A Conversation with Stephen Beck

Joel Crouch sits down for a conversation with Stephen Beck. Mr. Beck has been with the firm for 17 years. He joined the firm in 2005 and became a partner in 2011. He attended the University of Texas and earned his BBA, with high honors, in 1995. He also attended the University of Texas School of Law earning his J.D., with honors, in 1998. After law school, he moved to Washington, D.C. where he worked at one of the nation's premier litigation firms and attended Georgetown University School of Law earning his LL.M. in Taxation, with distinction, in 2000. He remained in Washington, DC for five years practicing tax law and then returned to Texas with his family and joined Meadows Collier. From an early age, Steve knew he wanted to be a lawyer. His first year of law school was tough and he wasn't sure what type of law he wanted to practice but after taking several tax courses, he discovered taxes impact all business decisions. As a tax planning lawyer, Steve works with entrepreneurs, privately-held companies, individuals buying and selling businesses and is involved with cross-border transactions involving taxpayers owning businesses outside the U.S. Mr. Beck enjoys problem-solving, especially difficult tax problems that clients are uncertain how to treat. His favorite thing about practicing law is the relationships he develops and his least favorite thing about practicing law is billable hours and the housekeeping items associated with a law practice. He attributes the success of his practice to caring about his clients and colleagues. Hear Steve's best advice to new lawyers and whether he thinks his law practice is successful due to his hard work, luck or both.