Ronald S. Safer

Ronald S. Safer


Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

Recognized since 2009

Chicago, Illinois

Practice Areas

Bet-the-Company Litigation

Commercial Litigation

Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
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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.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 1 South Dearborn Street, Suite 2200
    Chicago, IL 60603
Education
  • Georgetown University, J.D., magna cum laude, graduated 1983
  • University of Pennsylvania, B.A., Economics, Wharton School, History Faculty of Arts and Sciences, cum laude, graduated 1979
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar
Affiliations
  • American College of Trial Lawyers - Fellow
  • Center on Wrongful Convictions - Executive Committee
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri
Federal Clerkships
  • United States District Court

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Chicago (2017)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Awards:
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers® (Bet-The-Company Litigation, 2017-2023; Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2009-2023)
  • 2017 Chicago Criminal Defense: White-Collar “Lawyer of the Year”, Best Lawyers®
  • Illinois Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers (2003-2022)
  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, Lawdragon Inc. (2023)
  • Lawdragon Hall of Fame, Lawdragon Inc. (2022)
  • 2018 Streetwise Inc. 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans
  • 2017 Chicago Bar Association and Chicago Bar Foundation Justice John Paul Stevens Award
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Publications

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