20 UNDER 40: Jon Schmaltz : Inbusiness

Attorney Jon Schmaltz became a partner of the Valparaiso law firm Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP in 2006 when he was only 32. He grew up in Michigan City and earned his undergraduate degree at Purdue University in 1996 before attending the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis. Schmaltz met his wife, a nurse at Porter Hospital, in Indianapolis and they moved back to the region so he could join his current firm.

“I already knew a couple attorneys at the firm before making plans to go there and as I got to know the firm and its lawyers better it’s really what drew us here,” he says. “I like it here and the community is as good or better as anywhere else we might have ended up.”

Schmaltz chose a legal career because he discovered a passion for business and law during his time at Purdue.

“I had several professors who took the time to help me identify those passions and form personal and professional goals, one of which was to study law and enter the private practice,” he says.

Schmaltz said he was inspired by math professors in particular who helped him become aware of the importance of applying analytical and critical thinking skills across disciplines.

“I also had several adjunct professors – all lawyers – who gave me my first perspective on the legal profession,” he said.

Schmaltz specializes in business and real estate transactions, as well as some estate planning. What he enjoys most about his profession is its variety. No two days, two clients, and two legal matters are exactly the same.

Please read the rest of the article at nwitimes.com.