Exhibit 23 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-4 No. 33-44271, Form S-8 No. 33-59866 and Form S-8 No. 333-44735) of Hilb, Rogal and Hamilton Company and in the related prospectuses of our report dated February 11, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Hilb, Rogal and Hamilton Company included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997. Ernst & Young LLP /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Richmond, Virginia March 20, 1998