Dahm combines finance interests with law practice

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Michael Dahm has carefully crafted a legal practice that brings together his interests in the law and finance.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science, Dahm – an attorney at Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. in Milwaukee – went to Harvard Law School. He then worked as in-house counsel for a hedge fund before moving into private practice, where he focuses on securities, emerging companies and corporate transactions.

“I feel fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to combine my business and finance interests with my practice,” Dahm said. “It’s great that I can help companies with a variety of issues, whether it’s emerging companies that are not only looking at funding options, but also need assistance with setting up operational systems or more established private companies that are looking at raising capital and making sure all of the proper reporting is taken care of.”

Through his work, Dahm has established long-term relationships with many of his clients, watching them grow through the years.

“It’s enjoyable to see them flourish and know that you were able to help them along the way,” he said. “The ability to establish those longer relationships is one of the things I enjoy about the practice.”

Dahm has extensive experience in business financing issues, including fund formation, providing guidance to SEC-registered investment advisers, privately negotiated transactions, alternative funding options and early stage company investment.

“I’ve found that the experience I gained from going through the ups and downs of the financial crisis is a real benefit to my clients,” he said.

While Dahm enjoys security law, he admits it can be a gray area, which can be a challenge.

“You really need to work closely with your clients and understand what they consider is an acceptable risk,” he said.

Wisconsin Law Journal: What was your favorite class in law school?
Michael Dahm: I enjoyed all of the business-related classes, particularly those focused on finance.

WLJ: What activity could you spend hours outside of work doing?
Dahm: Anything that involves building things, especially woodworking or model building. I enjoy seeing tangible results.

WLJ: If you could live anywhere, where would you choose?’
Dahm: I really love Wisconsin for all of the outdoor activities, but if I had to choose somewhere else it would probably be a mountain town for the skiing and hiking.

WLJ: Who is someone you admire?
Dahm: My parents, because they helped nurture my drive and taught me how to be a parent to my kids.

WLJ: What apps can’t you live without?
Dahm: Netflix and Hulu. With our busy schedules, my family uses them all the time.

WLJ: What is your favorite thing to do in Wisconsin?
Dahm: Wisconsin offers some fantastic camping and hiking sites and I try to take advantage of them whenever I can.

WLJ: What song gets heavy rotation on your iPod?
Dahm: Because of my kids, anything from ‘Frozen.’

WLJ: What do you miss most from your childhood?
Dahm: I miss the freedom of summer vacation.

WLJ: If you could pick any superpower, what would you choose?
Dahm: Invisibility. I think it would be incredibly useful and fun.

WLJ: What was the first concert you attended?
Dahm: The first that I remember attending with just friends was Hootie and the Blowfish at Summerfest.