Case Study: Accounting Girl’s Specialized Expertise in Law Firm Accounting — Abigail’s Success Story

When Abigail Seymour transitioned from running a photography business to founding Camino Law, a women-owned family law firm based in Greensboro, North Carolina, she quickly realized the unique complexities of managing trust accounts and finances in the legal industry. 

To ensure compliance, efficiency, and peace of mind, Abigail partnered with Accounting Girl, a firm specializing in accounting services tailored for law practices. Since 2020, Abigail’s relationship with Accounting Girl has not only eased her operational burdens but also empowered her to make more strategic decisions for her firm.

The Challenge

Prior to founding Camino Law, Abigail ran a photography business where financial oversight was minimal. “I had my own photography business before I became a lawyer," Abigail shared. "This was, you know, 15 years ago, and I just never had anybody helping with my books. It just got messed up." Transitioning to the legal profession made her realize the critical importance of meticulous financial management.

“In the legal profession, trust accounting is everything," Abigail explained. "We’re always vulnerable to audits by the state at any given time, so knowing your accounts are reconciled is not optional. It’s mandatory. And honestly? It’s just not my wheelhouse.”

This transition posed significant challenges for Abigail:

• Complying with legal accounting standards like trust account reconciliation.

• Managing payroll systems and everyday financial operations.

• Finding accounting professionals who truly understand the nuances unique to law firms.

The Solution: Partnering with Accounting Girl

Abigail knew she needed a true expert in legal accounting to avoid the mistakes she faced with her prior business. She found that expertise in Accounting Girl.

“What set them apart was their deep understanding of law firms. There are so many people out there who work with multiple industries, but I needed someone who understood trust accounting and the specific challenges law firms face,” Abigail said.

From day one, Accounting Girl worked to ensure Abigail’s firm was in compliance and equipped with the financial tools necessary to grow. Abigail and her team especially appreciated the peace of mind Accounting Girl provided through monthly trust account reconciliations. “To just know that everything is always reconciled and cleaned up on my behalf—it's hugely helpful,” Abigail said.

Services That Made a Difference

Accounting Girl provides comprehensive accounting services that have alleviated operational stress for Abigail. Some highlights of their work include:

1. Trust Account Management and Compliance

   • Abigail described the accountability trust accounting required: “The state conducts audits on our trust accounts at any given time. With Accounting Girl, I know everything is reconciled—it’s a relief to not worry about that.”

2. Payroll and Taxes

   • “I don’t deal with payroll taxes, and I’m not required to do my own payroll," Abigail explained. "Accounting Girl handles it all, and that's a huge weight off my shoulders.”

3. Regular Meetings and Decision-Making Support

   • Over time, Abigail leaned on increasingly valuable services from Accounting Girl. “Recently, I’ve started utilizing them as more like my CFO. They’re running reports for me, creating analytics, meeting with me regularly, and helping me understand the bigger picture of my finances.”

4. Exceptional Responsiveness

   • Accounting Girl’s use of technology and communication platforms like Slack has integrated with Camino Law’s operations. “They’re extremely responsive, and it feels very seamless because I can communicate with them really easily," Abigail said.

   
   

   

Standing Out from Competitors

Abigail emphasized that Accounting Girl’s personalized approach and relatability make them stand apart in the world of accounting: “I literally feel like I’m their only client."

Even during challenging financial times, Accounting Girl provided unwavering support. Abigail shared a particularly vulnerable moment: “We didn’t have enough for payroll, and they held off on judgment. They let me sort things out with compassion and without criticism. They’ve always been supportive in those rough moments.”

The tone of collaboration and camaraderie resonated with the mission of Camino Law itself, which seeks to help families navigate difficult times in a trauma-informed environment. “Their mission is the same as ours," Abigail reflected. "They’re helping people get through hard things, while making it as seamless as possible—and even enjoyable."

Results and Impact

The impact of Accounting Girl’s expertise is evident in the growth and stability of Camino Law. Abigail highlighted some key outcomes:

• Peace of Mind: With the confidence that her trust accounts and payroll are always accurate and compliant, Abigail is free to focus on running her firm. “It really does give me peace of mind because I know the numbers are correct," she said.

• Strategic Financial Insights: By treating Accounting Girl as her "CFO," Abigail now has access to quarterly reports and insights that inform key business decisions.

• Encouragement and Positivity: “They always keep things positive. Even in dark times, they’ve never judged my business or made me feel bad about struggles. They celebrate good news with me, like they’re part of the team,” Abigail shared.

• Longevity and Trust: Abigail hasn’t considered switching providers since the partnership began. “I’m pretty flighty with choices, but there’s no way I’d change my accounting team. They’re a critical part of my firm’s success.”

The Human Element

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Accounting Girl’s services is their ability to humanize the intimidating world of accounting. “You wouldn’t expect a firm dealing with bookkeeping and money to feel this relatable, but Accounting Girl is different. They’re human, personal, and genuinely fun to work with,” Abigail said.

Not only has Accounting Girl simplified Abigail’s finances—they’ve done so in a collaborative, compassionate way that reflects the values of Camino Law.

Conclusion

For law firms like Camino Law, whose financial operations demand exceptional accuracy and compliance, Accounting Girl is the perfect partner. Their specialized expertise in legal accounting, paired with a personable approach to client support, transforms what could feel like a cold, mechanical process into a warm, collaborative relationship.

“I trust them completely, and they’ve empowered my firm to not just keep the lights on, but grow strategically and sustainably. I can’t recommend them highly enough,” Abigail concluded.

If your law firm needs accounting experts who truly understand your unique challenges, Accounting Girl is ready to help you achieve peace of mind and long-term success.