Ronald S. Safer

Ronald S. Safer is a highly respected partner at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP in Chicago. He leads the firm’s Wrongful Convictions Practice Team and is known for managing high-stakes civil and criminal cases. With deep experience in commercial litigation, white collar defense, appellate practice, and compliance counseling, Mr. Safer represents individuals and companies in federal and state courts. He has helped clients in matters involving accounting fraud, tax fraud, kickback violations, environmental issues, securities fraud, and more. He regularly appears before agencies like the DOJ, SEC, FINRA, and FTC.

Mr. Safer earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1983. He received his B.A., cum laude, in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. He also studied History through the university’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Mr. Safer began his law career as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, where he rose to Chief of the Criminal Division. During his time there, he tried dozens of jury cases and handled appeals in the Seventh Circuit. He prosecuted cases involving public corruption, organized crime, and complex financial fraud. In 1999, he joined private practice and later served as managing partner of a national law firm from 2005 to 2015.

Ronald S. Safer is a nationally recognized trial lawyer known for his exceptional courtroom results and strategic advocacy. He has been honored by leading legal rankings, including Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon. Safer is widely respected for his work in freeing wrongfully convicted individuals and was specifically recognized for his commitment to the Julie Rea Harper case. Clients consistently highlight his clear communication, deep legal expertise, and unwavering dedication to achieving justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Pennsylvania
  BA in Economics with Cum Laude

Awards & Badges