PHOTO COURTESY OF DICKINSON WRIGHT
Detroit’s Dickinson Wright announced today that Michael C. Hammer has been elected as the firm’s CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Hammer is a 30-year veteran of the firm and has served as deputy CEO for the past 10 years. He will succeed William T. Burgess, who served as CEO for nine years. Burgess will resume his practice in the areas of banking, finance, and restructuring.
“Dickinson Wright is fortunate to have a leader with Mike’s breadth of knowledge, energy, and vision,” says Burgess. “Mike is committed, first and foremost, to excellence in client service and providing exceptional value to every client of the firm and the corresponding expansion of our business opportunities, prosperity, and national reputation.”
As deputy CEO, Hammer oversaw the firm’s lateral recruitment and office expansion efforts, as well as the accounting and finance departments. Under his guidance, the firm hired more than 250 lateral partners and opened 13 offices around the country, including in Texas, California, and Florida.
“I am honored and excited to accept the position of CEO and to continue building on the many successes Dickinson Wright has experienced in recent years,” says Hammer. “It’s a privilege to have the support and confidence of the firm, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s expansion in existing and additional markets. We will leverage our technological advantage, excellent client service, business acumen, and expertise in our clients’ industries to build on the firm’s profitable growth. As one of the fastest-growing Am Law 200 firms of the past five years, it is important that we continue to build client relationships that exceed expectations and become even a more diverse and inclusive work force.”
Hammer is a member of Dickinson Wright’s Ann Arbor office, where he offers business advice across a range of legal areas, including outside general counsel services, contract negotiations and commercial disputes, financial restructurings, bankruptcy, distressed acquisitions and sales, and wealth-protection solutions. He has been recognized as a DBusiness top lawyer.
