Firm

Why Hirschler

Hirschler is a national-caliber law firm based in Virginia. Invested in our clients and their success, our attorneys deliver smart solutions to important and often-complex legal issues. We are distinct in our deliberate service focus, partner involvement in client matters, and ability to deliver legal excellence and business efficiency.

With many qualified sources for legal advice, why choose Hirschler?

Brand Pillars

We think like a business.

Hirschler is invested in its clients and their success. Through a deep understanding of our clients, their businesses and their concerns, we are able to deliver smart solutions to important and often complex legal issues.

We have a purposeful business model designed to get results.

A firm of more than 90 lawyers isn’t staffed to be full service, or offer “all things to all people.” Instead, Hirschler focuses on a core group of practices that are supportive of the clients we serve and the industries in which they operate. Our deliberate service model means we collaborate to put the right players on the field without over-lawyering.

Our clients receive top talent.

Hirschler lawyers – at all levels – are wired to add value, and you can count on a talented, right-sized team of lawyers from start to finish. Clients receive partner-level attention from the beginning of a matter to its successful close.

We offer the right value proposition.

Though operating out of lower-cost markets like Richmond and Fredericksburg translates to better rates for our clients, Hirschler doesn’t compete for clients strictly on price. The value Hirschler offers comes from our commitment to offering legal excellence with business efficiency.

Core Values

Hirschler’s core values guide firm lawyers and staff in everything we do. They unite us in operating as “one firm,” and serve as a daily reminder of what it takes to reach our full potential.

Each Hirschler employee is asked to sign a pledge, agreeing to uphold the firm’s core values in serving Hirschler clients. Clients can expect that this pledge will be upheld by every member of our firm:

Accountability and Quality: I will be accountable for providing the highest quality advice and service to Hirschler clients and colleagues.

Financial Stability: I will actively contribute to the financial stability of Hirschler by growing my base of knowledge and clients, and by maintaining strong market awareness. I will pursue high quality, challenging work that inspires me to reach my professional potential.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Consistent with the firm’s entrepreneurial spirit, I will endeavor to bring fresh ideas and innovative ways of thinking to the firm and its clients.

Collegiality: Recognizing that Hirschler clients are best served by a diverse group of lawyers and staff, I will work collaboratively and cooperatively with all members of the firm.

Balance: I will balance my strong commitment to the firm and its clients with a strong commitment to my community and family.

Reputation: I will be a tireless advocate for the firm and its clients, supporting Hirschler’s reputation for quality, integrity and service.

History

Hirschler History At A Glance

1946: Major Edward S. Hirschler and Lieutenant Alan Fleischer return from the Pacific Theater at the end of World War II. To save on expenses, the two lawyers share office space in Richmond’s only “skyscraper.” Hirschler Fleischer is formed.

1940s – 1960s: Hirschler and Fleischer hustle for business, often creating businesses of their own – an insurance company, a bank – to generate more legal work. “Creative capitalism” becomes a defining characteristic of the firm. Hirschler Fleischer hires its first female lawyer, Elizabeth Taliaferro, in 1953.

1970s – 1980s: Hirschler Fleischer grows its business and real estate practices conservatively. By 1970 the firm has 11 lawyers and has added a litigation practice. Real estate syndications fuel the firm’s entrepreneurial appetite. Firm involvement in high-profile Richmond area real estate projects such as Innsbrook Office Park, Riverfront Plaza and Wyndham solidify Hirschler’s reputation as a local real estate powerhouse.

1990s: By 1993, Hirschler Fleischer expands to 40 lawyers and opens a second office in Fredericksburg. Firm lawyers begin organizing hedge and private equity funds and matching venture capitalists with companies needing financing. The firm helps bring Colonial Downs, one of the nation’s largest thoroughbred racetracks, to Central Virginia.

2000s: On the heels of the Fredericksburg office’s move to a historic factory building on Jackson Street, Hirschler Fleischer relocates its Richmond office to the rehabilitated Edgeworth Building on Tobacco Row. The firm begins its 15-year streak as a top ranked real estate firm in Chambers USA. The firm establishes the Women’s Initiatives Network (WIN at HF) to promote the development and success of women professionals.

2010 – present: Through its representation of a major healthcare system, firm real estate lawyers take an active role in bringing the Washington Redskins Training Center to Richmond. Lawyers across practice groups are instrumental in breaking ground for a new downtown high-rise, Gateway Plaza. Hirschler Fleischer is honored as “Law Firm of the Year” by the M&A Advisor, beating out finalists Goodwin Procter, Wachtell Lipton and Morrison Foerster for the prestigious award.

2016: Hirschler Fleischer combines with Tysons-based law firm Leach Travell, adding significantly to the firm’s core practice strengths in real estate, complex litigation and bankruptcy.

2018: Courtney Paulk becomes the firm's first female president, and Andrew Lohmann is elected executive vice president. The firm unveils its new brand, “Hirschler,” reflective of its nimble character and a renewed commitment to putting clients at the center of all we do.

2020: In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hirschler adapts and continues to provide excellent legal service to clients. Hirschler attorneys closely monitor market and pandemic-related legislative developments to keep clients informed.

2021: Hirschler celebrates 75 years of legal excellence and client service. The firm reflects on the legacy of our founders and the core values that have shaped our firm – then and now.

Recognition

Hirschler lawyers are grateful to have been recognized by clients and peers for legal and service excellence. Among our recent accolades:

Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplace, 2020

Hirschler has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by The Richmond Times-Dispatch. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.