Wallace G. Hilke uses his deep understanding of business valuations, owner relationships, family businesses, and closely-held business law to protect his clients' investment and rights in ownership disputes and "business divorces." He has advised more than 200 clients in business valuation and closely-held and family business disputes, resolving most of these conflicts without resorting to litigation.
Wally prides himself on developing practical and economical approaches to deliver excellent outcomes for his clients. He has been lead counsel in well over 100 commercial lawsuits and arbitrations in more than 20 states. Wally regularly represents clients in noncompetition, trade-secret, and wind energy disputes, and has represented several companies in the life sciences arena on litigation, corporate, and business issues.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Obtained a judgment in a dissenter's rights business valuation lawsuit that the client representative described as a "three-run homer". Charter Bank Eau Claire v. Todd L. Johnson, et al., No. 07-C-0222 S (W.D. Wisc.)
- Advised group of minority shareholder/employees through complex negotiations to a successful take-over in the midst of a complex ownership dispute
- Protected a middle school student's First and Fourth Amendment rights in a nationally prominent social media student rights lawsuit, resulting in a consent judgment requiring the school district to change its policies and practices and pay damages to the student. R.S. v. Minnewaska Area School District No. 2149, Civil No. 12-CV-00588-MJD-LIB (D. Minn)
- Worked with an investor to obtain the full value for her shares in a competitive appraisal process
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
Federal Bar Association, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Recognition & Accomplishments
North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2013-2016, 2020, 2023
Minnesota Lawyer, Attorney of the Year, 2014
Alumni of Notable Achievement Award, University of Minnesota, 2010
Leonard E. Lindquist Pro Bono Award, 2009
Speaking Engagements
"Exit Strategies: Liquidity For You and Your Investors," 28th Annual Minnesota Venture & Finance Conference, October 1, 2014
Board Memberships & Community Service
Civic Consulting Minnesota, Chairman and Co-Founder
ACLU of Minnesota, Board President, Committee Chair, Board Member, 2003-2013
ACLU of Minnesota, Volunteer Attorney (2013–present)
University of Minnesota, Former Regent and Committee Chair
University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts Alumni Association, former President
Youth Soccer Coach, 1995-2007
Credentials
Education
University of Minnesota Law School (J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, 1986)
University of Minnesota (B.A., 1983)
Admissions
Minnesota
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois