Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Hillman was a lieutenant in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945.

[1] On July 12, 1979, Hillman was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan created by 92 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 25, 1979, and received his commission the following day.

He served as Chief Judge from 1986 to 1991, assuming senior status on February 15, 1991.

Hillman served in that capacity until his retirement from the bench on October 1, 2002.