Hitchcock Law firm, PLLC: Celebrating four generations of legal excellence
- Wilson, H.K. Wilson
Edward and Marie Hitchcock established a Twin Cities-based law firm in 1946 that specialized in estate planning and administration. This esteemed couple of lawyers has left a legacy that continues today under the name Hitchcock Law Firm PLLC. A third and fourth generations of Hitchcocks are continuing this long tradition of excellence in legal practice. The firm maintains a boutique-style focus and a personalized client care approach.
Edward J. Hitchcock, a third generation lawyer, has been the owner and CEO since 1990 of Hitchcock Law Firm. He is listed as an AV-rated lawyer on the Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His work includes complex estate planning, contract law and professional sports representation.
Raebern Hitchcock, his father (Payne-Arcade Business Association 1998 Business Man of the Year), and other prominent attorneys were part of Hitchcock’s family. Hitchcock always felt compelled to join the firm. Hitchcock, a talented college athlete and lawyer, saw law as a way to combine both his interests in one career.
We strive to provide a comfortable experience for our clients, while providing them with the expertise they need as we guide them through the estate planning and administration process.
Hitchcock: “I knew practicing law at our firm would allow me to practice both estate and sport law.” My brother was a Redskins player for three years and became my first client. From there, my sports practice grew and became an important part of my business. I was a football, UFC, and NASCAR sports agent for 25 years. Over time, I began to represent team executives and coaches. “I enjoy it more now, because I can use my legal expertise more than just as a sports agent.
Hitchcock has also taken up the practice of estate planning that was the foundation for the Hitchcock Legacy. He says that it gives him a great deal of pride to carry on what his grandparents began. It was also a very special experience being mentored by family members. My grandfather and my grandmother were both students at St. Paul College. This later became William Mitchell, and now Mitchell Hamline. They met there.
“Among the professors of these students were Chief Justice Warren Burger and Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun. My grandmother was a pioneer of Minnesota law when she graduated. She was also the first woman to be appointed special assistant attorney general. She was responsible for introducing women to the legal profession and government. She had her own thriving law practice. “I was inspired by my father and grandfather’s contributions and wanted to become a part of it.”
The firm has a long-standing tradition of ethical and compassionate representation. “All three have always insisted that we treat people with honesty and integrity, and demonstrate leadership on a micro level. Hitchcock states that we still carry these values. Our goal is to provide clients with a comfortable experience and expertise, while guiding them through the estate planning and administration process. My grandparents and father always made their clients feel special. We still strive to do that. This area of law has a personal touch, but it is also characterized by reluctance to discuss it. We want to make people feel comfortable and have a positive experience. “Once they’re done, they always tell us it was much better than they expected.”
Gene E. Adkins has been with the firm for 27 years. He represents clients on matters of estate planning, business formation, real estate, and probate and administration. Adkins and Hitchcock studied at William Mitchell College of Law together, but they didn’t meet until much later when Adkins was introduced to Hitchcock Law Firm.
Adkins may not have a last name that is Hitchcock but, with his middle name, “Edward”, and his ability to provide expert legal advice in a down-to earth manner, he’s become an honorary family member. He was also mentored and influenced by the senior Hitchcocks. Raebern was an excellent mentor and he would come to the office each morning, even though he had retired. He was an expert in real estate and would help me with any complicated title situations.
Hitchcock Law Firm is truly unique because of its familial atmosphere. Adkins says, “We understand that a death in the family is a stressful and emotional time for everyone.” Most attorneys are not familiar with probate law and it is a very specialized area. It involves guiding clients through the administrative process of gathering assets, identifying debts, navigating the creditor claims period, and finally completing the accounting inventories. I like to help people with that process and try to relieve them of as much stress as possible.
Hitchcock says that Gene has “become a true specialist in probate”. “Processes vary from county to country, and he knows every process as well as the personnel of the different counties. My estate and tax work is primarily focused on helping clients reduce estate taxes. It’s great to be able take a plan all the way through, not just to plan an estate, but also to administer it. We form strong bonds with clients and their family members during that process.
The attorneys at Hitchcock Law Firm are always looking forward and adapting. They honor the ideals that have made them a mainstay in the legal world for over 75 years. Hitchcock says that over the years they have evolved from a local law firm to a statewide or even national practice.
Sydney Hitchcock is the daughter-in law of Edward Hitchcock and a fourth-generation lawyer. Sydney graduated with a summacum laude in Seattle University School of Law. She began her career as a lawyer at Cozen O’Connor in Seattle where she worked for high-profile technology and internet companies.
She will now open a satellite office in Hilton Head, South Carolina for Hitchcock Law Firm. She said, “We’re excited to provide estate planning services and other related services to Lowcountry Residents in order to connect to the local community, which is tight-knit but growing quickly and diversifying.” We are excited to establish a strong presence in this community, which is unique and growing rapidly.
Sydney spoke about what it means for her to carry on the legal legacy cultivated by her family. “I feel honored to carry on the Hitchcock tradition. Hitchcock means more to me than just a family name. This family has had a rich and deep history in Minnesota law and elsewhere. Knowing my family’s history in law gives every aspect of practice a greater sense of meaning. The Hitchcocks that came before me have left a legacy of honor, strength, and character. I want to honor the Hitchcocks who came before me by maintaining the same values and also making a connection with the present day.
The firm recently remodeled its St. Paul office, giving it a theme that pays tribute to its East-side roots. Hitchcock says, “We have a wonderful partnership with Sivertson and Barrette in the building, and we both own it together.” The library is named after my father, and this is where we spend most of our time with clients. Our clients love the library. Even when people come here to do things they don’t like to do, it is a pleasant place to be. The space is stunning. We hired a designer to create a theme that embraces East Side. “We have a number of pictures taken by the historical society that feature local landmarks such as Swede Hollow and Hamm’s Brewery. Johnson High School is also featured.”
Adkins says that since COVID most civil cases in Minnesota’s court system are heard via Zoom. It’s great that a client can come to a place where they feel comfortable and we log in together. They prefer this to having to go downtown, find parking, pass through security, and wait in the courthouse. Parking is plentiful and easy to find. We offer a more intimate atmosphere with less stress.”
Hitchcock Law Firm was founded on the same principles, no matter what changes may occur. Hitchcock states, “We aim to build strong relationships with clients and offer expert advice in an environment that is comfortable.” We try to be tough on problems and gentle on people in all situations.
The At A Glance
Hitchcock Law Firm PLLC
1465 Arcade Street
St. Paul, MN 55606
(651) 772-3401
HitchcockLaw.com
Practice Areas
- Estate Planning
- Business Law
- Probate & Trust Administration
- Professional Sports Representation
- Real Estate
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