By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Just eight months ago, attorney Stephen Hilger launched Stephen A. Hilger, PC
in his East Grand Rapids home office. Business is going so well Hilger
recently moved his firm to a downtown Grand Rapids location that has
space for the law firm to grow, and he's negotiating with other
attorneys to bring one on board.
"My idea and business model is to grow
the business with people who are like-minded on the professional and
business side," Hilger says, "and build a boutique practice
specializing in construction and real estate law."
Hilger was born in New Jersey and grew up in New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. He came to Grand Rapids in 1991 and joined Rhoades McKee.
Because of his interest in construction and real estate law, he made it
a point to make sure his new space at 49 Monroe Center exudes an
architect-esque feel.
"The office is a loft space that's very
different than what you'd expect a law firm to be," Hilger says. "It
looks more like an architect's business. I'm an avid photographer and I
have a no-diploma rule here; we'll not hang any diplomas, just artwork
and some of my photography."
The office décor also reflects Hilger's
love of archery and music. His archery skills landed him a spot on the
2008 Olympic team, but, instead of going to the Olympics, he chose to
stay home and continue building momentum for his blues band, The Steve Hilger Band. The band will close out Festival of the Arts' Friday night festivities at Rosa Parks Circle.
"Grand Rapids is where I've developed a
good practice, a strong client base and I'm having fun," Hilger says.
"West Michigan has been good to me."
Source: Stephen Hilger, Stephen A. Hilger, PC
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.