- About
About USC Gould
USC Gould is a top-ranked law school with a 115-year history and reputation for academic excellence. We are located on the beautiful 228-acre USC University Park Campus, just south of downtown Los Angeles.
- Academics
Academics
Learn about our rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum, our invaluable experiential learning opportunities, and the breadth and depth of our specialized areas of concentration and certificate offerings.
- Admissions
Admissions
USC Gould helps prepare you for a stellar legal career. You can pursue a JD degree, one of our numerous graduate and international offerings, or an online degree or certificate.
- Students
Students
Participate in an unparalleled learning experience with diversity of people and thought. Get involved in the law school community and participate in activities that enhance your studies.
- Careers
Careers
We work closely with students, graduates and employers to support successful career goals and outcomes. Our overall placement rate is consistently strong, with 94 percent of our JD class employed within 10 months after graduation.
- Faculty
Faculty
Our faculty is distinguished for its scholarship, as well as for its commitment to teaching. Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio creates an intimate and collegial learning environment.
- Alumni and Giving
Alumni and Giving
The global Trojan network of more than 10,000 law alumni and donors include recognized leaders in numerous fields who are deeply committed to supporting student and law school success.

Course Descriptions
- DEGREES
- CERTIFICATES
- + AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
- ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
- BUSINESS LAW
- MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT AND TECHNOLOGY LAW
- PUBLIC INTEREST LAW
- + EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
- UNDERGRADUATE COURSES AND PROGRAMS
- CORPORATE AND CUSTOM EDUCATION
- + NON-DEGREE PROGRAMS
- ACADEMIC CALENDAR
- COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
- BAR ADMISSIONS
Accounting for Lawyers (Fall 2019)
- Course Number: LAW-614
- Class Number: 03250
- Instructor: Adrian Stern
Course Description
From Spring 2019
Accounting is essential to the effective functioning of any business organization, both for profit and not for profit organizations. A test of any system, whether in the corporate form, partnership, or sole proprietorship and the aspects of it represented by accounting, ultimately is judged by the results which are produced, and the integrity of management and financial information.
The first third of the course will represent what a lawyer needs to know about basic accounting and financial reporting. The course will cover basic accounting and organizational issues, the basic financial statements and concepts such as cash vs. accrual methods of accounting and financial analysis.
The remaining two-thirds will cover a broad range of topics including:
Accounting for Law Firms
Accounting for Businesses with Inventory
Using the Financial Statement to Calculate Damages in Litigation Matters
Business Valuations Using Financial Statements
Using the Financial Statements in Buying and Selling Businesses
Goodwill: What is it? Why is it important? Where Does it Come From?
The Difference between For-Profit and Non-Profit Accounting.
Income Taxes and How They Impact Financial Statements
Fraud In Financial Statements
Accounting Software: QuickBooks and Beyond
The Auditor's Role Involving Financial Statements and the Attorney
Financial Statements Projections and Forecast
The Do's and Don'ts of Accounting in Family Law Matters: Where They Hide the Money and Where You Find It
Course Details
- Unit Value: 3
- Grading Options: Numerical or CR/D/F
- Exam: Mid-term and final exams, Class project (individual or groups)
- Writing Requirement: No
- Skills/Experiential Unit Requirement: no
- Participation: Mandatory
NEXT STEPS
-
Apply Now
Start the online application process.
-
Schedule a Tour
Come experience life at USC Gould.
-
Visit a Classroom
Sit in on a real class session.
-
Request More Information
Download or request a copy of our informative viewbook by postal mail.
-
Check Application Status
Check your application status online.
-
Student Ambassadors
Meet your JD student ambassadors.
-
Admitted Students Portal
Log in to our admitted students portal.
-
Contact Us
Still have questions? Let us help.