The law firm Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is expanding to the lakeshore.

The Muskegon-based firm Even & Franks, PLLC recently joined Smith Haughey.

Smith Haughey operates offices in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Traverse City.

Even & Franks’ four attorneys — Kevin Even, Eugene Franks, Kevin Huss and Thomas Andrews, Jr. and their office staff — will “join and operate under the name Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge,” beginning in October, according to a Smith Haughey announcement.

Lakeshore presence

The move will essentially keep Even & Franks, a business and commercial litigation firm, running the same, said Lori Gibson, chief operating officer for Smith Haughey.

“This affiliation is a natural extension for Smith Haughey, giving us better presence in the vibrant and growing lakeshore communities,” Gibson said. “We really are viewing this as a great way to grow both practices.”

Integration

Although there are no plans to hire in the immediate future, Gibson said, Smith Haughey is looking to grow that office.

“They’re bringing all their clients in that work with them,” Gibson said. “We bought their furniture, their fixtures, and we’re going to assume their leases for equipment.

“They’re moving from their computer system on to ours, but we’re trying to keep it as seamless as possible,” added Gibson. “We have our own method of compensation, and they’ll be brought under our benefit plans, which really aren’t that different from theirs.”

Founded in 1994

Even & Franks has served the lakeshore area since 1994 and is located at 900 Third St., Suite 204.

Together, the office boasts a total of 90 years of combined experienced in business law, trusts, probate and estate planning, real estate and taxation.

“There is a real synergy between our firms in terms of our practices, our clients and our cultures, and this new and exciting relationship will enable us to grow and better serve our clients through expanded geographic coverage and resources,” Gibson said.

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