Richard D. Rick Rattner
Copyright Law
Copyright Law
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Richard Rattner has more than thirty years of experience in real estate law, with specialties in real estate acquisition, sale and loan transactions, land use development, zoning, and corporate law.Mr. Rattner is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. He served on the Governing Council of the Real Property Law Section (RPLS) of the State Bar of Michigan and remains an active participant in many of its committees including Zoning and Land Use Planning and is the co-founding director of the newly formed RPLS Real Estate Academy for young lawyers. He is a former co-chair of the RPLS Continuing Legal Education and Membership Committees, and he has also served as a volunteer arbitrator for the Attorney Grievance Commission.Mr. Rattner is an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School, where he teaches “Developing the Commercial Real Estate Project.” He is a frequent lecturer on a variety of real estate related topics at seminars for lawyers, real estate brokers, and other business organizations. He has presented at events sponsored by Michigan’s Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and the Michigan Association of Planning.Mr. Rattner is a past chairman of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan and a past member of the University of Michigan’s Advisory Board for Intercollegiate Athletics. He is repeatedly recognized for legal excellence by his peers and respected professional organizations. In addition to his perennial listings in Leading LawyersSM and Best Lawyers in America® for his real estate practice, Best Lawyers has honored him as a Detroit-area “Lawyer of the Year” multiple times for Land Use and Zoning Law (2012, 2016, and 2018) and Real Estate Litigation (2017). Mr. Rattner has been named to the list of Michigan Super Lawyers annually since 2006 (including Top 100 Lawyers recognition), and DBusiness Magazine has included him among the “Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit.”In 2017, Mr. Rattner was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, an elite, invitation-only group that represents the finest attorneys in the profession. Richard Rattner has more than thirty years of experience in real estate law, with specialties in real estate acquisition, sale and loan transactions, land use development, zoning, and corporate law. Mr. Rattner is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. He served on the Governing Council of the Real Property Law Section (RPLS) of the State Bar of Michigan and remains an active participant in many of its committees including Zoning and Land Use Planning and is the co-founding director of the newly formed RPLS Real Estate Academy for young lawyers. He is a former co-chair of the RPLS Continuing Legal Education and Membership Committees, and he has also served as a volunteer arbitrator for the Attorney Grievance Commission. Mr. Rattner is an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School, where he teaches “Developing the Commercial Real Estate Project.” He is a frequent lecturer on a variety of real estate related topics at seminars for lawyers, real estate brokers, and other business organizations. He has presented at events sponsored by Michigan’s Institute for Continuing Legal Education, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and the Michigan Association of Planning. Mr.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007
Jonathan Diaz
Our family-owned business faced a complex and high-stakes zoning challenge with the City of Troy that threatened a major commercial development project. After a disappointing experience with another firm, we were referred to Richard Rattner at Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett. From our first meeting, it was clear we were in the hands of an expert. Mr. Rattner’s deep, 55-year foundation in general practice, with a clear focus on real estate and land use, gave him an unparalleled perspective. He didn't just understand the zoning code; he understood the history, the political landscape, and the practical pathways to a solution. His recent recognition as 'Lawyer of the Year' in Litigation - Land Use and Zoning was evident in his strategic approach. He guided us through negotiations with a steady hand, avoiding unnecessary litigation initially, but was impeccably prepared to advocate fiercely when needed. His drafting of our variance applications and his presentations before the planning commission were masterful. The result was a fully approved project with favorable conditions. Beyond his technical skill, Mr. Rattner is a consummate professional—responsive, patient in explaining complex issues, and genuinely invested in our success. For anyone navigating the intricacies of real estate acquisition, development, or zoning in Michigan, his decades of experience at this firm are an invaluable asset. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
Corporate Law Mergers and Acquisitions Law