Foley & Lardner LLP announced that former State of Michigan chief regulatory officer Steven Hilfinger is returning to the firm’s Transactional & Securities Practice as a partner in its Detroit office, beginning June 16.
Hilfinger has extensive experience representing clients in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, venture capital and joint ventures, as well as on various corporate governance matters. He was a founding partner of Foley’s Detroit office and has served in leadership roles, such as office managing partner and co-chair of the firm’s Automotive Industry Team.
As chief regulatory officer for the State of Michigan and director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Hilfinger’s responsibilities included principal oversight of state licensing and regulatory functions. In his most recent role, he served as chief operating officer (COO) of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit corporation that serves as the State of Michigan’s economic development arm.
“We are thrilled to welcome Steve back to our team,” said David Sanders, co-chair of Foley’s Transactional & Securities Practice. “The breadth and depth of his experience will allow him to navigate clients through complex transactions and ensure pending deals and projects are conducted in compliance with regulations and applicable development and incentive requirements.”
Hilfinger assisted in restructuring $3.8 billion of federal debt in a transaction that will save employers more than $1 billion over the life of the bonds, an achievement recognized as “Bond Deal of the Year” by Bond Buyer magazine. He also led the Office of Regulatory Reinvention, which to date has been responsible for repealing more than 1,500 administrative rules and implementing more than 100 recommendations to streamline Michigan state government.
“Steve is a well-respected attorney in the Detroit community with a tremendous track record in achieving results for clients,” said Daljit Doogal, managing partner of Foley’s Detroit office. “We look forward to having him back.”