Ron graduated from The Florida State University College of Law in April 1986 and was admitted to The Florida Bar later that year. In 1981, Ron earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Affairs and Government from The Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. In 1979, Ron earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Gulf Coast Community in Panama City, Florida.
For over 20 years, Ron was a lawyer for several state entities. From 1987 until 1989, Ron was an Assistant Attorney General in the Florida Department of Legal Affairs’ Office of Special Projects where he represented the State of Florida in complex property and environmental litigation. This litigation included cases concerning sovereign submerged lands and constitutional takings. During this time, Ron also represented Florida’s Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, and Florida’s Marine Fisheries Commission in rules challenge cases.
Between 1989 and 1994, Ron was Staff Attorney to the Florida House of Representatives’ Committee on Agriculture (1989-1992) and the Committee on Education (1992-1994). As Staff Attorney, Ron drafted, analyzed and presented proposed legislation to committees. Ron also developed, researched and presented interim project and oversight reports and evaluated and monitored agency actions to ensure that legislative intent was followed.
Beginning in 1995, Ron was Assistant General Counsel to the Florida Department of Education. In that capacity, Ron represented the Commissioner of Education before state courts and administrative tribunals, in particular the Education Practices Commission on matters concerning educator licensing. As Assistant General Counsel, Ron routinely advised and represented the Commissioner on matters concerning constitutional rights and responsibilities, education law, personnel practices, contracts and bid protests, rules challenges, licensure, student loan collections, immigration policy and legislation affecting the Department and Florida’s school districts. Ron was also a hearing officer for informal cases before the Department’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
In 2009, Ron entered private practice with Levine & Stivers. Ron now represents individuals and companies before state courts and administrative bodies. Since joining Levine & Stivers, Ron’s practice has focused on employment, public sector retirement and licensing matters, as well as complex civil litigation concerning contract and property law.