1

Legal Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Accounts Receivable Manager

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$119K - $161K/yr

Support compliance with firm billing policies, trust accounting procedures, and legal accounting standards * Identify opportunities to improve existing processes Education and/or Work Experience ...

Senior Accountant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Trust & Legal Accounting * Oversee client trust (IOLTA) accounts and ensure compliance with State Bar regulations * Reconcile trust accounts and monitor client retainers * Coordinate billing ...

Trust & Legal Accounting * Oversee client trust (IOLTA) accounts and ensure compliance with State Bar regulations * Reconcile trust accounts and monitor client retainers * Coordinate billing ...

Senior Accountant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Trust & Legal Accounting * Oversee client trust (IOLTA) accounts and ensure compliance with State Bar regulations * Reconcile trust accounts and monitor client retainers * Coordinate billing ...

They will also respond to inquiries from mineral owners and collaborate with departments such as legal, accounting, tax, production, and auditing Responsibilities * Assists Land Asset Teams in ...

They will also respond to inquiries from mineral owners and collaborate with departments such as legal, accounting, tax, production, and auditing Responsibilities * Assists Land Asset Teams in ...

Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and legal trust accounting requirements * Develop and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and financial procedures

Accountant

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Experience with legal or trust accounting is a plus, but not required * Understanding of basic accounting principles and account reconciliations * Strong attention to detail, organization, and ...

Accountant

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Experience with legal or trust accounting is a plus, but not required * Understanding of basic accounting principles and account reconciliations * Strong attention to detail, organization, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Legal Accounting information

See salary details

$21K

$55.4K

$90K

How much do legal accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal accounting in the United States is $55,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Legal Accounting, and why are they important?

To thrive in Legal Accounting, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, legal billing procedures, and compliance requirements, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with legal accounting software such as LEAP, Clio, or QuickBooks, and knowledge of trust accounting regulations are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate records and collaboration with legal professionals. These competencies are essential for maintaining financial integrity, meeting regulatory standards, and supporting the efficient operation of legal practices.

What is a legal accountant?

A legal accountant is a professional who specializes in managing financial records and transactions related to legal cases, law firms, or compliance with legal regulations. They often handle trust accounts, billing, and financial audits within legal environments, requiring knowledge of legal procedures and accounting standards.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Legal accountants typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, with senior or specialized roles potentially reaching higher salaries. Earning $500,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or executive-level positions such as CFO or partner in a large firm. Achieving this level of income often involves additional responsibilities, bonuses, or ownership stakes.

How does a Legal Accounting professional typically collaborate with attorneys and paralegals within a law firm?

Legal Accounting professionals work closely with attorneys and paralegals to ensure accurate client billing, trust account management, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. They frequently coordinate with legal teams to clarify billing entries, manage retainer fees, and resolve discrepancies in client accounts. This collaboration is essential for timely invoicing, maintaining client trust, and supporting the firm’s financial health, making strong communication and organizational skills key to success in this role.

What is legal accounting?

Legal accounting refers to the specialized financial management practices used within law firms and legal departments. It involves handling client trust accounts, billing, payroll, compliance with legal industry regulations, and maintaining accurate financial records. Legal accountants ensure that law firms adhere to ethical standards and legal requirements regarding client funds, taxation, and reporting. Their work helps law firms operate efficiently and avoid financial or legal penalties.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Legal accountants, especially those with advanced certifications like CPA and several years of experience, can earn $100,000 or more annually, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas or in senior roles such as managerial or specialized positions. Entry-level or less experienced accountants typically earn lower salaries, but with experience and additional skills, reaching six-figure income is achievable.

What does an accounting lawyer do?

An accounting lawyer specializes in legal issues related to financial and accounting practices, such as compliance with regulations, financial reporting, and dispute resolution. They often work with accountants, auditors, and regulatory agencies to ensure legal adherence and may review financial documents or represent clients in legal proceedings involving financial matters.

What is the difference between Legal Accounting vs Paralegal?

AspectLegal AccountingParalegal
Required CredentialsAccounting certifications, legal finance knowledgeParalegal certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, accounting firmsLaw firms, corporate legal departments
Employer & Industry UsageLegal and accounting industriesLegal industry primarily
Common Search & ComparisonLegal AccountingParalegal

Legal Accounting involves managing financial records, billing, and compliance within legal settings, requiring accounting expertise and legal finance knowledge. Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, document preparation, and case management, focusing on legal procedures rather than financial tasks. While both roles support legal operations, Legal Accounting emphasizes financial oversight, whereas Paralegals focus on legal support functions.

More about Legal Accounting jobs
What cities are hiring for Legal Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Legal Accounting job openings:
What states have the most Legal Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Legal Accounting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Legal Accounting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,419 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Accounts Receivable Manager

Wsgr

Palo Alto, CA • On-site, Remote

$119K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 hours ago


Job description

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The firm is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Accounts Receivable Manager to support the financial operations of a fast-paced law firm. This role is responsible for processing payments, maintaining accurate financial records, and properly administering client advances/retainers in compliance with firm policies and legal accounting requirements. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and experience working in a professional service or legal environment.

This position is available as a remote or hybrid work arrangement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Oversee daily processing and posting of client payments, including checks, ACH, wire transfers, and credit card transactions

  • Coordinate with the account managers to resolve client reconciliations around outstanding balances and application of payments to invoices

  • Maintain accurate client account records and documentation within accounting systems

  • Develop a comprehensive process and procedures manual for the accounts receivable team and ensure compliance to the manual

  • Properly record, track, and reconcile client advances, retainers, and trust balances in accordance with firm policies and applicable legal accounting requirements

  • Apply client advances and retainer funds to fees earned and costs incurred following attorney approval and established billing procedures

  • Monitor trust-to-operating transfers to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable regulations

  • Oversee the client refund process ensuring client funds are returned to the client in a timely manner

  • Assist with month-end closing activities, reconciliations, and accounts receivable reporting

  • Support compliance with firm billing policies, trust accounting procedures, and legal accounting standards

  • Identify opportunities to improve existing processes

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred

  • 5+ years of accounts receivable, collections, legal billing, or trust accounting experience preferred

  • 3+ years management experience preferred

  • Experience working in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred

  • Knowledge of client trust accounting, retainers, and legal billing procedures preferred

  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

  • Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office - Word, Excel and Outlook)

  • Familiarity with legal billing platforms such as Elite, Aderant, Clio, or similar systems preferred

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external clients

  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices

The primary location for this job posting is in Palo Alto, but other locations may be listed. The actual base pay offered will depend upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, professional certifications and licenses, and work location. The anticipated pay range for this position is as follows:Palo Alto, New York, San Francisco: $131,750 - $178,250 per year. Austin, Boston, Boulder, Century City, Delaware, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, and all other locations: $119,000 - $161,000 per year.

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).