Why Work Here

Our Clients

Lane & Waterman has a reputation for performing legal work of the highest quality and standards.  Our clients range from multi-national, Fortune 500 corporations to local businesses of all sizes.  Litigation clients retain Lane & Waterman in cases ranging from multi-million dollar class actions to modest lawsuits.  Our firm represents a major media company, a major department store chain, casinos, financial institutions, wireless communications providers, utilities, property and casualty insurers, school districts, hospitals and other healthcare providers, manufacturers, real-estate developers, contractors, and tax-exempt organizations.  The firm also serves the business and personal planning needs of individuals and families.

We have a sophisticated, metropolitan practice.  For example, in 2005 we represented the buyer of a NYSE media company in a transaction valued at $1.46 billion and played a major role in prosecuting and settling a class action, resulting in payment to policy holders of a minimum of $100 million.

Our Reputation

Lane & Waterman has established a reputation of trustworthiness and knowledge that extends beyond its local community to a national level.  Lane & Waterman earned the "Best Law Firm" Tier 1 ranking in the inaugural U.S. News -- Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" survey in eight practice areas -- Corporate, Employee Benefits, Mergers & Acquisitions, Real Estate, Trusts & Estates, Gaming, General Commercial Litigation, and Medical Malpractice (Defendants).

Lane & Waterman attracts individuals who are extremely motivated, have proven academic success and seek a fulfilling practice of law.  Eleven of Lane & Waterman lawyers have been recognized by their peers in the prestigious national publication, The Best Lawyers in America 2011.  Best Lawyers is the oldest and most highly-respected peer review guide to the legal profession worldwide.

The firm and eight of its partners are ranked in the Chambers USA Guide to America's Leading Lawyers.  The firm's practice areas recognized include: Corporate/M&A; Labor & Employment; Litigation:General Commercial; and Real Estate.  Chambers USA ranks firms and lawyers based on interviews with clients and fellow lawyers.

The firm and several of its partners are also recognized by the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.  Lane & Waterman is consistently ranked AV by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings and is listed in its Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

Our Culture

The continuity of Lane & Waterman's attorneys attests to the collegial atmosphere fostered at the firm.  Our attorneys work together across practice areas and alongside our legal assistants and support staff.  Open communication thrives and attorneys often draw upon the experience and expertise of their fellow attorneys.

Our Community

The quality of work we provide is matched by the quality of life the area offers.  Members of our firm are enthusiastic and committed to their work and also enjoy a full and varied life outside of work.  Davenport and Rock Island are part of a larger metropolitan area commonly referred to as the "Quad Cities.  "The Quad Cities is a vibrant community with big city attractions and small town sensibilities.  With a population of more than 375,000, the Quad Cities offers many of the amenities of larger cities alongside affordable housing and great neighborhoods.

The Quad Cities offer numerous cultural and recreational activities, including museums, theatre performances, professional sports teams, numerous outdoor festivals, public golf courses, almost 100 miles of bike trails, and activities on and alongside the Mississippi River.

Our Compensation Package

Lane & Waterman offers a unique compensation system for our partners.  Lane & Waterman is a true partnership.  This structure creates a truly collegial atmosphere and attorneys work together across practice areas to ensure clients gain from the collective experience of the whole.  Our clients reap the benefit of this system, receiving the highest quality work, from experienced attorneys, at the greatest value.

Our compensation package is extremely competitive for our area for both associates and staff.  Other benefits include health, life and disability insurance; a retirement program that includes a voluntary 401(k) plan after one year of service; and a generous contribution to a profit-sharing plan.  Lane & Waterman also provides an array of wellness programs for healthy family lifestyles.

The firm handles all fees for memberships in bar associations and legal organizations and reimburses associates for bar exam fees.  Attendance at CLE courses is required for both federal and state courts in Iowa and Illinois and the firm pays for all approved courses, including travel and lodging.

Our Flexibility

Recognizing and responding to the evolving needs of the profession, the changing times and the changing world of law, Lane & Waterman offers lawyers flexible, part-time arrangements to balance demands outside the workplace with their continuing legal careers.