PAYROLL SERVICES
Law Firms
Attorney draws, associate salaries, staff wages, partner distributions. Law firm compensation is more complex than most businesses. We handle every cycle accurately, on time, and in full compliance.
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EVERY PAY CYCLE
What Gets Done Every Time We Run Payroll
Law Firms
Payroll taxes withheld and recorded
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Direct deposits processed on time
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Books updated and reconciled
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Operating and trust accounts kept separate
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Hours, draws, and compensation calculated
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Payroll
Built For
WHY IT MATTERS
Most payroll providers are built for businesses with straightforward hourly or salaried employees. Law firms have a fundamentally different compensation structure, and most payroll platforms and generalist bookkeepers don't account for it.
Partner draws, equity distributions, associate bonuses, and varying compensation tiers all require careful handling. The wrong setup doesn't just create accounting problems, it can create tax compliance issues and blur the line between firm finances and personal income.
We've built our payroll service specifically around how law firms actually compensate their people, at every level from solo practitioner to multi-partner firm.
Law Firm Payroll Is More Complex Than Most
Equity Distributions
Profit distributions to equity partners must be tracked separately from compensation and recorded correctly.
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Performance & Origination Bonuses
Variable compensation tied to billing or origination adds complexity to every payroll cycle.
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Trust Account Separation
Payroll must never touch trust account funds proper separation requires intentional accounting structure.
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Partner Draws vs. Salary
Partners often take draws rather than traditional salaries requiring different tax treatment and accounting handling.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything Your Payroll Needs
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Full Payroll Processing
We run your full payroll every cycle calculating hours, compensation, and deductions for every person on your payroll regardless of how they're compensated.
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Direct Deposit Management
Every employee and attorney paid on time via direct deposit. No checks to cut, no delays, no manual processing on your end.
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Payroll Tax Compliance
Federal, state, and local payroll taxes calculated, withheld, and remitted correctly every cycle. No penalties, no missed deposits, no surprises.
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Attorney & Partner Compensation
Draws, salaries, bonuses, and distributions handled correctly for every attorney. Equity partners, associates, and of counsel included.
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W-2 & Year-End Filing
W-2s prepared and filed for all employees at year end. We handle the paperwork so January isn't a scramble for you or your staff.
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Payroll Recordkeeping
Complete payroll records maintained and organized. Pay stubs, tax filings, and year-end documentation all in one place and audit-ready.
STAYING COMPLIANT
Payroll Compliance Is Not Optional
Payroll tax errors are one of the most common, and most expensive, mistakes small businesses make. Late deposits, incorrect withholdings, and misclassified workers all come with penalties that add up fast.
We stay current on federal, state, and local payroll tax requirements so you don't have to. Every obligation is met on time, every cycle, without you having to track a single deadline.
Federal income tax withholding and remittance
Social Security and Medicare (FICA) compliance
State and local payroll tax obligations
Federal unemployment tax (FUTA) deposits
Quarterly payroll tax filings (941, 940)
Year-end W-2 and 1099 preparation and filing
PAYROLL COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST
Federal income tax withholding and remittance
State payroll taxes current in all operating states
FICA obligations met every pay period
Quarterly 941 filings submitted on time
Worker classification reviewed and documented
W-2s and 1099s filed by January deadline
Payroll records maintained and audit-ready
common questions FROM LAW FIRMS
Payroll Questions We Hear Most
Yes. Mixed compensation structures are something we handle regularly. Equity partners on draws, associate attorneys on salary, and staff on hourly wages can all be processed in the same payroll engagement. Each compensation type is handled correctly with appropriate tax treatment and accounting for each.
Payroll is always processed from your operating account, never your trust account. We maintain strict separation between the two at all times. Our accounting structure ensures that payroll expenses are recorded against the correct account and that trust funds are never at risk of being used for operating expenses including payroll.
Yes. Payroll can be set up as a standalone service if your accounting is handled elsewhere. We scope standalone payroll engagements based on the number of employees and compensation structures involved. Book a free consultation and we'll put together a quote specific to your law firm's payroll needs.
We work with the major payroll platforms including Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, and ADP depending on your law firm's existing setup and preferences. If you already have a payroll platform in place, we can often work within it. If you're starting fresh, we'll recommend the best fit based on your firm's size and structure.
Yes. Multi-state payroll is something we handle for law firms with attorneys or staff in different states. Each state has its own payroll tax requirements and we stay current on obligations in every state where your firm has employees. Multi-state payroll is factored into your custom quote during the consultation.