Eastham, Watson, Dale & Forney, L.L.P.

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
The firm has a rich history and I think management should make sure that they are honoring that tradition and building the firm into what it could be.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
The best aspect of working at Eastham, Watson is that you get ample opportunity for litigation experience. I think I gained more direct litigation experience than almost anyone else that I graduated law school with.

What did you not like about this institution?
Although I think working at Eastham, Watson was good for my career and that I learned a lot, it wasn't a great experience for me personally. The firm can feel like a club and new, or young, lawyers are outsiders.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
You can't keep associates until you bring Christina Schovajas under control or eliminate her. Let new associates do actual law work.. Christina is the gatekeeper on everything and does not allow new associates any work unless she approves, Therefore new associates cannot do anything until she is not too busy to assign work.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Best of the firm is Tom Stanley, who is personable and has years of experience he is willing to share. Unfortunately, you will get into trouble with Christina Schovajas if you consult with him, because she does not like him.

What did you not like about this institution?
Christina Schovajas. Worst supervisor/person on earth. Thrives on humiliating people. She works herself to death by trying to control everything in every case and every management decision, consequently is is overworked, stressed, and extremely irritable.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
Christina Schovajas. She is extremely nasty in her attitude and comments. Unfortunately, she insists on micro-control of everything in the firm. She works very hard and cares about her clients, but is unwilling to let anyone help her.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Nothing other than Tom Stanley. Turnover in staff is very high as are associates. Management is very bad. There are some very good and nice staff members if they can avoid being fired.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
You can't keep associates until you bring Christina Schovajas under control or eliminate her. Let new associates do actual law work.. Christina is the gatekeeper on everything and does not allow new associates any work unless she approves, Therefore new associates cannot do anything until she is not too busy to assign work.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Best of the firm is Tom Stanley, who is personable and has years of experience he is willing to share. Unfortunately, you will get into trouble with Christina Schovajas if you consult with him, because she does not like him.

What did you not like about this institution?
Christina Schovajas. Worst supervisor/person on earth. Thrives on humiliating people. She works herself to death by trying to control everything in every case and every management decision, consequently is is overworked, stressed, and extremely irritable.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
Christina Schovajas. She is extremely nasty in her attitude and comments. Unfortunately, she insists on micro-control of everything in the firm. She works very hard and cares about her clients, but is unwilling to let anyone help her.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Nothing other than Tom Stanley. Turnover in staff is very high as are associates. Management is very bad. There are some very good and nice staff members if they can avoid being fired.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Let James Bailey manage the associates so Christina only has to worry about where she’s eating lunch for free that day. It has the dual benefit of allowing associates to actually learn practical litigation skills from a talented attorney and minimizes Christina’s contact with all staff and attorneys.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Bob and the free alcohol

What did you not like about this institution?
Christina Schovajsa

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
Christina Schovajsa. Glorified paralegal with zero litigation experience.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Handing in my notice.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
I don’t really have advice for the firm. It already accommodates the needs of the employees and I think that is amazing.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Eastham, Watson, Dale & Forney is a great place to work for both entry-level and experienced positions. Established in 1939, the success of the firm speaks for itself and can be easily tracked. They have several long term clients who appreciate their services and have been recognized as the best in their field. Also, like many other law firms, they offer competitive salary/benefits. The partners are highly organized and give very precise instructions. You will learn a lot because there is so much experience to gain. The partners will guide you and provide feedback for mutual success.

What did you not like about this institution?
It is located in Downtown Houston so we do have traffic.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
This is a professional office and I wouldn’t feel the need to avoid anybody. I have never encountered anything with management that I wouldn’t encounter in another professional office. I will say if you don’t commit to your position, do not expect to be recognized or rewarded (which may be the reason for the previous reviews).

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Friday Burritos!! Just kidding, although it is one of the many nice things the partners do for us. They do watch out for the employees in terms of taking care of your health and family. It’s important to work for bosses that understand you have a life outside of work and I am so grateful for that.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Cut out the cancerous cells from the firm (Christina). The legal community is too small to treat people the way Christina does and Bob allows or encourages her behavior. Don't take my word for it as most recruiters that know the Houston market will tell associates to keep a wide berth. $200K wouldn't compensate you enough to work there.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
Tom Stanley and James Bailey are good attorneys and better people and Bob is undoubtedly a good attorney. They work hard for their clients.

What did you not like about this institution?
The firm has dwindled from 20+ lawyers to 4-5. It will never see a return glory as a result of Christina's complete lack of management skills. I suspect once Bob retires the firm will shutter as there is zero chance Christina will be able to keep associates on staff.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
Christina (tragically unavoidable). She thrives off humiliation, struggles to articulate her instructions, and lacks even a modicum of empathy. I've worked with many attorneys both good and bad, even one who threw a water bottle at an associate. Christina still takes the cake.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
Handing in my resignation.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years