Accounting terms and concepts, financial statements, and basic finance are often misunderstood. Business 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 one can engage an accounting expert, a lawyer must know the basics of accounting to effectively choose and utilize an expert. The panelists explain the terms, basic accounting concepts, generally accepted accounting standards, and nuts and bolts of financial statements. Learn to recognize “red flags” in financial statements—and avoid common mistakes.
Whatever your specialty, you must understand financial concepts to understand your client’s goals, and the interests of the other parties.