We really are different. Here’s how.
ECC is different from other firms because our core values are different. Our core values include: hard work, collaboration, innovation and creativity, excellence, culture and balance. In truth, perhaps every law firm would say that it ascribes to these same core values. Yet, remarkably few law firms actually live up to these standards. ECC is distinguished by the quality of the character of its lawyers and staff. That character is humble, unselfish, and “grounded." We derive great joy and fulfillment from serving others, even under the most trying circumstances. ECC's lawyers and staff strive to be true to this character in the manner they conduct themselves in business and in their personal lives.
Hard Work.
Hard work is one of the principal reasons why lawyers and lawfirms succeed. Clients want a law firm to work hard for them, and for good reason. An amazingly talented lawyer can be (and often is) out-hustled by a better prepared attorney. Each of us is talented and smart, but generally so are our opponents. We succeed more often than not because we take no shortcuts in preparation.
By “hard work”, we mean not that any particular lawyer bills a certain number of hours per month, but rather that we spend the time necessary to: (a) understand our clients’ goals and objectives; (b) communicate with our clients frequently; (c) carefully review relevant documents and testimony; (d) think through all of the issues which we can reasonably anticipate and thoroughly research the applicable law; and (e) prepare and execute innovative and cost effective strategies.
Collaboration.
Because we’ve seen firsthand how our clients benefit from having a collegial and collaborative team on their matter, we promote an environment that encourages, recognizes, and rewards collaboration.
Collaboration is not merely a buzz word. It is one of the essential principles upon which our firm was founded and it is one reason why ECC has been successful so far and why we expect to succeed in the future. ECC's attorneys and staff actively work as a team regarding all aspects of our business—from the strategies we create for our clients, to our marketing efforts, to our administrative functions within the firm. Each of us is a talented and smart individual. But each is unique, and has distinct strengths and weaknesses. By collaborating as a team, ECC can leverage each individual's unique talents to benefit our clients and the firm as a whole.
Innovation and Creativity.
Some law firms reward attorneys for taking on more work in an attempt to maximize billable time. But that forces lawyers to be reactive rather than proactive and deliberative.
ECC is different. We place a premium value on innovation and creativity in our practice. We recognize that innovation and creativity require attorneys to be proactive. Innovation and creativity require attorneys to take the time to actually think through, in detail, every aspect of their cases (see "Hard Work"), and to apply all of the various skills and knowledge available from the rest of the team (see "Collaboration") to derive new angles and original means through which to advocate our client's and firm's interests.
Excellence.
ECC places a high value on excellence. Excellence in this sense means excellence in work product, excellence in work ethic, excellence in collaboration, and excellence in creativity. Our only real capital is our human capital and we can only continue to excel as a firm if we continue to hire only exceptionally talented people. To meet our bright, talented, and hard-working attorneys, click here.
Culture.
While our clients value our commitment to excellence, creativity, collaboration and hard work, they equally value the productive, collegial culture we’ve created to better serve their interests.
You’ll find no prima donnas or egotists here—just highly ethical, smart, hardworking attorneys committed to your success. We adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for negativism, self-absorption or other character traits that qualify as culture killers. Everyone in our firm is required to be respectful and supportive in the performance of client work, the pursuit of team interests, and professional and personal relations.If you don’t notice a difference in our culture, we want to know about it. Your feedback is vital because our success is intertwined.
Balance.
We believe a healthy and happy team can better address our clients’ needs and support our personal growth. So we’ve instituted a firm-wide commitment to a healthy environment, active and healthy lifestyles, and healthy and thriving communities where we live and work.
We work hard but we also play hard, and allow our people ample freedom to pursue personal interests and family activities that keep our lives whole, harmonious and meaningfully productive.
Community.
At ECC, diversity is not a program; it is our strength. We bring to the table real-world perspectives from varied gender, cultural, national, linguistic, racial, and class experience.
We’ve made a commitment to respect the environment. From our LEED Certified office, we take recycling efforts seriously and make every effort to avoid paper waste by maintaining most of our work product in electronic files.Our attorneys volunteer in youth organizations, Bar associations, and other community groups that improve lives. We are committed to providing pro bono legal counsel and we give back to the community by supporting cultural and other philanthropic interests and by sponsoring monthly in-house charity drives that benefit those organizations that are important to and selected by our employees.
Furthermore, ECC regularly contributes to various recognized charitable organizations, including: The Camillus House, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Operation Smile, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation, Children's Home Society, Raices de Esperanza, Marino Autism Research Institute, May Kay Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Wounded Warrior Project, and various disaster relief efforts.
