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Miller Canfield’s Stephen Ragatzki Named to Crain’s 40 Under 40
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Principal Stephen Ragatzki has been named in Crain’s Grand Rapids 40 Under 40, recognizing rising leaders who have made significant contributions in their professions and communities.
Ragatzki is a commercial litigator in Miller Canfield’s Grand Rapids, Michigan, office. He represents clients in complex, high-stakes disputes, particularly in highly regulated industries. His practice includes matters involving businesses regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Michigan Liquor Control Commission and Michigan Public Service Commission.
“Steve combines a tremendous work ethic and sharp legal mind with an unusual ability to make extraordinarily complicated issues understandable,” said Miller Canfield CEO Michael Palizzi. “He is a fierce advocate for his clients, a generous colleague and mentor, and exactly the kind of next-generation leader who makes our firm stronger.”
Ragatzki has achieved significant victories in matters involving restrictive covenants, construction disputes, commercial contracts and complex tort claims. He also played a key role on the Miller Canfield trial team representing the Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Association in federal litigation challenging zoning restrictions affecting 11 wineries on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula.
With an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, Ragatzki brings a scientific background to cases involving highly technical issues. His work has included representing a pharmaceutical contract manufacturing organization in litigation involving alleged noncompliance with FDA standards.
Before joining Miller Canfield, Ragatzki served as a law clerk to Judge Richard Allen Griffin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Earlier in his career, he was a Teach for America corps member and taught math and science in Chicago schools. That experience continues to inform his approach to advocacy: distilling complicated legal and technical concepts into clear, concise arguments for judges and juries.
Ragatzki is also committed to developing the next generation of lawyers. He serves on Miller Canfield’s summer associate hiring committee and actively recruits and mentors law students and young attorneys. His pro bono service has earned him recognition on the State Bar of Michigan’s Pro Bono Honor Roll.
He earned his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in its Ones to Watch category.
