Ronald A. Deneweth was a founding member of Deneweth, Dugan & Parfitt, P.C. in 1980, where he focuses his practice to construction law, including real estate, insurance and surety matters.
Mr. Deneweth has counseled owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, lenders, insurers and sureties from the bid process to final closeout on all matters of controversy and claim avoidance on construction projects. He has extensive experience in the drafting and negotiation of the legal documents required for the acquisition and financing of real estate through the entire construction process to final claims resolution. For over 40 years, he has represented owners, contractors, investors, subcontractors, insurers and sureties in disputes involving all aspects of the construction process. In particular, Ron has handled claims in arbitration, mediation, and civil litigation from relatively simple payment claims to much more complex claims for damages arising out of defects in performance, warranty, the suitability of plans and specifications, delays, and insurance disputes in the construction process. In recent years, Ron has assisted many contractors, investors, and owners involved in troubled projects to reach resolution with the projects' lenders through the loan modification, work out, or the debt acquisition process. Ron was named as the Best Lawyers' 2015 Detroit Construction Law "Lawyer of the Year." Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is being honored as the "Lawyer of the Year."
Ron has served as an arbitrator or mediator in over 450 insurance, real estate, or construction-related disputes, both as a member of the American Arbitration Association's approved panel of arbitrators and mediators and in connection with many private arbitrations and mediations.
Ron prides himself in seeking the most cost-effective resolution to complex disputes for his clients and those who engage him as a mediator or arbitrator.
Mr. Deneweth earned his J.D., cum laude, from Michigan State University College of Law (formerly Detroit College of Law) in 1977, where he currently acts as the Adjunct Professor of Construction Law. He received his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Economics from John Carroll University in 1974. Over the years, Ron has been honored to have been designated as a Michigan Super Lawyer not only in construction/surety but also as one of Michigan's Top 100 Lawyers in All Practice Areas. He has also been honored as a Top Construction Lawyer by Crain's Detroit Business and DBusiness and has been included in the Best Lawyers in America, receiving the 2021 designation as "Lawyer of the Year."
In 2000, Ron was awarded a John Carroll University Distinguished Alumni Volunteer. In 2018, Ron was awarded the John Carroll University Alumni Medal, the highest award given by the John Carroll University Alumni Association. In 2019, Ron was awarded the Michigan State University Law College Distinguished Alumni Award.
In April of 2010, after several years of heading the Building and Grounds Committee, Ron became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. He presently chairs its Annual Capital Campaign.
Ron also serves on the Board of Directors of John Carroll University.
Contact info:
248.290.0400