Ron guides his clients regarding public pension law, presently serves as General Counsel to the Police and Fire Retirement System of the City of Detroit. He has also served as special counsel and lead trial counsel for the General Retirement System of the City of Detroit and the PFRS since 2006. As General Counsel, Ron has a significant role in strategic planning, government relations, plan qualification and administration, investments, audit, actuary, regulatory compliance and litigation. Most recently, he played a significant and lead role on behalf of the retirement systems leading up to and following Detroit’s historic Chapter 9 bankruptcy case. Ron continues to lead the PFRS and its Boards of Trustees, working closely with staff and trustees to thoroughly and clearly convey and analyze the many issues facing PFRS in the implementation of the Chapter 9 Plan of Adjustment and its on-going operations.
Ron also advises his clients in all aspects of complex multi-party litigation involving diverse commercial matters, constitutional claims, and public pension-related disputes. He has conducted and supervised teams of internal and external attorneys in all phases of litigation in federal and state courts, and before federal, state and local administrative bodies, including regulatory and criminal investigations. He has conducted and supervised all aspects of discovery, e-discovery, motion practice, trial, and settlement negotiations. He is particularly proficient at simplifying and clearly conveying complex data and concepts during litigation and trial and, as importantly, in the boardroom.
Ron also represents a broad range of clients in all manner of environmental matters, including regulatory compliance and enforcement, and complex cost recovery litigation involving multiple parties. This work includes taking matters to trial and using world-class technology to explain complex issues to the bench and juries. He has worked with regulators and environmental consultants on developing corrective action plans and meeting compliance obligations. His environmental litigation experience is extensive, varied, and includes successfully defending property owners, operators, and transporters in actions brought by regulatory agencies and third parties, under federal and state statutes as well as common law. Ron has substantial experience in all aspects of hazardous waste management. Ron brings his considerable experience in environmental compliance and remediation to focus on achieving cost-effective, creative and environmentally sound solutions to client problems.
Ron also counsels clients in the development and implementation of business and strategic plans, including plans for business growth, risk management, and asset protection. He has extensive experience negotiating and drafting corporate documents, including by-laws, buy-sell agreements and stock, and asset purchase agreements. Ron is a trusted advisor and problem solver.
