Brett R. Valentyn

Drawn to business from the start, I began my career in the corporate world before making the leap to law school. Given my business background, corporate and transactional work was a natural fit. I started my legal career at one of the largest law firms in the world, cutting my teeth on large and very sophisticated deals. Since joining Michael Best, I have advised clients on a wide range of transactional matters, including acquisitions, sales, growth initiatives, ownership transitions, governance issues, and other strategic business decisions.

While a significant portion of my practice remains focused on M&A, I enjoy serving as a broader advisor to business owners, executives, founders, and investors as they navigate opportunities and challenges throughout the life cycle of their businesses. Whether guiding a client through the sale of their company, helping execute a transformational acquisition, or advising on an important business decision outside the context of a transaction, I bring a mix of technical precision and pragmatic problem-solving.

As a former college athlete, I’m competitive and thrive in high-stakes environments. I’m tenacious, yet grounded, and never intimidated by the other side. I stay calm under pressure, unfazed by twists and turns, and focused on helping clients achieve the right outcome, whether in a transaction, a negotiation, or another critical moment for their business.