A former partner at two major U.S. law firms has been sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to failing to pay his federal income taxes for multiple years. Eric Lenzen, 44, a former partner at Husch Blackwell and Dykema Gossett, was sentenced on Tuesday in a Milwaukee federal court.
Lenzen’s case highlights the serious consequences of tax evasion, particularly for professionals in high-income industries. Federal prosecutors revealed that Lenzen, who was a prominent figure in Husch Blackwell’s financial services and capital markets group, failed to pay over $3.9 million in taxes, interest, and penalties for the years 2016 and 2020. His lavish spending on private jets, jewelry, and golf memberships contributed to his financial troubles, which ultimately led to the criminal charges against him.
In May, Lenzen admitted to two misdemeanor charges of willfully failing to pay federal income taxes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Stewart described Lenzen’s actions as part of a “prolonged course of conduct,” explaining that Lenzen had “repeatedly lied to IRS employees and maneuvered funds” to avoid paying his dues while continuing to live an extravagant lifestyle.
Lenzen’s sentencing comes after his departure from Husch Blackwell in January 2022, when the firm placed him on leave due to financial and personal issues. He joined Dykema Gossett shortly after, but left the firm in April 2023, just before his tax-related charges were made public.
Despite the legal outcome, the law firms involved have declined to comment further on the case or Lenzen’s sentencing. A restitution amount has yet to be determined by U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin, who presided over the hearing. Lenzen’s attorneys did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the tax obligations faced by professionals, even those in high-ranking legal positions, and the severe consequences of neglecting these responsibilities.
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