Heather D. Hestley

Advising financial services clients in the Southeast and nationwide, Heather Hestley represents banks and certified development companies in government-guaranteed lending transactions. Over the course of 15 years in this specialty, Heather has personally closed more than $1 billion in SBA Loans (including 7(a), 504 and permanent and interim loans) and USDA loans.

Heather enjoys the collaborative nature of these projects, with all parties working together to achieve a common goal. Community-based and small regional banks with dedicated government-guaranteed lending programs or departments rely on her deep experience and ability to shepherd deals over the finish line. As Heather puts it, “There are very few issues and loan structures that I haven’t come across before.”

With outstanding organizational skills, Heather keeps up to date on regulatory changes and helps clients minimize risks to their government guarantees. She works to deliver efficient client service, eliminate “surprise” expenses on the borrower’s end, and manage the myriad details of ongoing transactions to keep all processes running smoothly. Always highly responsive, Heather stays in close communication with clients and quickly addresses any potential problems that arise.

Heather previously practiced in general corporate, business, and real estate law. In this work, she handled all facets of the negotiation and documentation of mergers & acquisitions, corporate formations, employment and severance agreements, real property acquisition and sales, and commercial leases on behalf of landlords and tenants nationwide. Additionally, before attending law school, Heather directed a LASIK surgery center. She now draws on the valuable business insight she gained with that experience to provide optimal legal services to her clients.

After Hours

Heather and her husband have two children and a dog who keep them very busy during the evenings and weekends. When they aren’t watching their son’s baseball tournaments, they love grilling out and playing in the backyard. Heather likes to stay active by playing tennis and bowling, and keeping her mind sharp with her epic Candy Crush and Wordle skills.