After experiencing considerable growth in the last three years, law firm
Hilger Hammond decided it was time to expand its offices into the full 2,700-square-foot second floor of the Minhaar Building in downtown Grand Rapids.
Hilger Hammond partner and founder Steve Hilger says the company has grown from a one-person shop in 2008 to seven people this year, including four attorneys. The firm seeks to add an accountant in 2012. Hilger says it's important to hire a person with skills, but more important to get the right personality fit.
"Whoever we hire needs to be able to fit within our environment because we have a cohesive team environment," Hilger says. "We want people who get along with everybody and contribute to the team. We don't have many defined roles. I might argue in the Supreme Court in the morning and take the garbage out in the afternoon."
Hilger Hammond purchased the second floor of the building at 49 Monroe Center NW where it had already occupied a suite. The renovation resulted in what Hilger calls a "high cool factor" created by accenting the loft space and its high ceilings with light-hued woods and an emphasis on lighting.
"There are some very cool things happening around here -- the UICA building near us, the whole entertainment district on Ionia with HopCat and others," Hilger says. "Cooley Law on Commerce Avenue has completely redeveloped and changed that neighborhood. I've been here 22 years and watched the city change from semi-blighted and blighted to what it is now. We're committed to staying here and being part of the community."
Source: Steve Hilger, Hilger Hammond
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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