Erin Beckerman | YWCA Women of Excellence
Erin Beckerman
Shareholder | Partner
Riordan, Fincher & Beckerman, P.A.
Erin A. Beckerman is a shareholder at Riordan, Fincher & Beckerman, P.A., and practices in the areas of commercial banking and business law. Erin earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas, graduating with distinction. Erin attended Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated with high honors.
After four years at the firm, based upon the quality of her work and her ability to communicate and connect with clients, the honoree was made a shareholder in 2015, and she was subsequently made a named partner in 2017.
The honoree is a commercial law attorney. She has developed a portfolio of bank and commercial clients and handles all client matters, including bankruptcy, complex litigation, employment, and compliance issues. She handles office administration, including employment matters, recruitment, and hiring for her firm.
Erin is actively involved in a variety of community service activities, including both professional and civic not-for-profit organizations. Erin is the past president of the Topeka Area Bankruptcy Council. Erin is the former membership chair and the current treasurer of the Women Attorneys Association of Topeka. Erin is an active member of the Kansas Bar Association, the Topeka Bar Association, and the Kansas Women Attorneys Association. She is involved in and supports her local community and her local schools along with her husband, who is a public educator.
The honoree excels in her professional capacities while actively helping to raise and serve as a role model for her two young sons. The honoree is dedicated to raising her sons to recognize and respect women of excellence. One of her most recent moments of pride in motherhood came when her 5 year old son enthusiastically recognized Ruth Bader Ginsburg's cameo appearance in The Lego Movie 2.
TK: What inspires you?
ERIN: I have two boys, ages 5 and 2, who inspire me daily. They both have such a zest for life and are so curious about the world around them. They inspire me to be present, to find wonder in the everyday and to strive to be the kind of person I want them to be when they grow up.
TK: What advice do you have for others?
ERIN: Be open to new possibilities and do not be afraid to challenge yourself. When I was younger, I never dreamed of being a lawyer, but I ended up loving the study of law and the challenges the practice of law presents. I also never expected to work in private practice, but I have been at our firm for over seven years now. The work is interesting and challenging, and I love the people I work with. I would encourage anyone starting out in their careers to keep an open mind as they face new challenges. It may surprise you what opportunity ends up being the right fit for you.
TK: What is the greatest lesson you have learned on your journey?
ERIN: My greatest lessons so far have come from my mom. She is a brilliant woman. She taught math, and loves the subject, but is also a voracious reader of literature. She is one of the strongest people I know, and also one of the most compassionate and caring. From her I learned that you don’t have to be just one thing. You can explore whatever speaks to you. Because of this, she has always encouraged me to pursue any dream or goal. As I have gotten older, I have realized that the example she set and the support she offered, and continues to offer, is such a gift.
The YWCA is on a mission to empower women at all stages in their careers. Diversity in leadership is particularly vital to our vibrant business community in the Greater Topeka Area.
The YWCA is celebrating 31 years of recognizing Women of Excellence in our community with the theme “Dare to be Powerful.” We dare to be powerful, despite whatever obstacles may present themselves along the way.
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
- Audre Lorde
