys. Additionally, we'll cover why it's always important for businesses and individuals to understand the tax implications of their business activities and be proactive in tax planning. For example, entity and ownership structure can impact these strategies. We will review the pros and cons of each structure and how the tax laws impact each. We'll also look at a variety of tax savings ideas for law firms and will provide insights into tax and wealth planning tips for individual partners.
Objectives:
- Identify the latest developments in the tax laws and the related impact on law firms and individual attorneys.
- Examine different entity choices for law firms and the related tax impact of each structure.
- Discuss tax planning strategies for law firms.
- Review tax and wealth planning tips for law firm owners/partners.
Audience: Intermediate
Other Information:
75 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Kristin Bettorf
Kristin Bettorf is a Partner in RubinBrown's Tax Services Group and the Vice Chair of RubinBrown's Law Firm Services Group. She has more than 15 years of tax experience with an emphasis on tax planning and consulting services. She specializes in corporate tax and provides services to clients in a variety of industry groups, including manufacturing and distribution and law firm services.
Henry Rzonca, CPA
Henry Rzonca, CPA, serves as the Partner-In-Charge of RubinBrown's Federal Tax Services Group and Vice-Chairman of the Manufacturing & Distribution Services Group. He is also a Partner Liason for the RubinBrown Advisory Board. Before joining RubinBrown in 2012, Rzonca served more than 20 years in the role of Tax Director for Edward Jones and Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company, overseeing federal and state income, property, sales and, use taxes. Prior to gaining this industry experience, he was in the tax practice of KPMG for seven years.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/04/2018
Have you ever had to calculate and produce a payroll check without the use of payroll software? If not, you will have the skills after attending this session as we focus on payroll from beginning to end.
Have you ever had to calculate and produce a payroll check without the use of payroll software? If not, you will have the skills after attending this session as we focus on payroll from beginning to end. It is important to understand all aspects of deductions and taxes being withheld from paychecks. We'll also cover the specific rules related to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) requirements and employee deductions.
Objectives:
- Identify what types of payroll taxes affect a check.
- Examine how to read and use IRS Circular E.
- Identify reporting requirements for the Affordable Care Act.
- Analyze the criteria related to ERISA remittance requirements.
- Explain the most common types of payroll deductions.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM
Lisa Waligorski, CLM is the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. She started her career in a legal assistant/paralegal role, and the past 20+ years have been spent in either an Executive Director or Director of Finance/Controller role. Her education and background provide experience and knowledge in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and overseeing organizational operations, finance, human resources, facilities, information technology, and marketing & business development. Lisa has been a speaker on both law firm accounting and human resources topics. She has also been an ALA e-learning Law Firm Accounting and Financial Information & Analysis instructor for the past five years.
-
Contains 2 Component(s), Includes Credits Recorded On: 05/05/2018
The final session of the Law Firm Accounting Series focuses on the types of organizational structures available to companies. Whether you are working on a start-up adventure or evaluating your current legal configuration, this session will enlighten you on the types of organizational structures that exist.
The final session of the Law Firm Accounting Series focuses on the types of organizational structures available to companies. Whether you are working on a start-up adventure or evaluating your current legal configuration, this session will enlighten you on the types of organizational structures that exist. You will learn key facts that influence a decision on what type is right for you and ensure continuity of your business.
Objectives:
- Identify which organizational structures protect personal assets.
- Analyze the tax implications of a corporation.
- Examine the advantages and disadvantages of various organizational structures.
- Relate the importance of having a written agreement.
- Identify the issues of liability of others in your organization.
Audience: Basic
Other Information:
90 Minutes
CLM App Management Category -FS: Financial Management
CPE Field of Study: Finance
Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM
Lisa Waligorski, CLM is the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. She started her career in a legal assistant/paralegal role, and the past 20+ years have been spent in either an Executive Director or Director of Finance/Controller role. Her education and background provide experience and knowledge in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and overseeing organizational operations, finance, human resources, facilities, information technology, and marketing & business development. Lisa has been a speaker on both law firm accounting and human resources topics. She has also been an ALA e-learning Law Firm Accounting and Financial Information & Analysis instructor for the past five years.
