Member Spotlight: Goehl, Schuering, Cassens and Bier
Attorney Chris Schuering, partner in the law firm of Goehl, Schuering, Cassens and Bier, says that it is much easier to 
address a problem in advance than it is to clean up a mess after something goes wrong. It’s less expensive, too.
“There is a huge advantage to starting off on the right foot, whatever the business or issue,” says Schuering. “Some business owners are afraid that contacting a lawyer for advice will be too expensive, but a good discussion with legal counsel early in the process can be extremely cost effective.”
The law firm, located at 506 Vermont, started with just two partners, Russell Goehl and Jack Adams, on Jan. 1, 1968. Today, the firm includes Goehl, Donald and Chris Schuering, Mark Cassens, Barney Bier and seven support staff. With more than 50 years’ experience, Goehl is the true general practitioner. Each attorney practices in multiple areas of law, but also has a few areas in which they focus. Bier focuses on criminal law and all types of litigation; Don Schuering represents clients in divorce cases and provides civil litigation, including personal injury work, and criminal litigation; Cassens represents businesses and also focuses on civil litigation, estate planning and bankruptcy, and Chris Schuering focuses on corporate law as well as many types of civil litigation. They work together to serve their clients in all areas.
“I work with entrepreneurs who are just starting their business as well as companies that have been in business for decades,” says Chris Schuering. “I often help new business owners decide how to organize their company, whether that’s as a corporation, sole proprietor, or limited liability company. I may help a family member or long-time employee purchase the company from the current owner.”
Schuering then helps the business owner maintain the business. He drafts and reviews contracts for services, products, real estate, etc., and he litigates those contracts when there is a dispute. He also files paperwork for government regulating agencies such as the Illinois Commerce Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
“Lawyers are paid to talk, so I often appear before the Quincy City Council or another government entity and advocate for my business client,” says Schuering. “But I’m also paid to listen and analyze when there are objections to our proposal. I help my client work through those challenges.”
Schuering says that long-time clients often include attorneys in discussions beyond legal issues.
“We’re honored when they trust us enough to be included in strategy, vision and resource discussions. We are not involved in the day-to-day operation and we see so many different issues among our business clients that we often can provide a different perspective. Sometimes we can see the bigger picture,” says Schuering.
“I continue to learn from the business community and I enjoy using what I’ve learned to help my clients,” says the attorney who earned his undergraduate degree in business and marketing and who will retire from the Chamber Board of Directors in December after six years of service. “I’ve learned a lot from sitting on the Chamber Board of Directors and being around those business leaders as they discuss issues and challenges that face our business community. It’s always good to be around and learn from seasoned leaders.”
For more information about legal services provided by Goehl, Schuering, Cassens and Bier, call (217) 224-2555.
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