Industries
Education
Michigan State University College of Law, J.D. 2017
Michigan State University, B.S., 2012
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
- Michigan
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals
- Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Courts
- Western District of Michigan
- Eastern District of Michigan
Steve Ragatzki is a commercial litigator who specializes in making complex concepts simple to understand. He frequently helps clients in industries regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Securities and Exchange Commission, Michigan Liquor Control Commission, and Michigan Public Service Commission protect their business interests. Whether it is a business partner that complains a drug was not manufactured according to FDA standards, a former employee who walks out the door and takes clients and trade secrets, or an alcohol manufacturer suffering from overregulation by its local government, Steve prioritizes clarity and brevity to cut to the heart of the issue.
His practice extends beyond traditional breach of contract matters. Steve regularly defends businesses against tort claims like gas explosions and slip and falls. He has helped utility companies use eminent domain to secure easements to lay miles of natural gas pipelines in southeast Michigan. And he has assisted clients in recovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in construction litigation disputes. No matter the type of case, Steve prioritizes telling a clear and understandable story to the judge and jury.
Steve previously completed a federal clerkship with the Honorable Richard F. Suhrheinrich of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. While in law school, Steve was the Editor-in-Chief of the Michigan State International Law Review and completed the two-year Trial Practice Institute Program. Before attending law school, Steve taught Algebra II and chemistry and coached varsity baseball as a Teach for America corps member in Chicago, Illinois.
Representative Matters
§1983 Litigation
Represented the Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Association and 11 wineries in a lawsuit against Peninsula Township. Michigan. The district court concluded that Peninsula Township’s zoning ordinance violated the First Amendment, the Due Process Clause, and the Dormant Commerce Clause and that it was preempted by the Michigan Liquor Control Code.
Breach of Contract Litigation
Successfully enforced a non-compete agreement against former employees who left a pharmaceutical manufacturer and took documents to new employer.
Successfully represented a financial advisory firm to enforce a non-compete and confidentiality agreement against a former employee.
Successfully represented a local business to enforce a non-compete agreement against a former employee. Matter resulted in a preliminary injunction and a money judgment against the former employee.
Successfully represented a local manufacturing company in a breach of contract claim against a parts manufacturer. Representation resulted in a $239,000 judgment against the parts manufacturer.
Construction Litigation
Successfully defended a homeowner against claims made by a contractor. Settlement resulted in a dismissal of all claims against the client, lien removed from homeowner’s residence, and no damages owed.
Successfully defended a California subcontractor and its employee in federal court against breach of contract and conversion claims by a Michigan general contractor. The claims were dismissed for lack of personal jurisdiction, lack of subject matter jurisdiction, and failure to state a claim. Lee Contracting, Inc. v. Shore W. Mfg., No. 1:19-CV-831, 2020 WL 6193628, at *1 (W.D. Mich. Oct. 22, 2020).
Represented homeowners against their general contractor for claims for breach of contract and conversion. Successful settlement for homeowners after general contract admitted under oath to falsifying sworn statements.
Represented a business owner against its general contractor, resulting in successful settlement for business owner.
Tort Defense
Successfully defended gas station and received summary judgment of trip and fall claim on elevated sidewalk. Sherman v. Speedway LLC, No. 1:21-CV-63, 2022 WL 22248553 (W.D. Mich. July 28, 2022). Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the grant of summary judgment. Sherman v. Speedway, LLC, No. 22-1545, 2023 WL 2870721 (6th Cir. Apr. 10, 2023).
Successfully defended gas station and received full dismissal of slip and fall claim on snow and ice. Lewis v. Speedway LLC, No. 1:20-CV-1166, 2021 WL 6932967 (W.D. Mich. Dec. 1, 2021).
Defended utility company after natural gas fire destroyed a historic building. Following discovery that showed holes in the plaintiff’s theory of causation for the fire, the parties reached a successful settlement for the utility company.
Defended utility company after natural gas exploded inside a residence. Following discovery, the parties reached a successful settlement for the utility company.
Administrative Challenges
Represented large chemical manufacturer challenging chemical-limit standards set by state agency. Michigan Court of Claims and Court of Appeals ruled to invalidate the standards because the state agency failed to follow the Administrative Procedures Act.
Honors
Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2023-present
State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2021, 2024
Summa cum laude, Michigan State University Law School
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Parish Finance Council, St. John/St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Member 2014-2017
Teaching
Teach for America, Math & Science, Chicago Public Schools, 2012-2013; Noble Network of Charter Schools; 2013-2014
Publications
Filling in the Gaps in FAA Drone Regulations: A Proposed Dual-Zone Model of Personal Privacy, 25 Mich. St. Int'l L. Rev. 193 (2017)
Resolving the Reasonable Belief and Probable Cause Circuit Split Stemming from Payton and Steagald, 20 U. Pa. J. Const. L. Online 1 (2017)
