DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO MORIN & OSHINSKY

About Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky

Client Challenge

Dickstein Shapiro wanted its professionals to have access to the office whenever they needed it, often late at night, on weekends and holidays. The firm also needed to protect its physical assets – computers and data – from damage. Like any business, the firm experienced sporadic incidences of theft and needed to track the movement of guests and employees when necessary.

Upon opening a New York office in 1997, the firm wanted to offer its traveling professionals a single card to access both offices. Having the same type of systems in each office – computers, telephones and security – would make the firm’s professionals more efficient.

Dickstein Shapiro elected to outsource the responsibilities associated with its security system. According to Sharon O’Meara, Chief Administrative Officer, “We’re experts at practicing law; we’re not experts in security.”

Problem Solved by Kastle

Twenty years ago, Dickstein Shapiro chose Kastle to design, install, maintain and run its security system. Kastle’s system addressed all of Dickstein Shapiro’s immediate needs in Washington, D.C. More importantly, the system was flexible enough to accommodate the firm’s significant growth in personnel and the corresponding expansion and reconfiguration of its space.

In Washington, D.C., alone, Dickstein Shapiro has expanded dramatically, to more than 300 employees across multiple floors. The firm is presently building a 400,000 square foot facility, and Kastle is providing expert advice as to how it can best secure the building. Dickstein Shapiro’s security system remains vital after more than two decades because Kastle provides a host of ongoing system management services that ensure the system’s functionality meets the firm’s ever-changing needs.

24/7 Monitoring. Kastle monitors alarms, fire and other critical mechanical/electronic systems, including life safety. For both the Washington, D.C. and the New York offices, Kastle initiates the appropriate response to alarms and notifies Dickstein Shapiro when the temperature and other environmental conditions fluctuate, which might jeopardize computers and client data.

Programming. Kastle modifies the configuration of the system as required and performs the requisite ongoing programming to ensure all security devices in the system continue to work properly.

New features and functionality. Dickstein Shapiro continually benefits from new features and functionality. Initially, changing the authorized access on employee cards (as employees were hired, promoted or terminated) was effected by a Kastle customer service representative at the direction of a Dickstein Shapiro employee. Now, a single Dickstein Shapiro employee in Washington, D.C. administers cards and runs reports for both the D.C. and the New York office over the Internet (or may elect to call Kastle directly).

Seamless changes and upgrades. Kastle implements ongoing changes and upgrades to Dickstein Shapiro’s hardware and software. Ms. O’Meara states, “Kastle has constantly improved and upgraded things behind the scenes. It’s seamless to us because Kastle knows what it’s doing.”

New construction consultation. Kastle is currently working with Dickstein Shapiro and its architects during the planning and construction of their new building. By reviewing drawings and suggesting locations for access points and security devices, Kastle professionals will maximize the system’s functionality and longevity.

A Twenty-plus Year Relationship