Steve Hessen
“Being brutally candid and absolutely decisive is often what clients need most.”
Brutal candor or, as Steve Hessen says it, “bluntness,” may seem like an odd quality for an attorney to embrace. But as Steve sees it, anything less than total candor is a disservice to his clients. He believes they need to know everything about their cases: the good, the bad and the ugly. Once the essential facts are clearly understood by client and attorney alike, better decisions can be made. And those decisions likewise need to be firm and clear.
With 30 years of experience in commercial litigation, estate planning, and business planning, Steve also has the credentials to back up his forthright point of views about effective legal counsel. The combination of his broad litigation and transactional experience, as well as his reputation for fairness and professionalism among his peers, has made him a sought-after mediator for parties looking to resolve their disputes outside the courtroom.
As a past managing partner, Steve is passionate about the Kreis Enderle and his primary practice areas, especially non-compete and shareholder disputes. He is also passionate about community service, contributing much time and talent to the benefit of multiple organizations.
Professional Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America® – 2024 to present
- Super Lawyers (Michigan) – 2013 to present
- Certified Civil Mediator (Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office)
Posts by or including Steve Hessen
Shareholder Oppression and Business Judgment Rule Examined at Length in Impactful Michigan Appellate Court Decision
A recent Michigan appellate court issued a lengthy, scholarly opinion about shareholder oppression and the business judgment … Continue Reading
Kay Kossen Speaks to Emerging Women Leaders at the Olivet College Women’s Leadership Institute
On November 13, 2019, Olivet College welcomed Kreis Enderle shareholder Kay Kossen as a featured speaker at … Continue Reading
Kreis Enderle Celebrates and Congratulates Carol Burke on Her Retirement
For nearly 40 years as a legal assistant with Kreis Enderle, Carol Burke has demonstrated professionalism, integrity, … Continue Reading
We are Delighted to Welcome Two Summer Associates to the Firm!
To us, Katrina Tooker and Alexandra Page are ideal summer associates – they demonstrate enthusiasm, a passion … Continue Reading
Michigan Lawyers Weekly Honors Jim Lance as One of 2019’s “Leaders in the Law”
We are delighted to announce that shareholder Jim Lance was named to the 2019 class of Michigan … Continue Reading
Mark Kreter Appointed to Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority
Kreis Enderle shareholder Mark Kreter was recently appointed to serve on the board of the Battle Creek Tax Increment Finance Authority … Continue Reading
New Battle Creek City Commissioner James Lance on WBCK Radio Program
As we proudly announced earlier this month, the Battle Creek City Commission recently appointed Kreis Enderle shareholder … Continue Reading
James Lance Appointed to Battle Creek City Commission
Kreis Enderle shareholder Jim Lance was recently appointed to serve as the commissioner representing Ward 5 on … Continue Reading
Kay Kossen Honored as One of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2018 “Women in the Law”
We are thrilled to announce that Kay Kossen, a shareholder at Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, has … Continue Reading
Daniel Boocher Joins Kreis Enderle’s Grand Rapids Office
We are pleased to announce that Daniel W. Boocher has joined Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. … Continue Reading
Kreis Enderle Lawyer Named Michigan Super Lawyer for Business Litigation for 2017
Kalamazoo, Mich. (Sept. 15, 2017) – Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. is proud to announce that … Continue Reading
Hessen Named 2016 Michigan Super Lawyer
Stephen J. Hessen, partner at Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos, PC in Kalamazoo, Mich., has been named … Continue Reading
Steve Hessen Named Super Lawyer for Third Consecutive Year
Stephen J. Hessen, managing partner at Kreis Enderle Hudgins & Borsos, PC in Kalamazoo, Mich., has been … Continue Reading
Not Everyone is Entitled to a Jury Trial
Ask virtually any U.S. citizen if she has a right to a jury trial in the courts … Continue Reading
When it’s not enough to have a will
Who are the most important people in your life and why? Do these special people know how … Continue Reading