Ronald Gates

Ronald M. Gates brings decades of experience supporting businesses through complex corporate challenges. He advises public and private clients on entity structuring, asset protection, strategic planning, and contract development. His work reflects a commitment to clarity, risk reduction, and tailored solutions shaped by years of guiding companies through pivotal decisions.

Ronald earned his academic foundation through rigorous training that strengthened his legal reasoning. He graduated with Distinction from Naval Justice School, gaining discipline and analytical focus. He then graduated Cum Laude from W & L Law School with his Juris Doctor, building the advanced skills that now support his work in governance, regulatory matters, and business transactions.

Ronald has received significant recognition, including selection for Virginia’s “Legal Elite,” designation as a Virginia Super Lawyer, and inclusion in the inaugural “Go To Lawyers” class for Business Law. He has also been named among Coastal Virginia Magazine’s “Top Lawyers,” the “Bar Registry of Pre-Eminent Lawyers,” and the Registry of Business and Professional Leaders in Who’s Who Worldwide.

Ronald helps clients evaluate entity options, form businesses, and plan long-term structures aligned with operational goals. He drafts shareholder agreements, employment terms, non-compete provisions, and leases with precision. He also negotiates business sales and purchases, ensuring each stage is organized, documented, and designed to minimize disputes and unexpected liabilities.

Ronald serves as trusted counsel in mergers and acquisitions, private securities offerings, and franchise registrations. He identifies potential risks early, guiding clients through sophisticated transactions with confidence. His review standards support compliance while maintaining practical strategies that advance financial objectives and operational continuity.

Ronald assists organizations with expansion efforts, asset protection strategies, and succession planning that anticipate future needs. His approach clarifies obligations, reduces conflicts, and equips leadership with a clear understanding of their options. He emphasizes long-term stability, ensuring that evolving business demands are met with well-structured, forward-looking solutions.

Ronald Gates contributes to community initiatives through longstanding involvement in Kiwanis leadership and local bar associations. His service includes roles supporting youth programs, civic planning, and community development. This sustained engagement complements his professional dedication, underscoring a career centered on responsible guidance and meaningful support for individuals and business leaders.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Wolcott Rivers Gates
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association

Licensed State

• Virginia

Education

• Washington and Lee University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  

Awards & Badges