Do the complexities of financial information and analysis keep you up at night? This interactive, online program will focus on the budgeting, financial reporting, analysis of cash flow, model building, and variance within a law firm. You will be guided to apply the skills gained in the course by interpreting financial statements, calculating and interpreting various financial ratios, conducting profit analyses, and analyzing comparative financial information across fiscal years. Case studies, lectures, videos, readings, and assessments will be used. Topics include automated financial management systems, alternative fee arrangements, financial controls, computer-based tools for financial analysis and management, client matter budgeting, and electronic billing. The following is an outline of the topics:
- Week 1: Automated Systems
- Week 2: Financial Methods & Investments
- Week 3: Financial Analysis Methods
- Week 4: Budgeting & Variance Analysis
- Week 5: AFAs
- Week 6: e-Tools & Billing
Audience Level
Intermediate
Course Textbook
A textbook is NOT required for this course. All reading materials will be provided.
Key:
Complete
Next
Failed
Available
Locked
FM 2 Week 1 Readings
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
First, read this Financial System Selection Series from ILTA: https://www.iltanet.org/blogs/jarmila-pencikova/2016/05/12/financial-system-selection?ssopc=1 Then, read "Accelerating Receivables for Greater Profitability," attached.
FM 2 Week 1: Automated Systems
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
This lesson will focus on automated systems, including the capabilities, features and customization of legal accounting systems.
FM 2 Week 1 Quiz
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
FM 2 Week 2 Reading
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Read "Law Firm Marketing: What’s the ROI?"
FM 2 Week 2: Financial Methods & Investments
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
This lesson will focus on financing methods and investments, including depreciation, leasing vs. buying, lines of credit and return on investment (ROI) analysis.
FM 2 Week 2 Quiz
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
FM 2 Week 3 Readings
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
First, read Law Firm Invoices Model Mobile Phone Billing Plan: http://businessoflawblog.com/2015/05/law-firms-billing-plans/ Then, read Essential Practices Management Reports for Small Law Firms: http://businessoflawblog.com/2015/01/practice-management-reports/ Finally, read "Calculating Profitability," attached here.
FM 2 Week 3: Financial Analysis Methods
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
This lesson will focus on financial analysis methods, including profitability calculations and analysis, cost accounting, operating efficiency, contribution to overhead and profit.
FM 2 Week 3 Quiz
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
FM 2 Week 4: Budgeting & Variance Analysis
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
This lesson will focus on budgeting and variance analysis, including financial reporting, steps to determine profit/loss, assets vs. liabilities, capital and cash flow analysis.
FM 2 Week 4 Quiz
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
FM 2 Week 5 Reading 1
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Read "Legal Lean - The Eight Wastes"
FM 2 Week 5 Reading 2
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Read "Ethical Principles AFAs"
FM 2 Week 5: Alternate Fee Arrangements (AFAs)
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
This lesson will focus AFAs, including types of AFAs, hourly fees, realization analysis and repetitive legal transactions.
FM 2 Week 5 Quiz
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
FM 2 Week 6 Reading
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
Read "Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)"
FM 2 Week 6: e-Tools & Billing
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
Select the "View On-Demand Recording" button to begin.
This lesson will focus on electronic tools and billing, including financial, analytical and reporting software, cost allocation methods, LEDES industry standardized activity, task structure and electronic billing and policies.
FM 2 Week 6 Quiz
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
10 Questions | 3 attempts | 60 minute limit | 7/10 points to pass
| Access Date |
Quiz Result |
Score |
Actions |
Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR (Moderator)
Lisa A. Waligorski, CLM, PHRca, SPHR, is the Executive Director at Newmeyer & Dillion, LLP. With over 25 years of leadership experience in law firm management, she has held key roles as an Executive Director and Director of Finance/Controller. Lisa began her career as a legal assistant and paralegal, gaining firsthand insight into law firm operations before transitioning into executive leadership. She is a recognized speaker on law firm accounting and human resources and has spent the past decade as an instructor for ALA’s web-based courses. A dedicated member of the legal management community, Lisa has been actively involved in ALA’s Gateway and Orange County Chapters, serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chapter President. She will serve on the ALA Board of Directors from 2025 to 2028.
