11.25.20
AI: From Hollywood Science Fiction to the Legal World
Artificial intelligence (AI) — the use of computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence — is no longer just the plot of Hollywood’s next dystopian movie. AI is already integrated in many aspects of our daily life including Netflix, Amazon and Spotify recommendations, phone-face recognition technology and what we see on social media. […]

10.07.20
Cost-Cutting for Sustainability: Three Areas to Target
U.S. law firms of all sizes and practice areas have had their financial foundations shaken as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Firms that were flying high less than a year ago now find themselves scrambling to survive the economic fallout. One obvious place to begin is cost-cutting. Several other areas make likely candidates. Staffing […]

09.03.20
Do Not Put Payroll Management on Autopilot
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the economy for a loop. Many law firms have had to trim expenses and furlough employees. Laying off or decreasing pay for support staff, associates and partners can add payroll tasks to your workload. If your firm is reducing people on the payroll or outsourcing work to independent contractors, there […]

11.02.20
Law Firm Group Newsletter – Fall 2020
Our Law Firm Group's Fall 2020 Newsletter provides four areas law firms should consider when making decisions about long-term sustainability and highlights a few ways that law firm leaders can take control of their firms’ profitability.

07.16.20
Law Firm Group Newsletter – Summer 2020
Our Law Firm Group's Summer 2020 Newsletter provides steps law firms can consider for planning in a time of uncertainty and includes insight on portfolio pricing.

04.23.20
Law Firm Group Newsletter – Spring 2020
Our Law Firm Group's Spring 2020 Newsletter includes insight on how a firm’s response to a data breach will go a long way toward mitigating financial and reputational costs and looks at the importance of regularly cleaning and enhancing data.

06.03.20
What You Need to Know About Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
Join ORBA’s Frank L. Washelesky on Friday, May 29, for a complimentary webinar that will provide clarity on the PPP Loan Forgiveness rules. 

02.13.19
Tax Planning Considerations for New Law Firm Partners
Recently becoming a partner at your firm, or in the near future, is an exciting milestone in your professional life. With any leadership role comes a new set of responsibilities yet it’s surprising how few are prepared for the financial implications of such an undertaking. Now is the perfect time to consider your personal financial […]

08.05.15
ORBA and COSi Present: Tiger Teams – Empowering Your People to Accelerate Profitability
During this program, you'll roll up your sleeves, participate in interactive hands-on exercises and learn proven techniques that will be immediately useful. You will also receive expert one-on-one coaching so you can get started down the fastest path to building a more profitable and valuable high growth business.

04.13.20
ORBA Named to Accounting Today’s 2020 “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch”
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, has been named as one of Accounting Today’s “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” for 2020.  

04.17.19
ORBA Announces Cloud CFO and Accounting Service Hires
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Carissa Coppola as an Associate in the Accounting Services Department, and Emily Cohen, Jason Dion and Joshua Trezek as Associates in the Cloud CFO Services Department

04.08.19
ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
CHICAGO — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.

11.21.20
New Guidance on Tax Treatment of PPP Eligible Expenses
On November 18, 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service released Revenue Ruling 2020-27 and Revenue Procedure 2020-51 clarifying the tax treatment of expenses that are eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

11.10.20
Move Over 1099-Misc, The IRS Has Released a New 1099-Nec Form for 2020
The IRS has released a new form for the tax year 2020 – Form 1099-NEC – which you will need to become familiar with. This Client Alert will provide you with some general guidelines and resources to help you determine which form you need to file. It will also address questions that we often receive from clients.

10.09.20
Paycheck Protection Program Revised Forgiveness Application for Small Loans
On October 8, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided a simplified PPP loan forgiveness application, Form 3508S, for borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less and new guidance concerning these small loans along with form instructions.

04.08.19
Various Media – ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
ORBA is mentioned in the media for announcing the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Reporting media include Yahoo! Finance, Spoke, The Daily Herald, NewsBlaze, Star Tribune and ABC 7. View the official press release.

04.04.19
Various Media – ORBA Ranked Among 2019 ‘Top Firms to Watch’ by Accounting Today
ORBA is mentioned in the media for being ranked among the “Beyond the Top 100: Firms to Watch” list for 2019, as well being listed among the top 20 firms in the Great Lakes Region.

01.02.19
Various Media – Crain’s Business Ranks ORBA Among Chicago’s Largest Accounting Firms
ORBA was recently mentioned in the media for being ranked 18th out of the 25 largest accounting firms in Chicago, listed by Crain’s Chicago Business. Reporting media include MarketWatch, Pittsburgh Business Times, the Daily Herald, Daily Penny Alerts and Chicago City Room. View the official press release.

06.08.20
Message from Managing Director Mark Thomson
Over the past two weeks, I have watched the many peaceful protests across the City of Chicago, our local communities and across the nation. People of all backgrounds are speaking out against the continuing injustice against people of color, specifically Black people.

04.17.19
ORBA Announces Cloud CFO and Accounting Service Hires
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Carissa Coppola as an Associate in the Accounting Services Department, and Emily Cohen, Jason Dion and Joshua Trezek as Associates in the Cloud CFO Services Department

04.08.19
ORBA Appoints Chief Financial Officer
CHICAGO — Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Sample, CPA, as Chief Financial Officer.