Ron N. Ward

Ron N. Ward is Of Counsel at Drummond Woodsum in Portland and advises clients on real estate law, development law, commercial leasing and financing, secured transactions, and administrative and environmental law. His permitting work covers local, state, and federal requirements. He represents developers and entrepreneurs in complex commercial and residential developments and works with lenders and borrowers on financing structures and secured transactions connected to real estate projects.

Ron earned a B.A. from Bates College in 1971 and a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law in 1977. His legal education supports a practice that combines property law, commercial finance, administrative procedures, environmental regulation, and local development issues. Over his career, he has applied that background to projects requiring coordination among private parties, lenders, public authorities, and permitting bodies, with attention to legal, financial, and regulatory requirements.

Ron has handled the legal aspects of significant development work, including the redevelopment of the Shipyard Brewing Company block in Portland. His practice includes commercial leasing, financing, permitting, and other development matters. He has also taken part in Portland civic initiatives involving development and municipal governance, including work through the Portland Chamber and a referendum initiative that changed the city’s governance structure from a city-manager-led model to an elected-mayor-led model.

Ron N. Ward has been recognized by Best Lawyers USA for Real Estate Law from 2007 through 2026 and by New England Super Lawyers for real estate and administrative law. Martindale-Hubbell rates him AV Preeminent, and the Maine Real Estate Development Association honored him with its Public Policy Award. His professional and civic service includes leadership with Portland business and downtown organizations and participation in city task forces addressing issues affecting Greater Portland.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Drummond Woodsum
• Member, Maine State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Former Chairman, Portland Community Chamber City Affairs Committee
• Former Board Member and Past President, Portlands Downtown District

Licensed State

• Maine

Education

• University of Maine School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Bates College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges