Mission

To be the best place for the best people to work. To be victorious litigators, successful negotiators and wise counselors for the clients we serve.

Strategy

We’ve become one of the pre-eminent legal boutiques in the Midwest by creating a culture of “connectedness” with our clients, our attorneys and our employees though the 3-C’s of practice, following the best traditions of the most prominent firms in the profession:

Charisma

People with charisma exude a sense of presence and confidence that is coveted by those who lack it. Although some are born with it, most of us must work to acquire it. Charismatic leaders seek first to understand, then to be understood. Charisma attracts clients and, in the courtroom, jurors and judges are persuaded by it.

Competence

Competent lawyers are constantly learning, inquiring and creating anew. Lawyers best demonstrate competence when they present a thoroughly prepared case, reflecting at all times lawyers who really care and do their best.

Caring

About Clients. Lawyers who care have no difficulty helping people. We know the best way to know what people want is to ask. Clients place their trust in us. And judges and jurors will see that trust and want to do what is right for our clients.

About Employees. People want to be part of something successful. We treat everyone as a professional. Autonomy breeds trust; trust is a powerful Reward. We involve our people in a client’s issue so they feel it is their issue, and they become an important part of the solution.

About Our Other Lawyers. The drive to succeed is unlikely across the firm unless every lawyer can wake up every morning knowing just what they, and we, expect and what constitutes the best on-the-job performance. We have specific measures of performance that link individual achievement with our overall vision. When we mentor, monitor and measure results, success then becomes assured and predictable.

Messer & Stilp is committed to serve the legal needs of businesses and the personal legal needs of the people who own, manage or work in these businesses. This is what we want to do. This is what we like to do. This is what we do best.

Our 10 Commandments for serving our clients

At Messer & Stilp, we insist that clients be treated with courtesy and respect. This translates into clearly defined standards of professional conduct by which all law firms should be judged…

1. Be clear and frank with your client.
   We keep you informed.
2. Meet your deadlines.
   Prepare your documents and be there when you need us.
3. Be open and aboveboard with your client.
   Promptly answer questions about our representation of you and fees charged.
4. Keep your client informed.
   Return phone calls and answer all questions promptly.
5. Do not confuse your client with “legalese.”
   Write documents in plain English so you know what we are doing on your behalf.
6. Give your client copies of work product.
   You are entitled to see all work.
7. Give your client a budget.
   Discuss a litigation budget before work begins; give your best estimate of all fees and costs and, as appropriate, discuss billing options: hourly, flat fee, contingent or minimum based pricing.
8. Never bill your client for routine expenses.
   Don’t charge for routine phone, copy or telefax costs when part of the ordinary services your firm provides.
9. Give your client an honest appraisal.
   We will give you a candid appraisal at the outset.
10. Give your client your best settlement recommendation. Pursue the most advantageous settlement negotiations with the other side and do so at the earliest opportunity.