Hillman appointed to the bench

Richard L. Hillman, an attorney and shareholder with Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the 55th District Court of Ingham County.

Hillman has spent over 20 years specializing in municipal law, criminal defense, driver’s license appeals, and landlord-tenant law. He also serves as the city prosecutor for the Cities of Fenton and DeWitt.

Prior to his current firm, he was a shareholder with McGinty, Jakubiak, Frankland & Hitch, P.C.

Hillman has also served as a judicial clerk for the 30th Circuit Court and a law clerk for Dan Doneth Attorney at Law and Mueller Law Office. 

Hillman is a member of the East Lansing Knights of Columbus and the St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John’s Catholic Parish.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University.

Hillman lives in Meridian Township with his wife Teresa.

“I am extremely humbled and grateful to Governor Whitmer for entrusting me with the privilege to serve my community as district court judge,” Hillman said. “I will do my level best to carry out my duties with fairness and respect for all.”

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at noon on January 1, 2021, after Judge Thomas P. Boyd stepped down. If Hillman wishes to seek a full six-year term, he would be required to run for reelection in November.