By Julie Bays, OBA Management Assistance Program Director

I recently met with a young lawyer preparing to open a solo practice. He researched marketing, drafted engagement agreements, and chose practice management software. But when I asked whether he had looked at a profit and loss statement or balance sheet, he admitted he did not know where to begin. That conversation was a reminder that many new lawyers step into practice without basic financial experience, even though they are about to run a business.

Understanding your firm’s finances is not just administrative housekeeping. It is a key part of professional competence and long-term client service. Monthly financial reports help you see whether your fees cover expenses, how much cash you have available, whether collections are lagging, and whether it is the right time to hire or upgrade technology. A simple budget, a quarterly conversation with a CPA, and regular review of billing and collections can prevent problems before they affect clients.

New solos often feel pressured to keep moving, but financial clarity should be built into the routine. Set aside time each month to review revenue, expenses, trust account activity, and projected obligations like taxes or insurance renewals. Even a one-page financial dashboard can help you make informed decisions, reduce stress, and plan for growth rather than reacting to emergencies.

If financial statements feel confusing or unfamiliar, you are not alone, and there are resources that explain them clearly. The North Carolina Bar Association recently released an excellent podcast featuring Catherine Sanders Reach, Director of the NCBA Center for Practice Management, and Terrell Turner, a CPA, who walk lawyers through the fundamentals and show how financial information can strengthen a practice. It is a worthwhile listen for anyone launching or running a solo or small firm. https://www.ncbar.org/2025/11/24/decoding-financial-statements-a-simplified-approach-for-lawyers/