Accounting firms face complexities not present in ordinary businesses. To be successful, they must engage in effective business management. But, they also are subject to unique ethical and regulatory constraints concerning their ownership, capital structure, provision of services, as well as their employment, marketing and competitive practices. Our lawyers aid accounting firms in solving their business, regulatory and ethical issues. Our goal is to help accountants and accounting firm clients improve their growth, financing, operations, risk reduction, business succession and protection of assets.

Our lawyers, some of whom are also trained as accountants, have broad experience in a number of industries and disciplines that enables us to be trusted advisors to accountants in every aspect of their professional and business endeavors. Moreover, we deliver enhanced legal counsel by working with other specialized practice groups and provide a multifaceted approach to the legal issues encountered by our clients.

Practice Areas Serving the Legal Needs of Accounting Firms

Moses Singer offers counsel to accountants and accounting firms in all aspects of the profession:

• Corporate
  We advise new and growing accounting firms in optimizing the formation and structure of their entity.  This includes:

- Formation of  PLLCs, LLPs, partnerships and joint ventures.  
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Withdrawals, separations, earnouts and dissolutions. 
- Resolution of Sarbanes Oxley issues
- Negotiation of real estate leases
- Review of business forms, engagement agreements and special retainers
- Legal review of financial opinions and statements.  

• Employment Law - Employment & Severance Agreements
  The firm offers comprehensive review of compensation and labor issues affecting the accounting firm’s management and ongoing operation:

- Compensation arrangements or retirement benefits
- Discrimination or disability issues
- Issues affecting the enforceability of restrictive covenants
- Review of employment contracts and severance arrangements
- Employment practices and liability issues as well as office policies and procedures.

• Ethics & Compliance
  Professional firm ethics and compliance is a specialty at Moses Singer.  This practice area covers:

- Advice on compliance with rules of professional conduct
- Consultation on ethics issues relating to conflicts of interest resolution, confidentiality, privileged communications, advertising and solicitation, and professional licensing;
- Counsel on issues relating to risk management, loss prevention and professional liability
- Development of internal compliance programs and policies.

• Banking & Finance
  The firm handles negotiation and documentation of credit lines and other financings and advises on insolvency issues.

• Litigation
  On any business dispute, Moses & Singer offers experienced, aggressive representation.  The firm supports accounting
  firms with:

- Expert testimony
- Arbitration proceedings
- Litigation disputes with third parties
- Litigation in bankruptcy cases and insolvency proceedings
- Handling of disputes involving regulatory proceedings.

• Trusts & Estates
  Succession planning and asset protection for owners or partners of accounting firms comprises a focal point of Moses Singer’s nationally renowned practice.  Our Trusts & Estates department handles these matters for client referrals as well.

^{Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.}