Dickinson Wright Names Michael C. Hammer as CEO

Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that Michael C. Hammer has been elected as the Firm’s next Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2019. Mr. Hammer will succeed William T. Burgess, who has served as the Firm’s CEO for the past nine years. Upon the conclusion of his term of office, Mr. 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,” Mr. Burgess said. “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.”

Michael Hammer has served as Deputy CEO for the past 10 years and is a 30-year veteran of the Firm.

“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,” Mr. Hammer said. “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”

As Deputy CEO, Mr. Hammer oversaw the firm’s lateral recruitment efforts and office expansion efforts. Under his guidance, the Firm hired more than 250 lateral partners and opened 13 offices around the country, including in Texas, California, and Florida. Through these efforts, he strengthened and broadened the firm’s offerings to its clients. According to The American Lawyer, Dickinson Wright is one of the fastest-growing Am Law 200 law firms of the past five years. Mr. Hammer also oversaw the firm’s accounting and finance departments, gaining knowledge in the day-to-day management and operations of the firm.

Mr. Hammer is a Member in Dickinson Wright’s Ann Arbor, Mich. office. His clients rely on him to provide sound business advice across a broad 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. Mr. Hammer is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America©, has been included in Michigan Super Lawyers since 2006, and  listed in DBusiness Magainze's "Top Lawyers" since 2013. He was named a “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2018.