Michael H. Hekman

Overview

Mike’s practice focuses on advising businesses, lenders, and individuals in all manner of financing, corporate, and regulatory compliance issues. Mike joined Garlington from a mortgage default firm, where he represented creditors of all types and sizes against individuals and businesses due to default and regarding lender liability issues in Bankruptcy, State, and Federal courts. This includes prosecuting and defending banks and creditors in all manner of actions, including lien validity claims, fraud, lender liability, condemnations, TILA, RESPA, FDCPA, and state consumer protection actions.  Mike‘s extensive bankruptcy experience includes representing creditors of all sizes in adversary proceedings, cases under Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code, and on appeal.

Mike also has extensive experience advising businesses and non-profit entities on compliance and risk management processes, including tax issues, asset protection, mergers and acquisitions, and succession planning. Mike has also worked with several specialized, highly regulated businesses before state and federal agencies, as well as in developing best practices and systems to ensure streamlined and efficient processes. Mike also has a real estate practice, with experience in prosecuting and defending quiet title and other declaratory actions to resolve boundary disputes, lien priority issues, and access rights.  Mike has also handled a variety of real estate transactions and workouts, ranging from small to multi-million-dollar negotiations.  Mike holds a Master of Laws in Taxation and is experienced in business, tax exempt and corporate tax issues, as well as representation of clients before taxing authorities. Mike also represents buyers and sellers in complex merger, acquisition, and complex financing work, including public bond issuance, complex financing, and debt/equity transactions.

Mike grew up in western Michigan before meeting a Montana native in graduate school and relocating to be closer to family in Missoula. In his spare time, Mike enjoys running, live music, playing guitar, and spending time with his family.