Skip to content

DeWaard Named 2014 Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly

March 5, 2014

Varnum trial attorney Ronald G. DeWaard was recently selected as a 2014 Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He and other recipients – including some of the state’s most widely recognized attorneys, prosecutors, judges and justices – will be honored at a luncheon in Detroit in March. DeWaard was recognized for his legal practice as well as his commitment to improving the legal community and community at large.

Honorees were selected by a Lawyers Weekly editorial panel who considered such details as: demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the practice of law; is an inspiring and accomplished leader in the profession; seeks improvements to the legal community and their communities at large; shows leadership in improving the justice system in Michigan; and contributes significant time and effort to volunteerism and/or pro bono.

During his career as a trial attorney, DeWaard has obtained numerous favorable verdicts and settlements for clients, including one of the top ten verdicts in Michigan as recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2008. In addition to his litigation practice, DeWaard also represents parties in white collar criminal matters and conducts internal investigations for corporations.

Outside of his impressive law practice, DeWaard has displayed a deep commitment to trial law, trial attorneys, and our system of justice, including his enthusiastic participation in the West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, for which he currently serves as president, and the Hillman Advocacy Program. The Hillman program is a three-day annual seminar which provides young lawyers the opportunity to develop courtroom skills under the guidance of some of West Michigan’s top trial lawyers. DeWaard has served as an instructor for the Hillman program for many years and has also chaired the program for two years.

From 1995 – 2001 DeWaard served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Florida.  During his time in Miami, he worked his way through several divisions including Special Prosecutions and Economic Crimes divisions, and eventually became Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division. He also received special commendations from the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, Customs, and the ATF.

DeWaard has been listed in Best Lawyers for many years, including being named Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Litigation in 2013. He has been listed in Michigan Super Lawyers for several years and Benchmark Litigation has listed him as a Commercial Litigation Star.

Sign up to be the first to access our leading legal insights.

The link you have selected will redirect you to a third-party website located on another server. We are offering the link for your convenience. Varnum has no responsibility for any external websites and makes no express or implied warranties about any external websites.

Please be aware that contacting us via e-mail does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the firm. Do not send confidential information to the firm until you have spoken with one of our attorneys and receive authorization to send such materials.