Former Milwaukee Law Firm Partner Faces Federal Prison for Tax Evasion
Eric E. Lenzen, a former prominent partner at the Milwaukee-based law firm Husch Blackwell, is on the verge of a federal prison sentence after agreeing to plead guilty to tax evasion charges. Court documents reveal that Lenzen failed to pay taxes on approximately $3.4 million of income earned in 2016 and 2017. This significant legal development has sent ripples through the legal community, particularly because of Lenzen’s previous stature in the industry.
Lenzen, who transitioned to Dykema Law after leading Husch Blackwell’s national Financial Services & Capital Markets Industry team, faced scrutiny after being placed on leave in May 2021 to address his financial and tax issues. The plea agreement suggests a recommended sentence of no more than 16 months, which is notably less than the 30 to 37 months advised by federal sentencing guidelines.
As part of his plea, Lenzen has consented to make restitution for nearly $4 million in unpaid taxes, including interest and penalties, spanning from 2016 to 2021. The agreement details Lenzen’s substantial earnings over the years, highlighting his failure to fulfill his tax obligations despite his seven-figure income. In one instance, he owed $171,031 in federal income taxes for his 2016 earnings alone.
The plea agreement explicitly states that Lenzen was aware of his legal responsibility to pay these taxes but chose not to do so. His law license is currently suspended due to non-compliance with continuing legal education requirements, as indicated by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s lawyer search site.
The case has attracted attention partly because of the rarity with which law firms publicly discuss internal disputes or disciplinary actions against partners. Husch Blackwell’s statement about firing Lenzen for “highly irregular activity” was an unusual move, as noted by The American Lawyer. Despite the controversy, Lenzen was lauded by Dykema upon his arrival at the firm, underscoring his extensive experience representing various clients in the financial sector.
As the legal proceedings continue, Lenzen’s attorney has not responded to requests for comment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of tax evasion and the importance of adherence to tax laws, even for those in the highest echelons of the legal profession.