Billings, Montana (PRWEB) August 07, 2013
As an attorney specializing in consumer protection law, John Heenan is passionate about advocating for his clients. “I knew before ever graduating from law school this was the kind of practice I would pursue,” Heenan said. While still a law student at the University of Montana, Heenan participated in a variety of class clinicals. One of those was representing students against unscrupulous landlords and debt collectors. “That experience was immensely rewarding,” he said.
Heenan received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Montana. In 2003 he moved to Billings where he worked for Judge Richard Cebull before joining a local firm. Four years later, Heenan struck out on his own. “It was important to me to take on the cases I wanted to take on and to be able to do what I needed to do in order to succeed for my clients,” he said.
For several years, Heenan, along with his administrative assistant Amber Shanks, had an office on the third floor of the downtown Post Office. Eventually they relocated the two-person firm to Billings’ West End.
In 2012 Heenan merged his practice with attorneys Randy Bishop and Gene Jarussi and changed the name to Bishop & Heenan Law Firm. The new partners quickly realized they had outgrown their current office space and began considering options.
Buttressed beauty
Although Heenan looked at multiple professional office spaces, he didn’t find the right combination of location and aesthetics he was looking for.
“We needed to be centrally located for our clients, and easy to get to from downtown and Billings Heights,” Heenan said. “I also wanted to have a comfortable, inviting environment. Nothing pretentious or intimidating. A kind of ‘anti-law firm, law firm.’”
Tucked back from the bustling arterial, the elegant new building appears to rise organically from the earth. Clad in locally-quarried stone and dark cedar, the outline projects a stunning silhouette.
“The wings of the roof system point upward, opening the view line to the expansive Montana panorama,” architect Brian Johnson noted.
Inside, a warm palette of taupe, heavy cream and rich green complement the use of natural stone, reclaimed wood and heavy timber creating an inviting environment somewhat reminiscent of a Montana lodge.
As visitors pass through the foyer into the reception area, they are enveloped in a richly- appointed sitting area awash in soft light. The west wall of the room features a floor-to-ceiling dry-stacked stone wall with a two-sided fireplace that fronts to both the reception area and a conference room on the other side. Above, a massive timber beam bisects the room, penetrating through the wall to the outside to support the roof. Tall ceilings with exposed ductwork and metal detailing accentuate the rustic vibe.
Beyond the reception area are seven offices plus three conference rooms, one of which features a table that transforms into a regulation-size billiards table. There is also a large open space with wireless state-of-the-art workstations for the firm’s legal assistants.
Past the workstations, the space opens to a beautiful upscale kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops and a large island where people can sit comfortably to share lunch or simply talk.
“I respect and enjoy the company of my associates and clients. This kitchen was designed to be a relaxed setting where we can sit and talk about issues or cases,” Heenan said. Off the far side of the kitchen, a glass door leads to an expansive outdoor living space with a full-sized grill and fire pit. “The patio was my idea,” Heenan said smiling.
Client care
According to Heenan, the new building was part of his philosophy of putting clients first. “I want my clients to feel comfortable working with me,” he said. For Heenan, that means having an environment that isn’t stodgy or staid. “I’m proud of my clients, and I’m fortunate to work with a great staff. We respect each other and are all invested,” said Heenan. “I sleep very well at night doing what I do.”
Bishop & Heenan Law represents injury victims and consumers throughout Montana. If you or a loved one is in need of quality, compassionate legal representation, give Bishop & Heenan a call.
