Hilger Hammond is pleased to announce that attorney Aileen Leipprandt has been selected as a Leader in the Law in the State of Michigan.  To be selected as a Leader in the Law, leaders must demonstrate a high level of success in the legal profession, a passion for the law and to serve their clients and the community, and a record of achievements that displays strength of character and the ability to be a leader in the Michigan legal community.  On March 21, Aileen and 29 other leaders in the law were honored at a luncheon in Troy, Michigan.

Aileen has a focused practice in the area of commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law.  She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, and suppliers.  “Aileen is a highly-experienced and well-trained advocate for the construction industry who has served in both a public and private capacity in representing players from all sectors of the industry,” says partner Steve Hilger.  For the past 23 years, Aileen has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Contracts, Green Building, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act. 

Hilger Hammond is pleased to announce that attorney Mark Rysberg has been admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Mark focuses his practice in commercial litigation, supplemented by ten years of experience in the commercial construction and real estate industries. He brings this depth of knowledge to his clients, providing both business and legal advice.  

Steve Hilger will present  “Top 10 Contract Killers” at the Construction Financial Management Association, Western Michigan Chapter, on April 25, 2013.  The lunch meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Stonewater Country Club in Caledonia, Michigan.

Steve Hilger is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country. He is also involved in extensive contract preparation and review, including contracts in the construction industry, material purchase orders, vendor agreements, documents involving the Uniform Commercial Code, licensing agreements, and multiple other commercial contracts and related documents. 

Steve Hilger will present  “Clearing the Path Towards a Successful Project”, at the Building Envelope Symposium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. The Symposium will be presented by the Building Construction Technology Education Center, a division of StructureTec. 

Discussion will be held on all components of a project from conception through post-construction sustainability and will provide pointers on risk mitigation through the various stages. For more information on the Building Envelope Symposium, go to https://www.bctec.org/

Hilger Hammond is pleased to announce that attorney Mark Rysberg was sworn into the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He was sworn in on January 28, 2013 before U.S. District Court Judge Gershwin Drain.

Hilger Hammond routinely handles Federal Court matters and Rysberg’s ability to practice in the Eastern District of Michigan will expand their capacity to represent clients in the Federal Court system.

Mark focuses his practice in commercial litigation, supplemented by ten years of experience in the commercial construction and real estate industries. He brings this depth of knowledge to his clients, providing both business and legal advice.  

Steve Hilger, attorney and partner with the law firm, Hilger Hammond, has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of the Associated Builders and Contractors, West Michigan Chapter (ABC). Mr. Hilger's appointment to the board is an acknowledgement of his role as a sought-after advisor to the construction industry. 

Steve Hilger is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country. 

Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that attorney Aileen Leipprandt has been selected for inclusion into the 2013 Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers. This will be the second year that Ms. Leipprandt has received this honor, which is exclusively reserved for women attorneys who have received the highest rating in both legal ability and ethical standards from their peers.  Less than 5 percent of women lawyers have been recognized with an AV Preeminent Rating.

Aileen has a focused practice in the area of construction law and related litigation, including contract review, preparation, and negotiation, and pre-suit claims evaluation and facilitation. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, and suppliers.

 “Aileen is a highly-experienced and well-trained advocate for the construction industry who has served in both a public and private capacity in representing players from all sectors of the industry,” says partner Steve Hilger.

For the past 20 years, Aileen has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act.

West Michigan Construction Lawyers Aileen Leipprandt and Steve Hilger  will deliver the presentation “Litigation and Building Information Modeling  to the Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering in Chesterfield, Missouri, on January 16, 2013.  The presentation will include information on building information modeling, integrated project delivery and the top 20 contract clauses. The program has been designed to permit attendees to qualify for 3 Learning Units through the American Institute of Architects.

Attorney Leipprandt practices in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, insurers, and suppliers.

Steve Hilger is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country. 

West Michigan Construction Lawyers Aileen Leipprandt, Steve Hilger and Ben Hammond will deliver the Legal Review 2012 “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, at the Constructions Specifications Institute Grand Rapids Chapter, January 10, 2013.

 Attorney Leipprandt practices in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, insurers, and suppliers.

Steve Hilger is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country. 

Ben Hammond is routinely engaged in construction law and complex litigation. Ben’s clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, including owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The remainder of Ben’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, business law, and commercial litigation. 

Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that the firm has received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2013 edition of U.S. News –  “Best Law Firm”.

The Tier 1 ranking is determined through a firm’s overall evaluation, which is derived from a combination of clients’ impressive feedback, and the high regard that lawyers in other firms in the same practice area have for the firm.

Hilger Hammond, P.C. provides a broad array of legal services to the construction, real estate and business communities. Some services include preparation and negotiation of complex multi-party construction agreements, defending and pursuing construction defect, and working with delay and lien claims.

Stephen Hilger was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America^® 2013 in the field of Construction Law for the sixth consecutive year.

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 36,000 leading attorneys cast almost 4.4 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Hilger is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country. 

Hilger is also involved in extensive contract preparation and review, including contracts in the construction industry, material purchase orders, vendor agreements, documents involving the Uniform Commercial Code, licensing agreements, and multiple other commercial contracts and related documents. 

Aileen Leipprandt was recently selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America^® 2013 in the field of Construction Law. 

Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 36,000 leading attorneys cast almost 4.4 million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

Leipprandt practices in the areas of commercial litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, and suppliers. Leipprandt has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act.

Ben Hammond with Hilger Hammond, PC, has been recognized as an “Up & Coming Lawyer” in 2012.
Up & Coming Lawyers are Michigan attorneys who have been practicing for 10 years or less, but who have already distinguished themselves in some manner and appear poised for even greater things. Ben Hammond, along with 19 others, will be recognized at an award ceremony that will take place December 6, 2012, at the Detroit Marriot Troy, and the winners will be profiled in Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

 
A significant portion of Hammond’s law practice concerns construction law, where he is routinely engaged in complex litigation. His clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, including owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The remainder of Hammond’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, business law, and commercial litigation.  Being a business owner himself helps Hammond relate to the challenges his clients face every day.

Hammond is a member of the Western Michigan Chapter of the American Subcontractors Association board, professional affiliate director of the American Institute of Architects-Grand Valley Chapter and a trustee of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.
He is also involved in a number of West Michigan volunteer activities including the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan, Associated General Contractors of America, State Bar of Michigan Legal Advisory Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Renucci Hospitality House and the West Michigan Construction Advancement Forum.

Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that Stephen Hilger and Aileen Leipprandt have been named “Super Lawyers” for 2012 by Super Lawyers magazine.

This is Stephen Hilger’s seventh recognition by Super Lawyers.  He is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, the United States Supreme Court, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country.

Aileen Leipprandt is being recognized by Super Lawyers for the third year in a row.  She practices in the areas of commercial litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, and suppliers. Aileen has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act.

Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The magazine names exceptional attorneys annually in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process that begins with peer nomination. Once an attorney has been nominated they are then evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement through a third-party researcher.

Hilger Hammond, P.C. provides a broad array of legal services to the construction, real estate and business communities.

West Michigan Construction Lawyer Aileen Leipprandt will deliver the 2012 Legal Review “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, at the National Association of Women in Construction Grand Rapids Chapter #194, November 14, 2012.

Attorney Leipprandt practices in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, insurers, and suppliers. For the past 20 years, she has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act. Aileen assists clients with transactional and litigation needs, including contract review, preparation, and negotiation, and pre-suit claims evaluation and facilitation.

Get more information about this event at:  http://nawic194.org.

Grand Rapids, Michigan – November 1, 2012- Benjamin Hammond has been named to the Michigan Rising Stars list as one of the top up-and-coming attorneys in Michigan for 2012.  Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state receive this honor. The selection for this respected list is made by the research team at Super Lawyers.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area.

The Rising Stars lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers magazines and in leading city and regional magazines across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers, go to superlawyers.com.

Hammond’s practice concerns construction law, where he is routinely engaged in complex litigation. Hammond’s clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, including owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The remainder of Ben’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, business law, and commercial litigation. 

 Steve Hilger and Aileen Leipprandt recently spoke at the 2012 West Michigan Design and Construction Expo, an event hosted by the Builders Exchange of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Chapter of the Construction Specification Institute. The event was held October 25, 2012.

Hilger and Leipprandt presented “IPD and BIM, Getting Teams and Systems to Play Well Together”, addressing the age-old challenge of getting construction project stake holders to act as a team.  With the increased use of building information modeling  (BIM), construction professionals are working together earlier and more closely than ever.  The presenters identified design and construction contract obligations impacted by the combined use of the IPD and BIM, offering practical insights on the pros and cons of the new project delivery model (IPD) and information sharing tool (BIM).

Ben Hammond with Hilger Hammond, PC, has been recognized in the 2012 class of “40 Under Forty” by The Grand Rapids Business Journal.

Attorney Ben Hammond, along with 39 other business leaders in West Michigan under the age of 40, were honored at an October 16th reception and featured in a special Business Journal supplement. The awards acknowledge up-and-coming leaders who are providing “business and community leadership and making a difference.”

After becoming a partner at his former law firm, Hammond made the leap with Steve Hilger to form the law firm Hilger Hammond, PC.  A significant portion of Hammond’s law practice concerns construction law, where he is routinely engaged in complex litigation. His clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, including owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The remainder of Hammond’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, business law, and commercial litigation.  Being a business owner himself helps Hammond relate to the challenges his clients face every day.

Hammond is a member of the Western Michigan Chapter of the American Subcontractors Association board, professional affiliate director of the American Institute of Architects-Grand Valley Chapter and a trustee of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

He is also involved in a number of West Michigan volunteer activities including the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan, Associated General Contractors of America, State Bar of Michigan Legal Advisory Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Renucci Hospitality House and the West Michigan Construction Advancement Forum.

September 25, 2012 — Grand Rapids construction law attorney Steve Hilger will speak about BIM – Raising the Accountability Bar for Building Performance, at the BIMForum in Tacoma, Washington, October 10, 2012.  

With the power of BIM and data rich modeling, owners can track their building’s operations, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other subsystems.  Armed with concrete information, owners can measure energy use and LEED compliance.  BIM raises the accountability bar for building design, construction and performance. 

Hilger’s presentation will examine how BIM’s results-based direction of design and  construction will impact key contract obligations,  and how BIM affects the design professional standard of care, produce and contractor warranties, the statute of limitations and direct and consequential damages provisions.

Get more information about this forum at:  http://bimforum.org/

Hilger Hammond Hammond Helps Jazz Fest Start on a Good Note

When Grand Rapids resident Audrey Sundstrom and a group of jazz aficionados decided to bring a jazz festival to West Michigan, they found they were going to need some legal advice to get started.  They called Steve Hilger, attorney and leader of The Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet. Organizers approached Hilger Hammond about setting up a non-profit corporation with 501(C)(3) tax exempt status. Throughout the year, Ben Hammond donated his time and services to help set up a non-profit organization and assist with other legal issues related to the festival.

With the help of Hilger Hammond and other sponsors, GrandJazzFest 2012 was able to offer free admission to all.  The August 18th event, held at Rosa Park Circle, was a smash hit with its West Michigan audience.

Grand Rapids construction law attorney Ben Hammond to speak about Insurance Coverage for Construction Defect Claims at the IRMI Construction Risk Conference in Orlando, FL,  November 13, 2012.

Construction defect claims are typically complex from the causation, legal and insurance coverage perspectives, which makes them particularly difficult to assess, investigate and settle. 

Hammond’s presentation will examine the key insurance coverage issues that arise in construction defect claims, from both subcontractor and additional insured perspectives.  Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of the issues that must be resolved and the insurance coverage available for construction defect losses and the protocol to follow in the event one occurs.

Get more information and register for this conference at:  http://www.irmi.com/conferences/crc/default.aspx

Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that attorney Aileen Leipprandt has been selected to participate in the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Women and Minority 2012 Fellowship for the next three years. The Forum selects a very small number of Fellows nationwide.  Aileen was chosen for her experience in construction law and her proven leadership skills.

The American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry is the largest organization of construction lawyers in the United States and abroad.  The Forum’s leadership has initiated a fellowship program for women and minority construction lawyers with the goal of introducing the Forum to women and minority construction lawyers and drawing these lawyers into the ranks of active, long-term members. The Fellowship includes opportunities for professional development, leadership and mentoring. 

Aileen practices in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, insurers, and suppliers. 

For the past 20 years, Aileen has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act. Aileen assists clients with transactional and litigation needs, including contract review, preparation, and negotiation, and pre-suit claims evaluation and facilitation.  

Hilger Hammond, PC is proud to sponsor the GRandJazzFest scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at Rosa Park Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. This free one-day event will feature jazz artists with Michigan ties. 

We are most proud to announce our own Steve Hilger will be part of the festival line-up! The Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet plays versions of jazz standards as well as original works.  Steve Hilger, who heads up the band and plays guitar, has been a folk, blues and jazz singer-songwriter since the mid 1970’s. He will be joined by John Gist on sax, Steve Talaga on keys, Randy March on drums and Charlie Hoats on fretless bass, with special guest appearances by Paul Brewer on trombone, Chris Lawrence on trumpet and Rob Mulligan on percussion.

GRandJazzFest brings together notable jazz performers as well as highlights up-and-coming artists for diverse audiences.  Attendees can enjoy music, support local businesses and visit other Grand Rapids attractions. And GRandJazzFest is free!

For more information on the GRandJazzFest, visit http://grandjazzfest.org.

Grand Rapids, Michigan – Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Hilger Hammond, PC, is pleased to announce the election of Benjamin H. Hammond as Trustee for the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Hammond will serve his term starting on July 1, 2012, adding his experience as an attorney and business owner to the strategic direction of the Grand Rapids Bar.

A significant portion of Hammond’s practice concerns construction law where he is routinely engaged in complex litigation. His clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, from owners, to design professionals, to general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. The remainder of Hammond’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, corporate and business law, and commercial litigation.

As a committed member of the construction industry, Ben frequently writes and speaks on construction related topics including contracts, liens, and legal issues for architects and design professionals. He also serves as a board member for the local chapters of the American Subcontractors Association and the American Institute of Architects, and adds his expertise to a variety of legal advisory committees.

About Hilger Hammond, PC

Hilger Hammond, PC, is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and focuses on legal matters related to construction, complex and commercial litigation, real estate, and business law.  

Stephen A. Hilger to Provide Michigan Lien and Bond Webinar for Wisconsin Credit Association May 15th

The program will review the structure of the Michigan Construction Lien and Public Bond Acts, and will provide a practical roadmap of the notices and requirements which control the lien and bond enforcement process in Michigan.  Attendees will learn about time sensitive filings, the forms to use, and how to avoid common pitfalls. 

The goal of the program is to give a working understanding of how to integrate the lien and bond notices into project administration and how to ensure that liens and bond notices are timely filed.  The program will also cover priority disputes between lenders and lien claimants, contractual clauses that can impact lien enforcement, a review of lien and bond enforcement litigation, and a discussion of how an owner or contractor bankruptcy can impact lien or bond enforcement. 

 
This program will provide an understanding of how lien and bond claims can assist in receiving payment for services and materials. The program is designed for anyone in the construction industry.

Grand Rapids, Michigan – April 16, 2012 - Attorney Mark Rysberg, with Hilger Hammond, PC, is among the contributors to a new book titled “Lawyers as Economic Drivers: The Business Case for Legal Services.” 

The book focuses on what lawyers mean to American economic productivity and welfare.  Contributors are leading lawyers who lead and influence law firms, corporate-counsel offices, agencies and other legal-
service providers.  Rysberg’s contribution includes a section on “Measuring the Value of an Ounce of Prevention.”

Rysberg’s work in commercial construction and real estate for more than a decade before practicing law, gives him added insight into the value of legal services to clients in those fields. The perspective gained from those
experiences form the foundation of his practice.  He and other members of his firm represent corporate and individual clients in everything from simple lien and bond claims to complex multi-party construction-defect disputes. 

Hilger Hammond, P.C. provides a broad array of legal services to the construction, real estate and business communities.

Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that attorney Ben Hammond has been honored as one of Michigan’s Outstanding Young Lawyers.

A significant portion of Ben’s practice concerns construction law, where he is routinely engaged in complex litigation. Ben’s clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, including owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The remainder of Ben’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, business law, and commercial litigation.

“Ben is extraordinarily talented and an exceptionally bright pillar of the Hilger Hammond team. We are proud of all of his accomplishments including this one,” says partner, Steve Hilger.

Ben received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.  He is a frequent author and lecturer on construction law related topics.

Hilger Hammond, P.C. provides a broad array of legal services to the construction, real estate and business communities.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN  – Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that attorney Aileen Leipprandt has been selected for inclusion into the 2012 Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers. This is an honor exclusively reserved for women attorneys who have received the highest rating in both legal ability and ethical standards from their peers.  Less than 5 percent of women lawyers have been recognized with an AV Preeminent Rating.

Aileen practices in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, insurers, and suppliers.

“Aileen is a highly-experienced and well-trained advocate for the construction industry who has served in both a public and private capacity in representing players from all sectors of the industry,” says partner Steve Hilger.

For the past 20 years, Aileen has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act. Aileen assists clients with transactional and litigation needs, including contract review, preparation, and negotiation, and pre-suit claims evaluation and facilitation.

Hilger Hammond, P.C. provides a broad array of legal services to the construction, real estate and business communities.

Ben Hammond will be presenting “Legal Issues Facing Architects Today”  to the American Institute of Architects, Southwest Michigan Chapter. The presentation will be held on March 29, 2012, at 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at the offices of Diekema Hamann , 612 South Park Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Course Description:  Topics that affect architects on a daily basis, such as:

• Top ten owner revisions to your contract
• Legal issues with BIM
• Bidding errors and recent case law update
• Statute of limitations, why the recent change is so important and will save you money

The presentation is free to all current AIA members plus guest. RSVP to Karl Kowalske of Diekema Hammann by Monday, March 26.

Attorney Ben Hammond and Mike Cosgrove, president of PCIA, will be presenting “Top Ten Contract Clauses – Deal Breakers and Deal Makers.”  to the American Institute of Architects, Grand Valley Chapter. The presentation will be held on March 23, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. at FSU/GRCC Applied Technology Center, Grand Rapids.

Course Description:  The contracts you are asked to sign come in many variations.  Understanding the key contract clauses will help you ascertain whether a contract can be signed as is or needs to be modified to adequately and fairly manage your risk.  Participants will review the most important contract clauses in an interactive format and discuss how the wording in each could make the contract a deal maker or deal breaker.

• Learning objective #1: Understand the key principles of risk transfer in contracts.
• Learning objective #2: Understand what contract clauses are most important and need careful review.
• Learning objective #3: Understand how the wording of the most important contract clauses can make a contract a deal maker or deal breaker.
• Learning objective #4: Understand how the most important contract clauses can be modified to adequately and fairly manage risk.

The presentation is free to all current AIAGV members and students. Non-AIAGV members cost will be $15.

Presentation:  Top Ten Contract Clauses – Deal Breakers and Deal Makers

Presented by:  Ben Hammond, Attorney, Hilger Hammond, PC

                      Mike Cosgrove, President, PCIA

Event Date: Friday, March 23, 2012 - 11:30am to 1:30pm

Event Type: Lunch & Learn Presentation

Event Location: FSU/GRCC Applied Technology Center (Room 130), 151 Fountain Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Wednesday, March 14, 2012, Stephen Hilger will be presenting to the ASA Michigan General Membership Meeting, "Builders Trust Fund Act: A Tool to Get Paid? A Way to Pay Twice? Or Both?"

 The meeting will be held on March 14th at 7:00 a.m. at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville. There will be a buffet breakfast and the presentation will begin at 7:30. The reservation deadline is Monday, March 12th by noon. To register, go to http://asamichigan.net.

An article written by Ben Hammond was published by American Institute of Architects, Grand Valley Chapter. The article titled,"SB 77 Restores Two Year Statute of Limitations", discusses Senate Bill 77, which is now known as Public Act 162.   This bill addressed a significant change in the law that occurred in 2006 when the Michigan Supreme Court decided Ostroth v Warren Regency.

Public Act 162 now specifically clarifies that an action against a design professional arising from the rendering of professional services is subject to the two year statute of limitations. The new law takes effect January 1, 2012, and will apply to causes of action that accrue after that time.

The full article can be found at aiagv.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – November 1, 2011 – Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that Stephen Hilger and Aileen Leipprandt have been name “Super Lawyers” for 2011 by Super Lawyers magazine. Additionally, Benjamin Hammond has been named a “Rising Star”.

This is Stephen Hilger’s sixth recognition by Super Lawyers.  He is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases in multiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, United States District Courts, United States District Courts of Appeal, the United States Supreme Court, and multiple arbitration tribunals across the country.

Aileen Leipprandt practices in the areas of commercial litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, and suppliers. Aileen has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act.

Ben Hammond adds his experience in construction law and litigation to the firm. Ben received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and represents owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and others related to the construction industry in matters ranging from contract review to mediation, arbitration and litigation. Ben is a frequent author and lecturer on construction law related topics.

Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The magazine names exceptional attorneys annually in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers uses a rigorous selection process that begins with peer nomination. Once an attorney has been nominated they are then evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement through a third-party researcher.

The program will review the structure of the Michigan Construction Lien and Public Bond Acts, and will provide a practical roadmap of the notices andrequirements which control the lien and bond enforcement process in Michigan.

You will learn about time sensitive filings, the forms to use, andhow to avoid common pitfalls. The goal of the program is to give you aworking understanding of how to integrate the lien and bond notices into your project administration and how to ensure that your liens and bond notices are timely filed.

The program will also cover priority disputes between lendersand lien claimants, contractual clauses that can impact lien enforcement, areview of lien and bond enforcement litigation, and a discussion of how an owner or contractor bankruptcy can impact lien or bond enforcement. This Program will provide you with an understanding of how lien and bond claims can assist you in receiving payment for your services and materials. The program is designed for anyone in the construction industry.

 
Presenter Stephen Hilger is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. He has tried many cases inmultiple state courts, and has appeared in state courts of appeal, the Michigan Supreme Court, U.S. District Courts, U.SDistrict Courts of Appeal, and multiple arbitration tribunals acrossthe country. Steve is also involved in construction industry contract preparation and review. In addition, he is routinely involved in negotiation of transactions and agreements, as well as pre and post litigation mediation. The remainder of Steve's practice involves in depth participation and the making of recommendations for business decisions and business strategies, as well as assisting in regulatory compliance and promoting and developing best practices.

To register, go to the Business Credit Management Association website.

Original published in Rapid Growth Innovation and Job News
By Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

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

An article by Hilger Hammond attorney Mark Rysberg, was published in the September 2011 issue of Michigan Banker.  The article, titled "Whose Money Is It Anyway - Avoiding Hidden Liability When Lending to Contractors", discusses risks for lenders when lending to the construction industry.  

Rysberg practices in the areas of commercial litigation with an emphasis on serving the construction, real estate, and business industries. Having worked in the commercial construction and real estate industries for over ten years before practicing law gives Mark added insight into how to work with his clients as a business advisor and legal advocate.

Attorney Aileen Leipprandt was elected to the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction. (NAWIC)

NAWIC’s core purpose is “To enhance the success of women in the construction industry” and, thus, advance the causes of all women in construction, from tradeswomen to business owners.

Ben Hammond of Hilger Hammond, PC, and Mike Poggi of Pinnacle Insurance Partners, will present "Casualty Insurance - Beyond Basics" at the General Membership Meeting of the Western Michigan Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association, scheduled for January 26, 2012.

The meeting will be held at Stonewater Country Club located at 7177 Kalamazoo Avenue in Caledonia, Michigan.  Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

November 9, 2011 – San Diego, CA—Stephen A. Hilger, Construction Law Attorney, to speak about Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) at the IRMI Construction Risk Conference in San Diego, CA,  November 13 -17, 2011.

Integrated Project Delivery, or “IPD”, is an attempt at solving the age-old problem of picking the right players who can function together as a team to deliver a quality construction project. However, IPD presents some very interesting contract and legal issues for the construction and insurance community.

Hilger’s presentation will provide a basic overview of IPD, including how it is structured, how the project risks differ from other project delivery methods, and the legal ramifications and obligations associated with an IPD contract.

Get more information and register for this conference at:  http://www.irmi.com/conferences/crc/speakers/hilger.aspx

About Hilger Hammond, PC

Hilger Hammond, P.C. is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and focuses on complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law. 

On September 14, 2011, Hilger Hammond will present “I Didn’t Sign a Contract…Now What?” during the general membership meeting of the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM).

General membership meetings are held at 7:00 a.m. at the Pinnacle Center, 3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville, Michigan. Members and prospective members are welcome.

Rachel Hammond, Special Projects Coordinator for Hilger Hammond, recently published an article in the Building Profits Magazine. The article, “Sustaining Employee Engagement: Racing Toward the Future” , discusses ways to engage employees, which can lead to higher sales, productivity and retention.

Hammond leads research and implementation of marketing, process improvement, and client relations with Hilger Hammond, PC.

Stephen A. Hilger, Construction Law Attorney, to speak about Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) at the IRMI Construction Risk Conference in SanDiego, CA,  November 13 -17, 2011.

Integrated Project Delivery, or “IPD”, is an attempt at solving the age-old problem of picking the right players who can function together as a team to deliver a quality construction project. However, IPD presents some very interesting contract and legal issues for the construction and insurance community.

Hilger’s presentation will provide a basic overview of IPD, including how it is structured, how the project risks differ from other project delivery methods, and the legal ramifications and obligations associated with an IPD contract.

Get more information and register for this conference at:  http://www.irmi.com/conferences/crc/default.aspx

Benjamin Hammond, of Hilger Hammond, PC, has been elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan.

A significant portion of Hammond’s practice concerns construction law where he is routinely engaged in complex litigation. His clients are representative of all parties involved in construction, from owners, to design professionals, to general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. The remainder of Hammond’s practice involves commercial and residential real estate transactions, corporate and business law, and commercial litigation.

The American Subcontractors Association of Michigan (ASAM) provides services and benefits to subcontractors, suppliers and service providers that help their businesses become more successful.

Friday, May 27, 2011
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
FSU/GRCC Applied Technology Center, Room 130
151 Fountain Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

During the May 27th Lunch and Learn program, Ben Hammond will present on “Top Ten Legal Issues Facing Design Professionals" and will cover the following: Licensing concerns, key contract provisions, contract forms, statute of limitations and statute of repose, bid protests, non-payment issues, LEED, BIM, shop drawings, IPD, insurance. 

Grand Rapids Chapter of CSI
Builders Exchange of Michigan
West Michigan Design & Construction Expo

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Evaluating The Rights, Wrongs and Responsibilities in Construction Competitive Bidding

As in most businesses, in the construction industry, details matter.  In times like these, more scrutiny than ever is given to the private and public bidding process, a process generally fraught with last minute number crunching and hurried analysis.  During this interactive seminar, design professionals, construction managers, general contractors and subcontractors will learn about their potential liability in light of new Michigan case law regarding the competitive bid process and assessment of “responsible bidder.”  Participants will gain a better understanding of the rights of disappointed bidders in Michigan, what a responsive bid is or is not, how material omissions may affect a bid, how to handle bid mistakes, potential liability for interference with the bidding process, bid evaluations in a world of “best value” contracting, and the fundamental tenets of a bid protest. 

Avoid the Road Bumps When Working out of State

Presented by the West Michigan Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association

Topics to be discussed:

•  Liens
•  Licensing 
• Taxes 
• Employment issues and more

Speakers:

• (Attorney) Steve Hilger of Hilger & Hammond
• (CPA) Dallas Packer of Crowe Horwath
• (Contractor) Dan DeJager of DeJager Construction
  
  

Who should attend? 

• Company Executives, Accounting staff, Project Manager 

Cost:

• $25.00 per attendee (Continental Breakfast provided)

Location:

• Pinnacle Center

Tentative Schedule:

            Registration     7:30 – 8:00 AM

            Seminar           8:00 – 11:00 AM

               

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., January 14, 2011 – Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that Mark Rysberg joins Hilger Hammond, PC as an Associate. Rysberg  is a graduate of Cooley Law School, graduating Cum Laude, and holds a BS degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State University.

Prior to law school, Rysberg was the director of Four Points Development, Inc. where he was involved in overseeing and managing construction and real estate development projects as part of a closely-held investment group. Rysberg was also managing partner of Rysberg Holdings, LLC, a real estate development company focusing on the acquisition, construction and development of multi-family properties. Rysberg currently holds a Michigan Builders License.

“Mark is and will be a continuing asset to Hilger Hammond. He brings with him a broad range of experience in construction as a result of over ten years in the real estate development and contracting industry,” says attorney Stephen Hilger.

In its November 8, 2010 edition, Michigan Lawyers Weekly featured Stephen Hilger in the column entitled "On The Stand". Reporter Douglas J. Levy reports on Hilger's law practice and wide array of interests outside of the practice, including his work as a landscape photographer, his talants as lead singer and rhythm guitarist for The Steve Hilger Band, and his archery skills which landed him a role in the "The Weather Man" with Nicholas Cage. 

The full article is available at www.milawyersweekly.com.

Though battered by an unprecedented economic downturn, the construction industry nonetheless continues to see emerging legal issues presented by Integrated Project Delivery, a collaborative-based project delivery model, and Building Information Modeling, a process of electronically modeling nearly all aspects of a construction project.  Stephen Hilger and Aileen Leipprandt co-presented on these issues at the educational meeting of the Central Arizona Society for Healthcare Engineering on September 14, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona to 100+  engineers, construction professionals and facility managers.   

Hilger discussed the potential benefits and hurdles presented by various levels of collaborative based project delivery including the challenges in allocating risk, contract drafting considerations, and an analysis of the standard construction industry form contracts developed to address IPD , such as ConsensusDOCS 300 and AIA 2008 IPD contracts -- C195, C196, and C197.  

Leipprandt outlined liability exposure presented through use of Building Information Modeling, the impact of BIM upon a construction professional’s standard of care, and standard construction industry form documents, such as the ConsensusDOCSs 301 (BIM Addendum) and AIA E202 (BIM Protocol). 

Construction Legal Issues Related to LEED

**Learn about LEED certification challenges, potential decertification, the latest claims, impacted contract clauses, state and federal tax incentives/credits, insurance ramifications and more on Friday, October 29, 2010 from 9-11 a.m., at the AGC of Michigan.
    
*Background, Michigan Projects Pursuing LEED, Contractor Input
          Moderator Paul Jacob, The Christman Company, Lansing 

*Standard Construction Clauses Affected by Green Building, Standard of Care Issues, Consensus DOCS
          Aileen Leipprandt, Hilger Hammond, Grand Rapids

*Federal and State Tax Incentive/Credits and Legislative Update
          Angie Acosta, Grant Thornton, Southfield

*Insurance Issues and Best Practices
          John Hurley, Marsh USA

Additional information about this informative session and registration can be accessed here.

**Hilger Hammond, PC is pleased to announce that Stephen Hilger and Aileen Leipprandt have been named “Super Lawyers” for 2010 by Super Lawyers magazine. Additionally, Benjamin Hammond has been named a ‘Rising Star’.

This is Stephen Hilger’s fifth recognition by Super Lawyers. He is engaged in complex commercial litigation with an emphasis on construction law.

 Aileen Leipprandt practices in the areas of commercial litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, and suppliers.

Ben Hammond adds his experience in construction law and litigation to the firm. Ben is a frequent author and lecturer on construction-law-related topics.

 Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The magazine names exceptional attorneys annually in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

By Stephen A. Hilger - Published by Engineering Record News at ENR.com

Almost every article or discussion dealing with the legal aspects of integrated-project-delivery contracts raises the notion that IPD contracts have not been tested in court and that this untested status elevates the legal risk to the IPD participants. While it is true that, as of this date, there is little, if any, case authority dealing with the legal merits of IPD contracts, that does not tell the whole story.

The first challenge to this idea is determining whether IPD contracts really are new. Those of us who were around in the early 1980s will remember the “partnering” agreements that, along with other contract documents, were circulating and will recognize some of the “fluff” language inserted in IPD contracts in an obvious effort to engender a spirit of cooperation.

The language is really not all that new, but the same enforceability issues prevail. What is new about IPD contracts is that they have emerged with BIM technology. New technology, by itself, is not reason enough to avoid a project delivery method. New isn’t necessarily bad.

Contracts that are new and untested give most of the legal community a stomach ache because there are no legal authorities or precedents to provide assurances as to legal risk assessment. However, the lack of judicial precedent on a particular subject matter will give a skilled and savvy attorney a clear slate to educate the judicial community on what the language means or should mean.

Further, even though there may not be a long line of cases that lawyers can read to find the meaning of specific clauses in IPD contracts, we are dealing with contract law, and we have well over 100 years of well-defined rules of contract interpretation to guide us. While there may not be a lot of judicial history on IPD contracts, this may turn the unwary away but also may create opportunity for innovative thinkers. I do not believe the uncertainties are enough of a reason to avoid IPD contracts.

It is often said that the players in an IPD contract will be assuming risk they are not accustomed to undertaking. Yet any contractor or subcontractor who never has signed a design-build contract before does the same thing—and so does a designer who, generally, never has assumed any role in means and methods before.

For full article, go to ENR.com.

The Grand Rapids law firm Hilger and Hammond is small but growing.

Stephen Hilger started his own firm in September 2008, after leaving Grand Rapids-based Rhoades McKee. He added Ben Hammond in July 2009 to form Hilger and Hammond.

Hilger and Hammond’s focus is specifically on construction law and commercial litigation.

“Our law firm consists of both writers and fighters,” Hilger said.

As writers, the attorneys are very involved in drafting and negotiating contracts. As fighters, they’re active in dispute resolutions.

And the firm’s client base includes owners, general contractors, subcontractors, materials manufacturers and suppliers, architects, engineers and more.

“We represent different groups up and down the entire chain, and the beauty of that is we understand everybody,” he said. “When we’re dealing with a subcontractor, we understand the difficulties general contractors face and vice versa. So it helps us with the dispute-resolution process.”

The firm works on cases across the country, including Michigan, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia and Texas this year.

“We have a very broad range of clients, from very basic to very sophisticated, and the more-sophisticated ones are taking us really all around the country,” he said.

Hilger said part of his firm’s success comes from following the business model in the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.

“You have to have the right people on the bus, and you have to have them in the right seats on the bus,” Hilger said.

And Hilger believes his firm is headed in the right direction.

“Everybody has their own talents and focuses on their own things, and yet we act well together as a team,” he said.

Another part of his business model is to reduce overhead. One way he accomplishes that is with the firm’s office, which he describes as more architecture firm than law firm. It has high ceilings, interesting lighting and open corridors, but it’s still a professional space.

“What we’re trying to do is create a comfortable environment where clients walk in and say, ‘This is nice, but I’m not paying for the Taj Mahal,’” Hilger said, “because a lot of the larger law firms, they try to impress the clients with massive infrastructure, which costs a lot of money.”

But Hilger doesn’t think his model will become a trend in the law industry.

“In order to do what we’ve done here, you need a certain entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. “Some people really like the idea that they’re in a large law firm because they don’t have to manage the business side of the equation.

“I, on the other hand, like managing the business side of the equation because if you don’t, the overhead gets out of control and you end up spending too much time, energy and effort making the business run as opposed to having the business run for you.”