First founded in Detroit by Sidney Davy Miller way back in 1852, Miller Canfield's focus on finance led to both the firm's rapid growth and longevity.
With a dedication to civic duty and diversity, it has continued to grow into the behemoth it is today, boasting a global headcount of 372 lawyers and 425 additional personnel spread out over 16 locations.
Michael Hartmann has been CEO since January 2007 and has already opened up two new offices -- one in Cambridge, Mass. and another in Chicago. "We're trying to have a little bigger regional reach," says Hartmann about his strategy.
Miller Canfield's Detroit headquarters have served the firm well in its expansions, which include offices opened in Poland and Canada in the last decade. "For the things we've done it's probably been a positive," Hartmann says. "It's an established firm with a good national reputation."
Locally, there has been growth, although it has been far from gang-busters. The Troy office has seen new business and the Detroit headquarters is not shrinking, although Hartmann characterizes it as "fairly flat." But the restructuring of the auto industry has kept Miller Canfield's corporate practice "as busy as it's ever been," he says.
Miller Canfield employs 238 attorneys in Southeast Michigan as well as 260 non-attorney personnel. Local strengths, besides corporate, include banking and public finance. "This is where we have a strong national reputation," says Hartmann.
Source: Michael Hartmann, Miller Canfield
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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