*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
401 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, California 90401
I had a great experience working with Jerome and his assistant Danielle on my case. I felt taken care of every step of the way after my accident. The communication was great the entire time. I was also happy with the outcome we got. I will be working with them again in the future if needed and will be recommending to all friends and family!
Jerry Konell, LLP, If there was TEN stars I would give them to you! Danielle and entire team are an added Bonus! I highly recommend Jerry Konell, LLP!!!!!! I had two accidents within a month apart. The second one totalled my car. Though no fault on my part there still would be challenges due to preexisting issues, (back, neck). Jerry's litigation expertise is beyond exceptional! His professionalism, and drive to finish what he started is infectious! He thrives on a difficult case. He really cares about his
Jerry was fantastic. He helped me through every step of the process from my first doctors appointment to the settlement process. If I had any questions, he was a text away. I would highly recommend Jerry to anyone suffering from a car accident injury. It'll be the right choice.
Jerry and Danielle are an amazing team. The car accident alone was overwhelming and created many stressors that this team helped my daughter and I walk through. The team helped us get the best medical and mental health care to heal physically and emotionally. The team is very professional, organized, responsive in answering any questions in a timely manner. I highly recommend Konell Ruggiero law firm to anyone looking for ethical, trustworthy and reliable legal representation! Thank you for your dedicatio
What can I say?.I would recommend Jerome (Jerry) of Konell Ruggiero LLP to anyone without hesitation. I was referred to him by a chiropractor after an accident I was in. I was given 3 different attorneys to call, Jerry was my 2nd call and I felt at ease and was confident that he would help me without any added pressure. He was absolutely amazing - both personable (he explained things in terms that I could understand with patience), professional, and an expert in his field. You hear commercials on the ra
Amazing experience overall having Mr. Konell as our attorney. My family and I were dealing with a difficult and stressful situation. Mr. Konell explained everything in detail every step of the way, ensuring that my family and I were always well-informed with the process. Ultimately we won a settlement that gave us financial security and relief. We are extremely grateful for all his hard work. Highly recommend!
Mr. Konell navigated the vastly complex process following my serious car accident with a wealth of experience, wisdom and kindness.Though I was not at fault, I am convinced that without his help I could never have emerged from this miasma with justice. I have some preexisting medical conditions which were exacerbated by the stress and trauma of the front-end collision, totaling my car. Jerry took the time to fully understand a rare condition that few people have heard of, and to convey this to all parties
Fantastic experience! Last October I was injured in a car accident and attempted to try to represent myself in regards to treatment and talking to the insurance companies on my own. It started to feel very overwhelming and the stress was effecting my ability to heal. That's why I decided I needed to get the best care and the best representation as I realized my health is truly the first priority. Jerry came to my rescue and allowed me to fully focus on healing and nothing else which was the most valuabl
After being in a car accident, I was recommended to call Jerry. I was a little hesitant at first, but I am so glad I did! Words cannot describe how grateful I am for Jerry and his team to have helped me through this process! From beginning to end, Jerry was extremely professional, communicative, and compassionate. He explained every step of the process and was available through phone, text, or email whenever I had any questions. When my case was settled, I called Jerry with tears of appreciation! He is an a
Jerry was remarkable. We had never been through negotiations with an insurance company before. Jerry spent a lot of time communicating with us about what the process would be like, made sure to answer all our questions, helped us understand what it would be like to be grilled by the insurance company lawyer & medical expert, etc. In the end, Jerry won the maximum possible settlement, without even needing to go to court. He helped us achieve a settlement that of course did not undo the pain from the inju
My family and I had an incredibly difficult and stressful situation, and we were fortunate enough to have attorneys at Konell Ruggiero law firm on our side. I had the pleasure of working with Jerry Ruggiero and could not have been more pleased with their services. Their team was extremely attentive, pleasant, kind, and professional throughout the entire legal process. They explained everything in detail every step of the way, ensuring that my family and I were well-informed and comfortable with the process.
I've shared a client with Jerry as a psychotherapist. Both my client & I had very positive experiences in working with Jerry. On the professional end, he was responsive, answered all of my questions, & was just pleasant all around to work with. On the shared client's end, they felt very comfortable speaking with Jerry & felt that he was a true advocate for their care & needs throughout a difficult process.
Jerry and his team took care of all the negotiations with the insurance company working to get us the best compensation and medical care possible for my injuries. Jerry was also very good about patiently explaining every step of the process as we went along. They really are an excellent law firm.
Jerry and Danielle are incredible. I got into a car accident last year, and the whole situation felt very overwhelming. Jerry and Danielle took such great care of me. I'm so grateful to have found them!!
Jerry is the best lawyer ever! He was kind, patient, and helpful. He never uses lawyer jargon, and is always clear with what's going on. I truly feel I got the best care and would definitely recommend using Konell!!!
LA's best accident injury attorney isn't on a billboard - but he should be. A career spanning 4 decades means Jerome Konnell is connected and experienced. He personally sets up his clients to receive excellent localized medical care anywhere in California while deftly dealing with all parties' respective insurance companies. Jerome is ethical and empathetic to his clients, and a skilled negotiator with the insurance companies. I know this because he has done all this for me and he'll do the same for you.
This attorney was highly recommended by a co worker of mine, I was already battling another legal issue with another attorney, ?that I'm not gonna name? but right away I saw the big difference between a bigger firm and a more family owned one. From the start he was so empathetic, quick answered all questions and the chiropractor he recommended me to was honestly the best I've ever had!! Nothing compared to the first one I had. They settled so much quicker then my first accident and even paid out more. I hig
Mr. Konell provided my case with special attention to details from beginning. He did answer ALL my calls personally and provided a text at every step of contact with the insurance company , Medicare, Dr. offices, Bodyshop and more. Very transparent and professional process. The results were very satisfactory specially since the insurance company was in denial of the very basic facts of accident (all along) despite of the police report. Considering some Covid related delays, the whole process went very smoot
This legal firm was referred to me by extended family members whom enlisted their services more than once in the past. Time came when I needed representation due to an accident at the worst time in 2020 as the Pandemic lockdowns had just barely went into effect a few months before. Mr. Konell and Ms. Ruggiero succeeded in winning my case. Great and efficient communication. I feel very lucky to have had their expertise in the matter. Thank You for your hard work.
Working with Mr. Konell was truly an amazing experience. Him and his team were always communicating with me through the whole process and keeping me in the loop with everything. I am extremely satisfied with his services and am grateful for everything he has help me with.
I promise you you won't find a harder working attorney that has your best interest at heart. I'm so grateful for the hard work and dedication Jerry showed every step of the way on my behalf. Simply a God send.
I had a wonderful experience. The team is very professional and organized and great at communicating. They genuinely seem to care about their clients and go out of their way to make sure your needs met and concerns expressed. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable representation! You will be very pleased with their excellent professional service.
I always felt like I was their only client with their full attention. Mr. Konell always made me feel at ease. I would recommend them over and over again.
Jerry is an amazing attorney and a top notch professional. His firm is top notch, too!
Truly great!! Diligent and excellent service.
Konell was very efficient in helping me with my case.
I had a wonderful experience being represented by Jerry Konell.
Jerry and associates were very professional, and truly cared about me and my well being. He kept me informed throughout the entire process and was very supportive of me. I would highly recommend using Jerry, he has very high integrity and will be honest about everything. I was also very impressed with his knowledge and ability to make decisions that exceeded my expectations and I will be forever grateful! My case settled for far more than I ever imagined it would, thanks to Jerry.
Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.
Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.
A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.
Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.
Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.
Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.
Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.
Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.
Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.
During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.
Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.
Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.
For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.
Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.
Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.