Services
- Real Estate
- Economic Development Incentives
- Commercial Real Estate Finance
- Commercial Real Estate Finance Workout, Foreclosure and Litigation
- Corporate Real Estate
- Governmental Entities
- Leasing
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate Acquisition and Disposition
- Real Estate and Construction Litigation
- Real Estate Development
- Corporate and Transactions
- Financial Services
Industries
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1985
University of Michigan, B.B.A., 1982
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
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."
Led legal team on $650 million sports arena and related development located in Detroit, Michigan. The project is one of the most significant public-private partnerships in the Midwest, and is expected to generate $1.8 billion in economic development and 1,100 permanent jobs in the area. Related work involved real estate, land acquisition, title clearance, environmental, legal structuring, multi-level economic incentives, planning, zoning, financing, leasing, special legislation, tax-exempt bonds, architect agreements, construction and labor.
Structured, negotiated and closed $60 million leveraged Federal New Markets Tax Credit transaction involving five Community Development Entities.
Handled the development and construction of a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant involving over $500 million in capital investment located in South Carolina, including Federal, State and local incentives.
Represented corporate real estate group in obtaining over $68 million in grants, tax abatements, tax credits, and recovery zone economic development bonds for manufacturing plant located in North Carolina.
Represented manufacturing company in obtaining over $58 million in tax abatements, job training grants, and other incentives for new alternative energy related facility. Also handled lease acquisition and construction contracts for project in Kansas.
Represented Fortune 100 company on national real estate portfolio including over $1 billion in leases, construction, and economic incentive projects.
Represented construction manager in connection with construction of Detroit Midfield Terminal airport project.
Represented construction manager on $350 million office building renovation project located in Michigan.
Representation of national corporation in connection with over $2 billion of real estate owned, leased, and constructed throughout the United States.
Representation of public utility in connection with sale/leaseback of $100 million of power plant equipment.
Representation of the construction manager in connection with construction of Ford Field football stadium located in Detroit, Michigan.
Representation of the owner/developer in connection with design construction and project financing of Comerica Park baseball stadium located in Detroit Michigan.
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), 2005-2023
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
