Building a strong legal case doesn’t happen overnight. 

From the initial investigation stage to filing the required pleadings, preparing and answering discovery, and ultimately presenting your case in court, it can take months to see the results of your efforts—and a successful outcome is often the result of a highly effective team. 

In addition to the knowledge and proficiency of your internal legal team, partnering with a certified professional accountant (CPA) can provide the added expertise needed to strengthen your case and ensure the best possible outcome for your client. 

Where do CPAs fit into your strategy?

Nearly every lawsuit involves money or finances, from complicated divorce proceedings to business partnership disputes and corporate fraud and embezzlement cases. CPAs with forensic accounting experience, such as those with CFF and CFE credentials, are a key component of your legal strategy and can help strengthen your case in several ways. 

Research and analysis

In a litigation consulting role, CPAs will examine all accounting records such as bank statements, balance sheets, invoices, tax returns, payroll data, contracts, and other documents to identify any discrepancies or uncover evidence of financial misconduct. They will also perform complex calculations to determine financial damages in support of your client. 

Document preparation

Following a thorough analysis of all financial documentation, forensic accountants will present a detailed summary of their findings (including exhibits for trial), using language that is clear and easy to understand for all parties involved. They may also provide assistance with reconstructing financial records, drafting responses to information requests, and organizing documents in preparation for depositions and trial. 

Expert witness testimony

CPAs may also be asked to provide expert witness testimony at trial, and in some cases they will begin as a litigation consultant before becoming an expert witness. In this role, they will utilize their expertise in accounting, auditing, tax, and regulatory issues to present their objective opinion in court based on a review of all financial (and related) information surrounding the case. This not only lends credibility to your case but also helps to paint a clear picture of the financial history for the court. 

When to contact a CPA for litigation support

Earlier is always better when deciding when to contact a CPA for litigation support. 

While you may feel confident that your litigation team can manage the analysis and review of all financial documentation for your case, partnering with a CPA—especially one skilled in investigative accounting—can help you improve efficiency by freeing up valuable time and resources. 

Not only that, but their technical expertise may help to uncover things a non-financial person may not see, which can often lead to a more profitable outcome for your clients. 

Litigation consulting experience you can trust

Mangold Anker Phillips, now Aprio, provides a full range of accounting services to Austin business clients, including litigation consulting for attorneys and law firms. Our experienced and credentialed CPAs are proficient at analyzing financial records and evaluating complex calculations to help you build a stronger case on behalf of your clients. 

Whether you need help with calculating lost earnings and other damages in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, or you want to show clear proof of financial wrongdoing in a fraud or embezzlement case, we provide litigation consulting experience you can trust. 

Call (512) 327-0909 for a free 30-minute consultation or email us at info@map-cpas.com to learn more.