Resources
News
Hilger Hammond Hires Attorney Jeremy Orenstein
Jeremy Orenstein comes with a wide depth of experience from the Court of Appeals as well as experience as a civil litigator. Jeremy is well-versed in complex commercial cases, property disputes, catastrophic injury defense, and related appeals.
Jeremy is an associate editor for the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel and Vice President of the Grand Rapids Bar Association Young Lawyers Section.
Jeremy Orenstein was named a 2022 Rising Star by Super Lawyers and a Top Lawyer by Grand Rapids Magazine.
Outside of business, Jeremy enjoys trying new foods and exploring the beauty of Michigan. He moved with his wife and son from Virginia and has been putting down roots in West Michigan since 2016.
“I’m originally from southern Virginia but fell in love with West Michigan,” Jeremy said. “I haven’t shaken the southern twang or drawl yet, so people constantly ask if I’m from around here.”
His practice will be focused on construction, real estate, corporate/ business litigation, and appeals.
Attorney Stacey Knowles Joins Hilger Hammond
Attorney Stacey Knowles joins Hilger Hammond after her years of experience working for a title company and managing the real estate portfolio of a large insurance company. She is seasoned in commercial real estate transactions, contracts, and corporate transactions.
Stacey graduated cum laude from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she was a resource editor on the Law Review, a member of the Dean’s List and Honor Roll.
Aside from her working life, she plays an active role in her children’s sports as well as boating and traveling with her family.
Stacey’s practice focuses on real estate and business matters, including commercial real estate transactions and corporate transactions.
Attorney Chad Antuma Joins Hilger Hammond, PC
Chad Antuma comes to Hilger Hammond, PC, with experience in complex multi-party litigation matters, including research, discovery, case development and strategy, and motion practice. Chad will be focusing his practice in the areas of complex and commercial litigation, real estate law and business law.
Chad is a graduate of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a B.B.A. major in business management and minor in legal studies. He received his J.D. cum laude, at Michigan State University College of Law in East Lansing, Michigan. Honors activities included inclusion on the Deans List, International Law Review and Senior Articles Editor. Chad was also involved with the Chance at Childhood Clinic and Criminal Defense Association.
Hammond Completes Leadership Roles With Two Local Organizations
One of our firm values is staying active within the Grand Rapids community, whether with industry organizations or the legal community. Our attorneys give presentations, attend events, and serve on boards to offer support and advice. This past year, Ben Hammond was asked to tackle leadership roles for the Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter (ABC/WMC) and the Grand Rapids Bar Association (GRBA). While it was a busy season with added responsibilities, Ben found it personally and professionally rewarding to provide leadership and build relationships in these roles.
The organizations also benefited from Ben’s involvement. During his tenure as Board Chair for the Western Michigan ABC, Ben was instrumental in the launch of the West Michigan Construction Institute, which provides ongoing education for their members, and negotiated an essential partnership with GRCC. He also helped to launch the First Annual Western Michigan Angler Classic this past June to raise funds for the WMCI. “Ben Hammond was the right chair at the right time for the ABC/WMC”, said Jen Schottke, President of the WMCI, “During Ben’s time leading the board of directors, ABC/WMC embarked on its largest initiative to date – forming and launching the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI). Ben’s legal expertise, his leadership strengths, and his clear vision were critical to the success of the chapter and to the formation of WMCI.”
As President of the GRBA, Ben was instrumental in the hiring of a new Executive Director, Brie Gohlke-Clausen, and helped the association navigate hosting events in a Covid world. One of his notable events was co-hosting the livestream of the GRBA event, “The Bar’s Got Talent” with Judge Smolenski, complete with impromptu banter and a full tuxedo. Being the President meant running to multiple meetings and events over the last year, but Ben took it all in stride. He sought to challenge the status quo, ask tough questions, and have fun in the process. Brie Gohlke-Clausen, Executive Director of the GRBA shared, “In Ben’s role I watched him lead both behind the scenes and out in front of our members. One of the most inspiring things is, in both settings, Ben was consistently collaborative, action oriented, supportive, creative and optimistic. At every turn he took on the work of President without hesitation; he was quick to give praise and recognition to others when things went well and he was also purposeful in putting himself out in front of hard conversations when we anticipated things might get difficult. It is rare to serve alongside a person who truly exemplifies the term “servant leader,” but, over the last year, I was fortunate to have that privilege in working with Ben”.
Along with his commitment to board service, Ben has continued to receive accolades for his quality work as an attorney, recently receiving the AV Preeminent Attorney award from Martindale-Hubbell for the 9th year in a row. He also has received the Super Lawyer distinction since 2013 and was given the GRBA President’s Award for his dedication and service. Reflecting on the past year, Ben said, “It has been rewarding to invest time into so many others who are committed to advancing the interests of their professions and industries. It was an honor to play a small part in moving the ball forward over the last few years, and I anticipate great things ahead for both organizations”.
Hilger Hammond Sponsors ABC 2022 Angler Classic Bass Tournament
Hilger Hammond was recently a sponsor of the ABC 2022 Angler Classic Bass Tournament. The tournament raised $25,000 for the West Michigan Construction Institute. Ben Hammond participated on a team with Ben Wickstrom from Erhardt Construction.
Attorney Steve Hilger Earns Position on 2022 United States Archery Team
Steve Hilger is a member of the 2022 United States Archery Team in the Masters Compound division. He was on the United States Archery Team for the Olympic Recurve Masters division in 2020. To date, he is the first person to make both teams. This year, he represented the United States at the Pan American Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia and took fourth place. Overall, for the season, his medal count is one gold and two silvers. Next year, he plans to compete in the Barebow division.
Martindale Hubbell Awards Hilger Hammond Attorneys Its AV Preeminent® Attorney Rating
Hilger Hammond is pleased to announce that Martindale-Hubbell has, once again, awarded Stephen Hilger, Ben Hammond and Aileen Leipprandt with the rating of AV Preeminent® attorney.
The AV Preeminent Rating is Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating standard. It is awarded only to those attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Only approximately 10 percent of all attorneys hold an AV Preeminent Rating, a designation trusted worldwide by buyers and referrers of legal services.
Hilger Hammond offers deep experience in niche areas of the law including complex and commercial litigation, construction, real estate, business law, and arbitration services. Over the years, the firm has grown by attracting top talent with deep experience in complex commercial litigation, construction, real estate, and business law. Hilger Hammond attorneys make up a highly-specialized team that delivers more value for every dollar clients invest in legal services.
Hilger Hammond Attorneys Recogized by Super Lawyers in 8 Practice Areas
Six Hilger Hammond attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers in eight practice areas. These practice areas are the core services we provide to our clients. Included are Construction Litigation, Business, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Real Estate/Business, Tax/Business, Civil Litigation, and Defense/Civil Litigation. Super Lawyers recognizes outstanding lawyers who attain a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys receiving Top Ratings are Steve Hilger, Ben Hammond, Aileen Leipprandt and Mark Rysberg. Attorneys designated as Rising Stars include Dan Hatch and Chris Nyenhuis.
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.
Hilger Hammond offers deep experience in niche areas of the law including complex and commercial litigation, construction, real estate, business law, and arbitration services. The firm was founded in 2008 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by Steve Hilger and Ben Hammond to protect clients’ interests and make it easier for them to conduct business with success.
Over the years, the firm has grown by attracting top talent with deep experience in complex commercial litigation, construction, real estate, and business law. We are a highly-specialized team that delivers more value for every dollar clients invest in our legal services.
Steve Hilger Featured in Legal News Publications
Steve Hilger was recently the featured attorney in several publications of Legal News. The article, “Bullseye: Champion Archer on Target in Construction Law Career”, appeared in the Detroit edition of the publication on April 19, 2022, and will soon be seen in other city editions.
Steve is active in mediating and arbitrating complex commercial and construction law and related cases. His cases range from simple construction issues to complex commercial, municipal, and industrial projects encompassing claims and issues in the tens of millions of dollars.
Rysberg and Nyenhuis to Present for the Construction Financial Management Association, April 14, 2022
Attorneys Mark Rysberg and Chri Nyenhuis will be presenting “Current Issues Involving Construction Contract Language” in an in-person session for the Construction Financial Management Assocation on Thursday, April 14, 2022, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., The presentation will be held at 650 Trade Centre Way, Portage, Michigan 49002.
Mark Rysberg focuses his practice on construction law. He works as a litigator and legal advisor to parties involved in the construction industry. Having worked in the commercial construction and real estate industries for over ten years before practicing law, Mark’s experience adds insight into how to work with his clients as a business advisor and legal advocate. He is experienced with a broad range of construction issues. problems. and disputes. Mark has drafted and reviewed design and construction contracts on behalf of owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architect/engineers, consultants, sureties, design/builders, and construction manager clients.
Chris Nyenhuis regularly appears in both state and federal courts. He has represented public and private companies, small businesses and individuals in a range of industries, including manufacturing, finance, and technology. Chris has broad experience resolving disputes prior to litigation, obtaining favorable settlements during litigation, and arguing and prevailing on motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment.