Photo of Ronald E. Hodess

Ronald E. Hodess

Of Counsel

Office

T:
+1.248.267.3236
O:
+1.248.879.2000
F:
+1.248.879.2001
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Education

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1985

University of Michigan, B.B.A., 1982

Bar Admissions

Ron Hodess brings practical expertise to legal transactions involving large-scale real estate and construction projects. His track record also includes representing corporations on major economic development incentive projects throughout North America. Ron has worked on more than $14 billion worth of real estate and construction projects for both U.S. and international clients.

Ron's commercial real estate expertise includes real estate finance, construction law, commercial leasing and all aspects of commercial development. He also handles procurement, negotiation and consulting on state and local economic development incentives and tax abatements. For the construction industry, his expertise includes construction law, construction risk management, construction contracts, architect agreements, construction claims, bonding, insurance and bidding issues.

Chambers USA reports that Ron has over three decades of experience in the real estate arena, which has led sources to comment on his "incredible wealth of knowledge" in property and construction-related matters. He has an active practice representing businesses in major development projects and can provide expertise on a range of tax and infrastructure incentives. 

Representative Matters

Chambers USA, which ranks attorneys in the U.S., reports that Ron often advises on complicated multi-state, multi-million dollar development and construction projects where "clients appreciate his excellent attention to details." Chambers USA goes on to say that Ron is sought after for his expertise in construction law matters, in addition to being highly regarded for his real estate finance practice. Sources single out his responsiveness, fine judgment and thoughtful approach to matters as being among his chief attributes, and add that he is "extremely knowledgeable and very practical."

Honors

State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022

Crain's Detroit Business, Notable Nonprofit Board Members, 2021

Midwest Real Estate Journal, 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law Class of 2013

DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers: Real Estate, Construction Law, Land Use & Zoning

Best Lawyers in America, Construction, Real Estate Law, Project Finance Law, 2006-present

Michigan Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2006-present

Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers, Real Estate (Band 3), 2005-present

Professional Activities

American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section; Construction Law Forum

State Bar of Michigan, past Chair, Special Committee on Construction Law; Real Property Law Section

Oakland County Bar Association, Real Estate Section

Civic, Cultural & Social Activities

The Friendship Circle, West Bloomfield, MI; Chairman of the Board of Directors; Chair, Endowment Committee

Autism Alliance of Michigan, Executive Committee, Board of Directors

Autism Society of America, Oakland County Chapter, past Co-chair, Annual Fundraiser

Living & Learning Center, Advisory Committee

JARC (Jewish Association for Residential Care), past Board of Directors

Leadership Oakland IV, Oakland County, Michigan

Jewish Community Council, past Member Board of Directors

Autism Insurance in Michigan (AIM), Co-Leader

Speeches

"Foreign Direct Investment in U.S.," Presentation at the U.S. Embassy, Madrid, Spain, June 2013

"Real Estate Law" (Guest Lecturer), Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, September 2009

Michigan Bankers' Association Seminar on Financing Urban Redevelopment (Panel member), April 1993

"Lender Environmental Liability: EPA Rules Create New Guidelines for Secured Lenders," Risk Management Association, August 1992

Publications

"Third Party Legal Opinions: The Next Generation," (Co-author), Michigan Real Property Review, Fall 1992

"Plain Language in Title Insurance Policies," Michigan Bar Journal, February 1990

"Revisions to the ALTA Title Insurance Policy Forms," Michigan Bar Journal, Spring 1988

Articles