Accounting & Finance Core Fluency

Advance client goals by understanding the numbers that affect lawyers

Accounting terms and concepts, financial statements, and basic finance are often misunderstood and confusing. The panelists explain the terms and jargon, basic accounting concepts, generally accepted accounting standards, and nuts and bolts of financial statements. You receive a complete pro forma set of financial statements and detailed explanation of the components, and how they relate. The faculty teaches you how to recognize “red flags” in financial statements - and avoid mistakes often made by attorneys when advising clients. Get clear explanations and answers to common accounting questions that your clients ask - so you can advise clients with confidence.

Business lawyers, corporate lawyers, family law practitioners, and litigators often find themselves challenged to explain financial statements to clients, or to use accounting information to prove a liability or damages, or even to impeach a witness. While engaging an accounting expert is useful, a lawyer must know the basics of accounting to effectively choose and utilize an expert. Whatever your specialty, you must understand financial concepts to understand your client’s goals, and the interests of other parties to the deal.