Attorney Ben Hammond was named Best Lawyers ‘Lawyer of the Year 2022 for Construction Law in Grand Rapids.
(Photo courtesy of Ben Hammond)
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Ben Hammond first got interested in the law during his high school and college years, when his job at a country club brought him into contact with many lawyers.
“One in particular was in court frequently and that really appealed to me,” he says. “I also had a cousin who was a lawyer—he encouraged me to consider law school and I felt it connected to my strengths as a writer and communicator.”
Hammond earned his undergrad degree, magna cum laude, in Communications from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids.
“Ultimately, I was able to take what I learned about argumentation, debate, and rhetoric and translate it to my law practice,” he says.
He earned his juris doctor, cum laude, from Michigan State University College of Law.
Launching his career with a Grand Rapids law firm, Hammond found the litigation work invigorating and challenging.
“I enjoyed going to court on a regular basis and engaging in the ‘battle’ that comes with the territory,” he says. “When I had the opportunity to jump into construction litigation cases, I found the complexity interesting and I appreciated developing long-term relationships with my clients, leading to other types of work.
“My dad was a heavy machine operator for a while and so I think you could say construction runs in my blood.”
In July 2009 Hammond joined forces with Steve Hilger and Hilger Hammond was born.
A member of the State Bar of Michigan, U.S. District Court, and Eastern and Western District of Michigan, and named Best Lawyers ‘Lawyer of the Year 2022 – Construction Law,’ for Grand Rapids, as well as to Super Lawyers, Hammond’s specialties are construction law, commercial litigation, real estate transactions, and business law.
He recalls a case a few years ago, when a West Michigan general contractor went bankrupt suddenly leaving dozens of projects on hold and many more subcontractors in the lurch for payment.
“We ended up representing a large number of trade contractors in lien foreclosure lawsuits, lawsuits against financial institutions and bankruptcy court proceedings seeking complex resolutions. While some clients fared better than others, none had to close their doors and that was particularly satisfying,” he says.
Hammond, who has extensive experience working with homeowners’ associations, property owners’ associations, condominium developers and golf courses providing general counsel and, most recently, interpretations of executive orders pertaining to COVID-19, also enjoys the challenges of real estate work.
Hammond also helps clients create, buy, and sell small businesses; and assists in the transition of businesses from one generation to another or to key employees. He is involved in negotiating contracts for business clients and litigating disputes, and counsels individuals and businesses with planning, formation, financing, licensing, and corporate reorganizations.
“As someone who started a small business, I find it exciting to travel with others on their journey,” he says. “In addition, there are some specific small business challenges, such as growth and succession planning, that have been very interesting to navigate,” he says.
“At the end of the day, small businesses are the backbone of our economy—the owners put everything they have into their companies and it’s extremely rewarding to have a small piece to play in their success by helping them navigate through legal issues.”
An approved mediator by the Kent County and Ottawa County circuit courts, mediation has grown to be a bigger part of his practice.
“Mediation is the way most cases resolve and is the most efficient method among the options. When the case and parties are properly prepared, businesses and individuals can take control of their dispute and move forward,” he says. “I became a mediator because I believe in this philosophy and have seen it work. It’s very rewarding to navigate a mediation and bring legal opponents to an agreement.
In pro bono cases, Hammond notes that working with an individual that doesn’t have the resources to get the legal services they need is fulfilling.
“There are often systemic and economic barriers in place that, as attorneys, we can help to remove by offering our services for free from time to time,” he says. “To see these individuals flourish will ultimately help make our community better.”
He recently wrapped up his yearlong role as president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, a position that allowed him to collaborate with his peers to improve the legal community in Grand Rapids in tangible ways.
“During my tenure on the Executive Committee, we revived programming post-COVID, hired a new executive director, forged an updated strategic plan and set a strong path for the future,” he says.
Hammond has given back to the community by previously serving as an elder at his church and coaching Little League baseball, and serves on several nonprofit boards.
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