By: Deborah Johnson Wood
Two West Michigan law firms expanded their services and their geographic boundaries last month when they signed an agreement affiliating their Holland and Grand Rapids offices.
Flickinger, Plachta & Murphy, PC of Grand Rapids brought attorney William A. Sikkel IV of Holland-based Property Law Solutions on board as of-counsel. Sikkel specializes in real estate development and management. He will continue his own practice while rounding out the offerings of the Grand Rapids firm.
"Bill still operates his firm in Holland, but is a part of our staff, and we're part of his staff in Holland," says Brian Plachta. "We're looking to initiate other of-counsel attorneys or bring other attorneys on as staff."
Plachta said the long-term plan is to grow from their current five attorneys to about 10 over some seven years. In addition, the firm's growth philosophy is pushing them to develop new services and broaden their client base, and the returns are measurable.
"Our Tax Resolution area is growing by leaps and bounds," Plachta says. "It's probably tripled since we started it in February of '02."
That's when a number of clients had trouble paying their taxes due to the poor economy. The firm hired a former IRS agent to cut through government red tape.
Similarly, a paraprofessional from the Social Security Administration helps the firm get the answers they need regarding Elder Care matters.
"The old model is the law firm sets the rules and you don't break the rules," Plachta says. "We're trying to be client driven."
Source: Brian Plachta, Flickinger, Plachta & Murphy, PC
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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