Insights & Resources

This GC Spotlight Q&A session features Jeffrey A. Robinson, Vice President and General Counsel at The Hillman Company. Learn more about Jeff's career and his experience taking over the reins as GC at this prestigious family-owned investment firm, his efforts to support charitable organizations including Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), his approach to leadership, and what he finds to be the most helpful in the search process with Carpenter Legal Search, having been through the recruiting process as a candidate and then as a client at The Hillman Company.

You were recruited to The Hillman Company to succeed as General Counsel. How did you get up to speed when joining the company?

To succeed as an in-house attorney, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of your company's business. In-house lawyers are expected to align their legal advice with the company's business objectives while effectively managing risk. The Hillman Company, a family office that manages the investments of the company, various Hillman family trusts, and Hillman Family Foundations, has a long history and diverse range of investments, making it challenging to get up to speed quickly. When I joined, I dedicated significant time to learning the company's operations, gaining insight into the industry dynamics, and understanding the existing legal framework. I invested heavily in building relationships with various departments and leadership, which helped me to grasp the company's objectives and risks while appreciating the culture and values that had been established by Mr. Hillman many years ago.

How have your responsibilities evolved over the years, and where do you believe you add the greatest value for the business in your role as GC?

Over the years, my role has evolved from primarily handling traditional legal matters to becoming more deeply involved in strategic decision-making and risk management. As General Counsel, I lead a legal department tasked with providing effective and efficient legal guidance that aligns with our business objectives, enabling us to make informed decisions for our advisory clients. The value I bring to this role is in balancing legal expertise with business insight, offering solutions that support our goals while mitigating risk, and fostering strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. By maintaining a calm, collaborative approach and working toward shared goals, I’ve helped build a culture of trust between the legal department and the broader organization. This trust encourages employees to seek legal advice early, which enhances our ability to provide better guidance and make more informed decisions.

What is the most exciting aspect of leading the company’s legal team? What is your approach to leadership?

The most exciting part of leading the company's legal team is the opportunity to guide the company through a complex and constantly evolving investment landscape, while upholding the legacy of success and values built over decades. To achieve this, I strive to lead by example and create an environment centered on excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. I empower the legal team by providing opportunities for them to contribute their expertise and grow professionally. My approach emphasizes clear communication, mentorship, and proactive problem-solving. By focusing on these core principles, I believe we’ve built a best-in-class legal department with a strong understanding of both the law and the company's industry and operations. 

The Hillman Company has a long history of supporting vital research and fundraising efforts for non-profit organizations in the community. As GC of the company, how are you supporting this mission with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF)?

Philanthropy is truly a cornerstone of the culture at The Hillman Company, a tradition rooted in the generosity of Henry and Elsie Hillman and continued through the impactful work of the Hillman Family Foundations. Employees find many ways to support their communities, and I am proud to contribute by raising funds for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), the largest funder of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research in the world. My daughter was diagnosed with T1D at the age of four, and following her diagnosis, her mother and I made a commitment to help her fight this incurable disease. Over the past 11 years, with the incredible support of family and friends, we’ve raised more than $320,000 to fund groundbreaking research for both a cure and better treatments for the 1.6 million Americans living with T1D. This year, our family is sponsoring a team for the Breakthrough T1D Walk on November 2. If anyone would like to join us in this fight, you can support our team, B's Believers, by visiting: 
 
What is one thing you keep in mind as you look forward to a long future with The Hillman Company, and what do you do to forge solid relationships with your team so that they also stay with the company for the long term?

Embrace change. The world is constantly evolving, with new technologies, businesses, and challenges shaping our work at The Hillman Company. Our culture views these developments as exciting opportunities, attracting and motivating individuals who thrive on challenges to stay and grow with the company over the long term. My team exemplifies this mindset. By fostering relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect, I help them integrate into this culture. I believe that providing regular feedback, recognizing achievements, and offering opportunities for growth are essential to building the loyalty and commitment that keep employees with the company for the long haul.

You have the full perspective of being recruited to The Hillman Company as a candidate by Carpenter Legal Search and then engaging CLS to recruit for you as a client. What value did CLS bring to the search process when you were being recruited for a role and when you were recruiting for the Hillman team?

CLS, and Lori in particular, take immense pride in matching candidates with companies that reflect their personal values and offer opportunities for growth and challenge in their legal careers. They achieve this through a deep understanding of the legal landscape, working closely with clients to understand their business and hiring goals, and taking the time to know candidates on both a personal and professional level. This approach has proven incredibly effective for all parties involved. As a candidate, Lori ensured I was well-prepared and a strong fit for The Hillman Company. As a client working with CLS to recruit for my team, I was impressed by their thorough industry knowledge, their ability to identify candidates who matched both our technical needs and cultural fit, and their personalized, strategic approach to the recruitment process.

What is the sagest career advice you have received that you can offer to those who are being recruited for a position or looking to add to their team?

The best advice I've received is to surround yourself with good people who are united in pursuing a common goal. Whether you're being recruited or hiring for a position, it’s crucial to prioritize cultural fit and a shared vision, not just skill set. Building strong relationships, keeping communication open, and creating an environment where people feel they can grow are key to long-term success—both personally and for the team. With that foundation, you'll be able to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable things.