This woman-owned Columbus law firm specializes in succession planning. Now they're living it. - Columbus Business First - The Business Journals
When Bea Wolper founded Columbus law firm Emens, Wolper Jacob & Jasin in 2009, she wanted to make sure that women lawyers coming up in the profession were treated better than she was earlier in her career.
“I’m old enough to remember the terrible condition of women trying to practice in (largely male and white) firms,” Wolper told us. “Women and minorities didn’t have a chance to grow and climb the ladder as quickly. It was difficult. I really wanted to change that.”
That was reinforced when Wolper brought on attorney Kelly Jasin as a law clerk in 2011.
“I never wanted anybody who is as bright, smart and incredibly talented as Kelly to have to deal with, ‘Oh honey, go get me some coffee,’” Wolper said. “I can’t tell you how many times that happened to me. Having a woman-owned firm changes that dynamic.”
Wolper founded the law firm with her husband Dick Emens in 2009.
Now the firm, which specializes in helping family businesses navigate succession and estate planning, is going through its own transition.
Jasin was recently named president of the firm. Wolper will take on the role of CEO but step back from leadership responsibilities. She’ll continue working with clients and teaching through the Conway Center for Family Business.
Jasin said she wants to run the business with the same mindset as Wolper. Jasin said Wolper let her sit in on client meetings and take leadership responsibilities from the beginning, which likely wouldn’t have happened at another law firm.
“Luckily for me, people like Bea kind of paved the path for us,” Jasin said. “I never had to experience first-hand the misogyny. We’re hopefully at a new juncture where female attorneys coming up are looking to firms like us, to see that not only can (they) be in that role of leadership, but they can balance work and life.”
The leadership change has required them to put their practice’s advice in succession and estate planning matters into action. Their other practice areas include asset protection, the purchase and sale of businesses and probate.
“I’m proud to saw that we can lead by example now that this transition is happening,” Jasin said. “We’ve always taught that communication is key. Experiencing it first hand has reinforced that for me.”
Wolper said she believes the firm sets itself apart by helping counsel family businesses through every aspect of succession.
“We spent hours with clients helping them transition their businesses,” Wolper said. “It’s sort of to a point where, when you teach it, you ought to walk it. I love the work, but it’s time to make the transition.”
source: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/03/16/woman-owned-law-firm-succession-planning.html
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