Partner

David Roberts, CPA

Consulting

Never forget that life is a team sport.

Contact Me

Bio

Meet David

David has more than 30 years of experience working with law firms of all sizes. He and his group have consulted with more than 1,200 law firms regarding strategic planning, partner compensation arrangements, succession planning, partner withdrawal and retirement, organizational reviews, profitability improvement, partner retreats, dissolutions, and mergers and acquisitions. David has authored numerous articles for the American Bar Association Journal and California Lawyer, and he co-authored “Financing the Start Up Law Firm,” published by the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Management section. David holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Northridge.

Contact David Roberts

Experience

Professional History

Experience

  • RBZ LLP
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)

Associations

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • California Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Bar Association
  • California Bar Association

Education

  • California State University, Northridge

Speaking Engagements

  • Orange County Bar Association, March 6, 2015, Newport Beach, California, “Client Trust Accounting 101”
  • City National Bank Annual Legal Summit, October 23, 2014, Los Angeles, “Law Firms – An Industry Overview”
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association, October 22, 2014, Beverly Hills, California, “Legal Industry Trends and the Impact on Southern California Law Firms”
  • GLA/ALA Finance Section Meeting, October 21, 2014, Century City, California, “Checklist for Year-end Closing”
  • GLA/ALA Annual Managing Partner Lunch, May 13, 2014, Century City, California, “Relationships Between Law Firm Leaders and Corporate Leaders”
  • Primerus Western Regional Meeting, March 7, 2014, Century City, California, “Law Firm Trends and Issues Facing the Legal Industry”

Q&A

Q. What is it about accounting and consulting that first drew your interest?
In the world of CPAs, you’re usually either an auditor or you’re working in taxation. For me, it was consulting that fit just right. I was drawn to a consultant’s ability to become a trusted advisor who helps talented professionals better run their firms. I’m motivated by intelligent people at the top of their field, who need advisory assistance on successfully managing their law firms.
Q. What was it that drew you to Armanino?
Meeting Armanino’s executive team, I was impressed with the diversity of leadership talent. Some bring a steady hand and others bring an exciting energy. I saw a kindred spirit in Armanino’s ability to create and innovate new solutions for clients. This is not your father’s accounting firm. It’s far from the “same old, same old.”
Q. Without naming names, tell us about your favorite client and why you enjoyed working with them.
It truly is all of them. Our team knows law firms inside and out, and that helps us create solid relationships with clients built on trust and mutual respect. Many times our clients are a bit surprised about just how much we know about how their business works, but they’re always appreciative.
Q. Describe your work style.
I am passionate about my work and I know the industry well. I work with my clients as if it were my own business.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life
My wife. She’s my trusted advisor.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
Work hard, be nice, care about people and treat them with respect. Never forget that life is a team sport.
Read More
Industries Served
David's Thought Leadership
Blog articles
Article
Strategic Budgeting for Law Firms
A Strategic Budget ties the financial goals of a law firm to its strategy. It consists of three main components: projec...
View All