Caesar Rivise, PC

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
I think if there were a better oversight of the projects that were being worked on, there would be quicker progression on them and we would have been less frustrated.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
This was a great place to work in IP law. I find IP law to be especially interesting to me. It isn't the regular discipline that most attorneys practice, but I love it. I really liked learning more about it here.

What did you not like about this institution?
A lot of the clients in IP law (in general, not just at this firm) are really demanding. There were times that work could get hectic and we'd get really frustrated working here. Fortunately, we'd always finish the project and it would boil over.

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Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Hire new people and do not nickle and dime customers

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
None

What did you not like about this institution?
Not many of the people there actually know what they are doing. They just want to run up bills and overcharge everyone.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
None.

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
None. The best attorneys either have gotten old (> 70 yrs) and dull, or have left.

What did you not like about this institution?
Rocked by an ongoing stream of attorney departures, intellectual property boutique Caesar Rivise is showing signs of financial strain, if not extinction. In April 2019, Caesar Rivise's shareholders announced to its attorneys that it was having trouble with profitablity and as a result, had to change its compensation to an "eat what you kill" structure. Since then, the firm bled talent, losing half of its attorneys and its paralegals. In July 2019, the firm fired 5 attorneys (some by text message!), after the firm learned that they were (not surprisingly) seeking positions elsewhere. The firm now lists a total of 11 attorneys, according to its website; however, more than half of the remaining attorneys are WELL OVER 65 years old. To call the firm stale would be an understatement. By comparison, the firm had 20 lawyers at the beginning of 2019 and a high of 27 in 2007. Ever since current managing partner David Tener took over management of the firm, Caesar Rivise has struggled amidst issues of succession, paying off former shareholders and business development. At this point, the firm is a shell of its once prestigious self. It has become a reflection of its current managing shareholder David Tener - a nickel and dime, commoditized patent prosecution practice for foreign associates.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
All. Given the financial instability of the firm, closure/winding up of the firm is inevitable. Therefore, clients would be wise to take their business to a stable, more competent firm.

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
None.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

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Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
none

What did you not like about this institution?
Things seem to be spinning out of control for this firm under the guidance of current managing and sole shareholder David Tener in the wake of the recent departure of two partners, one of which was the firm's leading litigator and rainmaker over the past 10+ years. Surely, it's not good. One wondered whether the firm would be able to survive following the departure of half of the firm's staff after the announcement of poor profitability and financial concerns in 2019. These and other concerns followed in 2020. This included, among other things, a huge loss in a straightforward unfair competition matter primarily handled by the firm's senior attorneys for more than seven years. (See Newborn Bros. v. Albion Engineering Co., No. 12-2999, DNJ); and the precipitous August 28, 2020 entries of appearance by senior attorneys in several matters being handled solely by a junior partner. Poor micromanagement, succession issues (half of the firm is >70 yrs old), the paying off of former shareholders and other financial issues continue to plague the firm. There must be a toxic and uncertain cloud surrounding this firm. It's the only conclusion that can be drawn after the significant departure of two well-regarded attorneys.

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

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Senior Management:

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Length of Employment:
10+ years

What would you, or others, like to see changed at employer?
Get rid of David and Melissa

What were the things that you liked most about this employer?
None

What did you not like about this institution?
The 2 people running this place have only worked in one firm. David and Melissa are horrible. They are greedy, sneaky and mean. They worry about how much money they make and take advantage of the rest of the attorneys and staff. There has been a tremendous turnover with the horrible management. U am surprised that they haven't closed yet.

People, departments, offices, products, services and whatever comes to mind that should be avoided at this institution
David Tener

How could this employer run its business to employees or the public better?
None

Career Opportunities:

Compensation & Benefits:

Work/Life Balance:

Senior Management:

Culture & Values:

Length of Employment:
10+ years