William H. "Will" Heritage III

Will’s practice includes representation of small to large privately-held businesses as well as international business clients. Many of his clients are involved in the automotive industry, and other representative client industry segments include health care, information systems, consulting, food products and distribution, and general manufacturing. He assists businesses in their formation and counsels them on all general corporate matters including governance issues, contracts, growth through acquisitions and financing. He works with closely-held businesses to develop succession planning and buy-sell agreements. A significant part of Will’s business work includes negotiating and drafting a wide variety of contracts to meet his clients’ needs.

His experience includes many complex business transactions, and he has represented both purchasers and sellers. A representative list of his transaction experience is provided under Selected Transactions. Will’s representation of merger and acquisition clients covers the entire spectrum of the transaction from initial assessment and planning, drafting letters of intent, and conducting due diligence through negotiating the transaction, preparing the transaction agreements, closing and post-closing. He is skilled in business planning strategies and the structuring of transactions to accomplish the needs of his clients.

Will conducts a very active real estate practice representing clients with the purchasing, selling and leasing of commercial, professional, industrial and retail properties. He is also experienced in real estate financing.

Mr. Heritage is active in a number of community and civic organizations. He served on several boards, including as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the S.E. Michigan American Red Cross. He has been active as a member of fund raising committees, including events for organizations such as Children’s Hospital.

• Duke University, B.A.
• Michigan State University of Law (f/k/a Detroit College of Law), J.D., cum laude

Admitted to Practice
• Michigan 1995
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan 1995