The History
A number of years ago Walt Krueger attended a practice management program for dentists and chiropractors in Minneapolis.
The luncheon program focused on selling your practice in a way that Walt felt would not work for lawyers because of the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPCs) for lawyers. The speaker said he thought it would. So this conversation planted the seed for what eventually became Krueger Beck, PLLC.
After study of the RPCs, Walt concluded the best way to create value for the selling attorney and help the younger purchasing attorney, was through a partnership over several years. During this period both attorneys would work together while the younger attorney learned, grew in skills and developed relationships with the firm’s clients.
Jessica Beck was a paralegal in a Kirkland personal injury practice and had started law school. She told her old employers (friends of Walt) that she wanted to focus on Estate Planning. They introduced Walt and Jessica over sandwiches one day in the park. And the rest is history.
Jessica worked as Walt’s paralegal for two years while completing her law studies at Seattle University, then as an associate attorney for two years. Eight years ago they formed Krueger Beck, PLLC and the firm has prospered to the benefit of both. The starting date for this partnership was April 1st so they call themselves The April Fools.
Most sole proprietors just close their doors at the end of their careers. But when Walt retires, he knows his clients will be well cared for under the competent hands of Jessica, and the excellent staff they have gathered in Krueger Beck, PLLC.
Today
Fast forward more than ten years from Walt and Jessica becoming partners, and Jessica is now a thriving, well-established attorney in the legal community, managing a full caseload, while mentoring her new partner and continuing to serve her community as a board member for Lake Washington Institute of Technology Foundation Board. Jessica has served the Kirkland community in various roles over the years including president and board member of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, pro bono attorney for the Eastside Legal Assistance Program, receiving the volunteer of the year award, all the while making space in her legal career to stay connected to her community.
The legacy of commitment and service to the community is ingrained in how KBK serves both clients and the community in which they reside. This commitment connected Jessica’s current partner to the firm, Jessica Kravitz. The Jessica’s met through a mutual friend and colleague in the Kirkland. Taking that same path paved by Walt Krueger and Jessica Beck, Jessica K. began her trajectory with the firm in her final year of law school, then worked as an associate attorney for two years under the tutelage of both Walt and Jessica B. Jessica K. has long been involved in the Redmond community by way of her passion for the arts as a former City of Redmond Arts and Culture Commissioner and founder of the non-profit, 501c3 arts organization, VALA Eastside. Jessica K. is co-owner of Ryan James Fine Arts located in Kirkland and currently sits on the OneRedmond Foundation Board as Vice President and serves as President of the Redmond Kiwanis Club.
The Jessica’s strive to continue Walt’s legacy and commitment to the community by KBK serving as a sponsor of organizations like the Little Black Dress Party which raises funds for women and children in need of legal assistance and the Kirkland Kiwanis Club which focuses on youth development through educational scholarships. Giving back to the community in meaningful ways is a priority for KBK. Whether its service with integrity for our clients, sharing knowledge and creating pathways for new attorneys, or giving back to our community in big and small ways everyday, KBK will continue to flourish with service to community as its mission.