Headshot of Hilger Hammond Attorney Richard Conklin

Roy Vizcarra, Paralegal

Rick Conklin helps business owners and individuals navigate decisions with practical guidance and a clear path forward. His practice spans business law, real estate, estate planning and probate, commercial litigation, and construction-related matters. As a business owner himself, Rick understands the realities clients face and works to cut through the legalese.

Before joining Hilger Hammond, Rick practiced at Reeder Murphy P.C. in Grand Rapids. He works with businesses at every stage, from forming and structuring new companies to advising established businesses on contracts, acquisitions and sales, succession planning, and disputes. He also represents business owners, realtors, and homeowners in commercial and residential real estate matters.

Rick helps individuals and families create thoughtful estate plans and navigate probate and trust administration, providing clear options and steady guidance through complicated and emotional situations. Across his practice, he focuses on helping clients protect what they have built and move forward with confidence.

A Grand Rapids native, Rick cares deeply about serving his community. An Eagle Scout and lifetime member of VFW Auxiliary Post 702, he enjoys hiking, rock climbing, camping, aerial photography, and spending time with his family.

“What I love most about being an attorney is helping people through moments of uncertainty. I may not always have the answer immediately, but I can promise we’ll find the right solution together.”

Education:


Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies
Allendale, MI


Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
J.D., cum laude
Lansing, MI 

 

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Bar Admissions:

  • Michigan

Court Admissions:

  • Michigan

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Areas of Focus

  • Estate Planning 
  • Probate Estate and Trust Administration 
  • Business Formation, Succession Planning, and other business-related matters 
  • Contract Preparation, Negotiation, Review, and other contract-related matters 
  • Real Property Matters 
  • Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Law
  • VFW Auxiliary Post 702, Volunteer and Lifetime Member
  • Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Volunteer
  • West Michigan Student Bar Association, Former President
  • American Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Michigan, Member
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association, Member
  • Leadership Achievement Award, WMU Cooley Law School 

Recent publications from the Hilger Hammond Blog:

I Might Want to Follow in my Dad’s Footsteps!

Over the course of her 2026 summer internship as an intern at Hilger Hammond, Madison Hammond realized that she may actually want to follow in her dad’s (Ben Hammond) footsteps into the legal field. Learn more about her story here.

From Law School to Legal Practice: A Summer at Hilger Hammond

In the summer of 2026, we had the pleasure of working with Anna Skidmore. Here’s her “report” on her experience as a Hilger Hammond intern.

Hilger Hammond Announces New Partners!

Hilger Hammond is proud to announce the promotion of Jeremy Orenstein, Chad Antuma, and Andy Hilger to partner, marking a significant milestone in our firm’s growth. These three “hungry, humble, and smart” leaders bring a unique blend of construction-site grit and litigation expertise to help guide our firm into its next chapter.

Jenna Fagerman Joins Hilger Hammond Law Firm

We’re pleased to welcome Jenna Fagerman to Hilger Hammond, where she officially joined the firm on December 1, 2025.

After building her legal career in Chicago at leading national law firms, Jenna returns to West Michigan with extensive experience in complex civil litigation, arbitration, and strategic business advising.

New Clarity and Stricter Rules for MRTA Preservation

Governor Whitmer recently signed legislation amending the Michigan Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA). The amendment clarifies specific MRTA exceptions and provides property owners an extended deadline to record a “Notice of Claim” to retain property interests such as easements or restrictions that do not fall within the amendment’s exceptions. Learn about the three key changes in this amendment and how they could affect your business interests.

Don’t Wake the Sleeping Dog of Repeat MIOSHA Citations

When an OTS (“Other-than-Serious”) citation is issued, it can be tempting to view it as a cost of doing business and simply pay the relatively low penalty amount and move on. However, employers should always consider the merits of the citation and the likelihood your company could be cited again for the same conduct.

Why Workplace Safety Isn’t Just a Regulation, It’s a Business Imperative

In today’s dynamic business environment, prioritizing workplace safety is not just about adhering to regulations but also ensuring your employees avoid catastrophic injuries and make it home at the end of the day. Secondly, it is a fundamental aspect of responsible business operations and a crucial driver of long-term success.

Hilger Hammond Intern Tyler Penlerick

In the summer of 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming a dynamite intern – Tyler Penlerick. Here is his “report” of how he spent his summer internship.

Top 2025 Michigan Lawyer Awards

We are honored to have had several Hilger Hammond attorneys receive some of the top Michigan awards recognizing legal excellence in 2025. Learn more about who won and for what here.

Court Pauses Michigan Energy Efficient Building Codes Amid Legal Challenge

On July 7, Judge James Robert Redford issued an Order staying implementation of the Residential Building Code and Michigan Uniform Energy Code updates. The proposed updates in question were aiming to increase energy efficiency in homes. Learn more about the allegations of improper “cost-effective” analysis and the implications it could have on single family home construction.

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