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Beckman Lawson LLP > Reviews

2 matches | 1-2 displayed

Fort Wayne

Firm Culture: There is one token female partner. She is known to drink so much at firm functions that she is an embarrassment to any woman who wants to be taken seriously.

In 2005/2006 a partner, Rich Blaich brought attention to the firm for unethical dealings with regard to a little matter of a $7 million dollar chunk of money left by an old man intended to be spent on the college education of local kids. It came to light that it was, in fact, being used to buy condos in Vegas and vacations, etc. This and other ethical issues in the firm caused clients concern to say the least. Do a search for "Rich Blaich Schwab Foundation" - the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette had it on their front page several times - on one occasion I believe it was full page and a few pages inside the paper as well. Huge HUGE fiasco that gives lawyers a bad name.

It should be noted that this firm has frequent turnover, with even those who stay, abandoning ship due to the neverending backbiting and drama.

It should be mentioned that infidelity by partners causes its share of issues as well. In fact, there was one partner who had affairs with more than one of his secretaries - marrying two, and perhaps a 3rd. I guess if you are a paralegal looking for a MRS instead of a paycheck, this may be the place to apply. Partner/staff affairs that end current marriages and/or result in new ones, well I have personal knowledge of 5.
Work & Hours: Once a firm that "gently encouraged" (rolleyes) the newbies to get in their hours, this firm has become so consumed with their own internal problems, that the hours of the associate has become less of a concern. The fact is that there are even some partners who seem incapable of getting even the minimum number of hours in and who suck the system dry while the other partners just sit impotent and complaining.
Salary & Benefits: This firm does like to attempt to compete with Indianapolis firm and has started some of it's new grads at around $75K I seem to recall. Insurance benefits are poor. You get PHP, but the coverage and copay/deductible is outrageous. PHP price for a family of 3 is over $700/month. There is a summer Wizards baseball game - and a "Holiday Party" at a local country club in December. Raises depend to a large degree on who champions you at the firm meetings. Partner review of associates are completed - but the bottom line is that this is a firm trying to maintain it's former fiscal health - and associate raises or firings are always discussed as the ever changing composition of the firm's partnership jockeys for position.

I think that is the most wearisome thing about this firm....that the carrot put out for an associate - the "way" toward the big paycheck, partnership and success - the FORMULA itself changes. What I mean is: sometimes billable hours weighs in more heavily - and sometimes it is ORIGINATING that weighs in more heavily. It is difficult to plan when the rules are ever changing - and soon enough bitterness comes as you recognize this fact.
The Interview process: Depends on who gets drafted to do the interviews...........they will likely take you to Park Place for drinks at some point.
Overall Impression: Overall Impression: Run Forest, run........away from this firm. Partner track, if you can stand it or don't get the ax, is probably 8 year - but often then only because when you make partner, it is actually CHEAPER for them because as a partner you are technically self employed and they no longer have to make those employee contributions on your behalf. It's a shock that only comes AFTER you get past the excitement of the label "partner" and get your first paycheck.

Oh, and there was actually one partner who made partner at Christmas and was booted shortly thereafter. So, surprisingly, making partner does NOT provide you the security you might think.

One interesting thing to note: The partnership agreement can be modified at ANY time with the votes of the partners at a firm meeting. For example, there was a partner who tendered his resignation with his 60 days notice, as prescribed by the partnership agreement, and it was better for the remaining partners to fire him, effective immediately, rather than to allow him to be compensated for the work he had done and would do for the next 60 days. Effective immediately his income halted - funny how you can resign in accord with the partner contract but it can be changed to suit those who remain?

Fortunately you would already be prepared for that (being prepared to survive if you don't get a draw or a lousy one) as a partner, your "draw" can be quite a strain on your life. You watch the "cash report" as the month closes and it's quite a strain to see NEGATIVE numbers........so just be sure to have a line of credit set up (from your house) so you can manage on those months that the draw is low. It also is difficult to pay your quarterly taxes (that first April payment is always impossible because you haven't made squat the first quarter).....and you'll have to use your home equity line of credit to make that payment or use a credit card check to pay Uncle Sam.

Due to the backbiting and internal spats that will remind you why you divorced your exwife and driving under the wheels of a semi seems like a good idea - I'd suggest looking elsewhere for employment.

Fort Wayne is a decent town........and a nice, low cost of living place to raise a family - but for your sanity's sake, I'd keep looking.

Oh, the Standard Federal building looks nice from the outside - the lobby of the firm is decent, but to be frank, the offices themselves are nothing to write home about.

Fort Wayne

Firm Culture: My experience with this firm is vastly contrary to that of the individual posting the first review. Generally, I believe most partners, associates, staff members and clients would provide a very favorable opinion of the firm and, in particular, the value it places on positive client relationships. The review from this questionable source clearly includes blatantly false statements, most notably the first comment about the female partner.
Work & Hours: ...
Salary & Benefits: ...
The Interview process: ...
Overall Impression: Positive. See above.

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