Grand Rapids Mich. — William W. Jack, a shareholder with the law firm of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, has been awarded the first annual Hillman Award, presented by the Hillman Advocacy Program. The award was given in recognition of Bill’s many years of service, contribution, dedication, and commitment to developing trial lawyers through the Hillman Advocacy Program.
The Hillman Advocacy Program, co-sponsored by the Federal Bar Association and the Judges of the Western District of Michigan, is guided by local, experienced attorneys like Bill and was developed for young lawyers to expand their courtroom skills under the guidance of some of western Michigan’s top trial attorneys – all of whom volunteer their time. The workshop, which is named after the late Honorable Douglas W. Hillman who established the program, has received national recognition and has the active support and cooperation of the state and federal judiciary in the Western District of Michigan.
Bill is a former CEO and former president of the board of directors of Smith Haughey and is currently the chair of the firm’s diversity committee. He maintains a highly successful mediation and alternative dispute resolution practice based on his solid reputation as a seasoned trial attorney and devotion to the legal community. He built his law practice in the areas of health law, medical malpractice defense, general litigation, and the defense of professional liability actions.