Atty. Ronald G. DeWaard

Atty. Ronald G. DeWaard

Ron has accumulated a vast amount of first chair trial experience. As an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami for seven years, he tried several large criminal cases.

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Profile Summary

About Ronald G. DeWaard at a glance

Ronald G. DeWaard is a business and litigation attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan, Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association, Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association, and New York, New York State Bar Association. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1990) and Calvin College (BA, 1987). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance (2026). Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Ron has accumulated a vast amount of first chair trial experience
  • As an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami for seven years, he tried several large criminal cases
  • In his final year as a federal prosecutor, he served as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division of the U.S
  • Attorney’s Office
  • Ron’s broad trial and litigation skills allow him to represent clients in diverse types of disputes in nearly any locale in the country
  • Since joining Varnum, Ron has tried and litigated cases in courts acrioss the country including trials in Washington, D.C., New York City, Kansas City, West Palm Beach, Memphis, Kentucky and Michigan
  • He has handled complex commercial, banking, corporate tax, patent, environmental, labor, and general liability cases for plaintiffs and defendants
  • Ron has obtained numerous, multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for clients, including one of the Top Ten Verdicts in Michigan as recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
  • He has also obtained a number of defense verdicts in high damages cases
  • As a former federal prosecutor, Ron represents companies and officers in white collar criminal matters and government investigations and also conducts internal investigations

Practice Areas Explained

Ronald G. DeWaard's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Ronald G. DeWaard handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Ronald G. DeWaard is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Michigan →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Ronald G. DeWaard is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Grand Rapids are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Ronald G. DeWaard

Where is Ronald G. DeWaard's law office located?
Ronald G. DeWaard's law practice is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm is Varnum Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Ronald G. DeWaard handle?
Ronald G. DeWaard focuses on business, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
Where did Ronald G. DeWaard go to law school?
Ronald G. DeWaard earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (BA, 1987).
How can I contact Ronald G. DeWaard for a consultation?
You can contact Ronald G. DeWaard directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Ronald G. DeWaard received?
Ronald G. DeWaard's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions.

Education

J.D.
The University of Michigan Law School
- 1990
BA
Calvin College
- 1987

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers (2010 – present)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed as a Leading Commercial Litigation Plaintiffs Star in Michigan by Benchmark (2012)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2010 – present)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation (2008 - present)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Commendations from the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, Customs, and the ATF
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Department of Justice Volunteer Service Award, 1999
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Banking and Finance (Grand Rapids)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association
New York, New York State Bar Association

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