Atty. Ronald S. Safer

Atty. Ronald S. Safer

Ronald Safer manages complex, high-stakes cases with a focus in civil litigation. Ron has successfully represented companies and individuals in federal and state court involving matters such as commercial disputes, accounting fraud, tax fraud, anti-kickback violations, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), environmental violations, and securities fraud.

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Profile Summary

About Ronald S. Safer at a glance

Ronald S. Safer is a criminal defense, business, white collar, and litigation attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar. Educated at Georgetown University (J.D., 1983) and University of Pennsylvania (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Ronald Safer manages complex, high-stakes cases with a focus in civil litigation
  • Ron has successfully represented companies and individuals in federal and state court involving matters such as commercial disputes, accounting fraud, tax fraud, anti-kickback violations, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), environmental violations, and securities fraud
  • He represents clients before the U.S
  • Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and numerous state agencies
  • When Ron takes a case, he pores over the facts and analyzes the complex concepts involved until he can shape them into clear, effective arguments
  • His impressive track record demonstrates his ability to command a courtroom while maintaining an unflinching commitment to his clients
  • Above all else, he genuinely cares about his work. “My clients’ problems become my problems,” he says
  • His vast federal and state trial experience, paired with his unwavering work ethic and approachable demeanor, allows Ron to bring extraordinary value to his clients

Practice Areas Explained

Ronald S. Safer's Areas of Practice

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

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Ronald S. Safer is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Illinois →

Business & Corporate Law

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

Ronald S. Safer is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →

White Collar Crimes

Ronald S. Safer is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Illinois →

Civil Litigation

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

Ronald S. Safer is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois 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 Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Ronald S. Safer

Where is Ronald S. Safer's law office located?
Ronald S. Safer's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Ronald S. Safer handle?
Ronald S. Safer focuses on criminal defense, business, white collar, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
Where did Ronald S. Safer go to law school?
Ronald S. Safer earned their education at (J.D., 1983); (B.A., 1979).
How can I contact Ronald S. Safer for a consultation?
You can contact Ronald S. Safer 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 S. Safer received?
Ronald S. Safer's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants.

Education

J.D.
Georgetown University
- 1983
B.A.
University of Pennsylvania
- 1979

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chambers Band 1 Lawyer in Litigation, White Collar Crime and Government Investigations
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chicago's Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Crain's Chicago Business (2024)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chicago’s Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Crain’s Chicago Business (2023)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Justice John Paul Stevens Award 2017
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chicago Bar Association and Chicago Bar Foundation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Illinois Leading Lawyer
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2003-2025)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Illinois Super Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Thomson Reuters
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2005-2025)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2008-2011, 2014-2017, 2019-2025)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon Inc.
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2023-2025)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon Hall of Fame
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — (2022)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Chicago)
- 2017

Bar Admissions

Illinois, Illinois State Bar

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