Financial matters are a major source of contention among clients of real estate lawyers, whether it’s a dispute over property values, damages, or purchase prices.
To better serve your clients, you must be able to argue convincingly on their behalf. One way you can do this is by working with an accounting expert to strengthen your case.
Look for the Right Qualifications
Good: A generalist accountant with several years of professional experience can help explain key accounting and financial concepts in a way that is easily understood by non-accounting professionals, including clients, jurors, witnesses, and other experts involved in the case.
Better: A certified public accountant (CPA) with comparable experience. Why choose a CPA? For one thing, CPA candidates must pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam, a rigorous examination covering a broad range of accounting and financial topics. A CPA must complete extensive continuing education credits to remain in good standing and must also fulfill strict guidelines set in place by the state in which they practice.
Best: Your best bet is to enlist the services of a CPA who has specialized experience and expertise in an applicable field—in this case, real estate law practices.
Impressive credentials and experience go a long way, but an accounting expert must also be capable of providing testimony in a way that is convincing, confident, and easily understood. Your expert may be brilliant, but this does little good if he cannot explain technical concepts in non-technical language. Note also that some accounting experts may not be comfortable giving testimony before a judge or jury. Even if you aren’t planning for your expert to offer testimony inside the courtroom, communication skills are essential.
A Hands-On Approach
The ideal candidate is willing to commit an adequate amount of time to reviewing relevant documents, financial statements, and background. Cases that require accounting expertise are rarely straightforward, and you need someone who you can trust to see the entire thing through.
Ann spent over 25 years in the financial service industry, gaining knowledge and experience that allows her to provide an array of tax, bookkeeping, and accounting services for her clients. Relying on a stringent code of ethics and a dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards, Ann works hard to ensure her clients receive the quality service they’ve come to expect. A member of AICPA and MSCPA, Ann has also had an article featured in the renowned publication, Banker and Tradesman. 
