Mike Hammes, Founder & CEO

Mike brings nearly 25 years of global legal and leadership experience, having served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for a diverse range of businesses across multiple industries. Known for his sharp business acumen and collaborative approach, Mike is a trusted advisor to executive teams and boards on matters of governance, strategy, operations, and risk.

Early in his career, Mike identified a pattern: clients were facing the same legal issues repeatedly. That realization shaped his proactive approach to legal counsel—focusing on prevention, efficiency, and long-term value. He began as outside General Counsel in private practice, before spending nearly two decades in senior leadership roles at Caterpillar Inc. and Eastman Chemical Company.

Over the years, Mike has developed broad legal expertise across sectors including manufacturing, technology, energy, chemicals, defense, and transportation. He has negotiated multi-billion-dollar transactions and driven millions in cost savings through legal process optimization.

Mike’s ability to navigate complex challenges, align legal strategy with business goals, and deliver practical, high-impact solutions makes him a valuable partner to leadership teams navigating today’s increasingly complex global business landscape.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Eastman Chemical Company – Vice President, Legal & Corporate Secretary

Caterpillar Inc. – Assistant General Counsel

Wingert Grebing – Corporate and Business Counsel

Gozdecki & Del Guidice – Corporate & Business Counsel

EDUCATION

University of Notre Dame – Mendoza College of Business

   B.B.A., Corporate Finance

Loyola University Chicago – School of Law

   J.D., Securities Law Focus

Stanford University – Caterpillar Executive Leadership Program

   Executive Leadership Development

University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School

   Artificial Intelligence for Business

LICENSES & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

State Bar Admissions

North Carolina

California

Illinois

Federal Court Admissions

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Professional Memberships

North Carolina Bar Association - Corporate Counsel Section (Council Member)

Association of Corporate Counsel

VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATIONS

Girls Junior Carolina Hurricanes, Hockey Coach

Interfaith Food Shuttle, Volunteer

Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer

United Way Committee, Member

HIV/AIDS Orphanage – Det Udom, Thailand, Volunteer & Ambassador

Latin School of Chicago, High School Hockey Coach