Ronald N. Ron Ward
Real Estate Law
Real Estate Law
Create an account to contact this attorney
Ron Ward has substantial expertise in all aspects of real estate law, development law, commercial leasing and financing, secured transactions (representing both lenders and borrowers), and administrative and environmental law – particularly local, state, and federal permitting.Ron advises real estate developers and entrepreneurs on the development and financing of complex commercial developments, as well as significant residential developments. Ron successfully handled the legal aspects of the redevelopment of the Shipyard Brewing Company block in Portland, Maine. On the civic side, he also led the Portland Chamber’s involvement in multiple pro-development initiatives at Portland City Hall, and the referendum initiative that transformed Portland’s governance from City Manager-led to elected Mayor-led.Ron has been honored by the Maine Real Estate Development Association Public Policy Award and is recognized in both Best Lawyers in America and New England Super Lawyers for his real estate work.Ron’s spare time is largely devoted to collaborating with his wife, Barbara, to chart a course through the choppy waters of the pandemic and the realities of twin teenagers at home. He confirms these complexities dwarf even those presented by the Rule Against Perpetuities. Ron Ward has substantial expertise in all aspects of real estate law, development law, commercial leasing and financing, secured transactions (representing both lenders and borrowers), and administrative and environmental law – particularly local, state, and federal permitting.Ron advises real estate developers and entrepreneurs on the development and financing of complex commercial developments, as well as significant residential developments. Ron successfully handled the legal aspects of the redevelopment of the Shipyard Brewing Company block in Portland, Maine. On the civic side, he also led the Portland Chamber’s involvement in multiple pro-development initiatives at Portland City Hall, and the referendum initiative that transformed Portland’s governance from City Manager-led to elected Mayor-led.Ron has been honored by the Maine Real Estate Development Association Public Policy Award and is recognized in both Best Lawyers in America and New England Super Lawyers for his real estate work.Ron’s spare time is largely devoted to collaborating with his wife, Barbara, to chart a course through the choppy waters of the pandemic and the realities of twin teenagers at home. He confirms these complexities dwarf even those presented by the Rule Against Perpetuities. Ron Ward has substantial expertise in all aspects of real estate law, development law, commercial leasing and financing, secured transactions (representing both lenders and borrowers), and administrative and environmental law – particularly local, state, and federal permitting. Ron advises real estate developers and entrepreneurs on the development and financing of complex commercial developments, as well as significant residential developments. Ron successfully handled the legal aspects of the redevelopment of the Shipyard Brewing Company block in Portland, Maine. On the civic side, he also led the Portland Chamber’s involvement in multiple pro-development initiatives at Portland City Hall, and the referendum initiative that transformed Portland’s governance from City Manager-led to elected Mayor-led. Ron has been honored by the Maine Real Estate Development Association Public Policy Award and is recognized in both Best Lawyers in America and New England Super Lawyers for his real estate work. Ron’s spare time is largely devoted to collaborating with his wife, Barbara, to chart a course through the choppy waters of the pandemic and the realities of twin teenagers at home. He confirms these complexities dwarf even those presented by the Rule Against Perpetuities.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007
David Cruz
Our company recently faced a complex, multi-parcel commercial acquisition in Portland that involved significant development hurdles and intricate lender requirements. We were referred to Ron Ward at Drummond Woodsum, and it was the best decision we could have made. With nearly five decades of practice, Ron’s depth of knowledge in Maine real estate and development law is immediately apparent. He navigated the transactional complexities, from title issues to the commercial lease negotiations for an anchor tenant, with a steady, strategic hand. His dual perspective, representing both borrowers and lenders, was invaluable in structuring the financing to everyone’s satisfaction. Ron’s recognition in real estate law is well-deserved; he anticipates problems we never saw coming and provides clear, practical solutions. Beyond his formidable expertise, his professionalism and calm demeanor made a stressful process manageable. He is not just a lawyer; he is a trusted advisor who is deeply invested in his clients' success. We have secured a vital asset for our portfolio, and we owe the smooth, successful closing entirely to Ron’s exceptional guidance.