Dykema Adds Public Finance Attorney N. Banu Colak to Its Lansing Office

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Nezihe Banu Colak to its Public Finance Practice Group as a Senior Counsel in the firm’s Lansing office. Colak joins Dykema from the State of Michigan’s Department of Attorney General, where she served as Assistant Attorney General.

In her most recent role as Assistant Attorney General of the Finance Division, Colak represented the Treasury, Michigan Finance Authority, Michigan Strategic Fund and State Building Authority in various taxable and tax-exempt issues. Her representation included State Aid Note, Local Government Loan Program, School Loan Revolving Fund, Higher Education Facilities projects, Tax Anticipation Notes and commercial paper notes. Colak has successfully negotiated terms of private market investments, including partnership agreements, LLC agreements, corporate formation documents, side letter agreements and subscription documents on behalf of the Bureau of Investments.

Colak also has experience preparing development and transactional contracts, and government resolutions and ordinances. She has provided legal opinions on CBAs, pension plans, employee benefits and tax laws. Formerly at The Hubbard Law Firm, P.C., she negotiated contracts, buy-sell agreements and various corporate governance documents.

“We are delighted to have added someone of Banu’s caliber and reputation to our team,” said Ann Fillingham, Director of Dykema’s Regulated Industries Group and Leader of its Public Finance Practice Group. “The firm and its clients are lucky to have the benefit of her intellect, knowledge and work ethic.”

Colak earned a J.D., cum laude, as well as LL.M. degrees in both Taxation and Corporate Law & Finance, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She also earned a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Middle East Technical University in Turkey. Colak is also a registered Patent Attorney with the USPTO.