Our Story
The seeds of what became the law firm of Beck Rocker & Habig, LLC. were planted in 1969, when Art Beck graduated from Indiana University Law School in Indianapolis and moved his family to Columbus to work with Leon Cline. Sadly, Leon Cline passed away in 1984. After losing his mentor, Art struck out on his own and started this firm in 1985.
Art founded this firm on the belief that clients are better served by attorneys who focus their practice in limited areas. As a former accountant, Art limited his practice primarily to corporate law and estate planning. This work allowed his partner, Woody Harrison, to focus on advocating for the rights of injured Hoosiers. This dedicated focus, along with a commitment to clients that is second to none, has allowed BRH to serve corporations and individuals in the Columbus area for nearly 40 years.
Jeff Beck joined the firm in 1997. Despite being a self-described "utility infielder", Jeff has strived to limit his practice to civil litigation, real estate and corporate law. His willingness to "outwork the competition" bolstered the firm's injury practice as well, securing the largest injury verdict in the history of Bartholomew County.
In 2005, Jeff Rocker, already a seasoned practitioner, merged with the firm, adding more capacity to the firm's business law focus. Jeff, not to be confused the "the other Jeff", expanded the firm's estate planning and real estate practices, including a greater focus on real estate development.
In 2017, Jeff and Jeff added a long-time friend and civil litigator, Eric Habig, as a partner renewing the firm's dedication to protecting and advocating for victims as Indiana personal injury lawyers. Eric has built a staff that is both dedicated and experienced, allowing them to work efficiently as a team to secure the best result for our clients.
Continuing to build on Art's concept of "focused practice", Justin Gifford joined the practice following ten years as in house counsel for an environmental company in Indianapolis. Environmental law combines all of the complexities of science with all of the minutia of governmental regulation. Having that experience in house has been frequently used tool for BRH's real estate clients.
In 2021-2022, the firm experienced its largest period of growth by far. The graying of America did not pass over lawyers. During a period where the State of Indiana has seen record wave of retirement in practicing attorneys, paired with lower law school application rates (and dismal bar passage rates to boot); BRH has added two new associate attorneys, Tara Herlitz and Tim Cochren. Tara has 11 years of experience having practiced in Californian and for the State of Hawaii before joining BRH. Tim has 7 years of experience having practiced with one of the largest trucking and transportation laws firms in the country.
BRH is able to provide excellent and attentive service to clients who need an Indiana personal injury attorney or assistance involving business, real estate, or any of its other practice areas, due in large part to its team approach and its experienced and professional staff.
- Business Services
- Real Estate Law
- Personal Injury / Wrongful Death
- Civil Litigation
- Environmental Law
- Estate or Trust Administration
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Transportation Law