Ronald G. Tate Jr.

Biography

Ronald G. Tate Jr. is a partner in the firm’s Greenville, South Carolina, office. He has handled a wide variety of cases involving many different legal issues throughout his over 30 years of practicing law. His cases have ranged from construction matters, commercial litigation, environmental law, toxic torts and insurance coverage.

Ron believes that an ability to fight for his clients in a jury trial is essential to obtaining the best results possible. He has tried a number of cases to juries, judges and arbitrators and also has significant appellate experience before South Carolina appellate courts.

A significant portion of Ron’s practice centers on design and construction matters. He has served in the construction industry most of his life – starting with a family-owned construction business. This lifelong experience provides Ron with the knowledge to understand the challenges faced by construction professionals. He often represents the following types of professionals in the construction industry:

• General Contractors
• Trade Contractors
• Design Professionals
• Home Builders
• Material Suppliers

Ron has the honor of serving local home builders and associated companies as general counsel to the Homebuilders Association of Greenville. Additionally, he has an array of experience litigating claims of alleged construction defects. These matters include:

• Defective design and construction of residences
• Large multifamily building defect class actions
• Grading and geotechnical claims
• Building collapses
• Water intrusion cases involving residential claddings, brick and stucco
• Claims for defective subdivision infrastructure causing soil erosion and water damage to adjoining landowners

Ron also counsels clients on construction collection and payment claims that often include lien and bond claims, claims for additional compensation due to acceleration and delays, and claims relating to contract termination.

Ron also focuses his practice on complex business and commercial matters. He has counseled clients on contract and transactional issues, drafted and negotiated contracts on projects as diverse as large co-generation power plants to homebuilding and remodeling agreements. Ronald is also conversant with industry standard contract forms and can tailor them to the needs of the client.

Issues that arise in law can be very complex and difficult for individuals to comprehend. Ron believes in working with his clients to help them understand these issues and work with them to set goals. He formulates a strategy that positions clients for the optimal result.

Education

Associations & Professional Memberships

• American Bar Association
• Greenville County Bar Association
• Homebuilders’ Association of Greenville, General Counsel
• Leadership Greenville, Class XX
• Leadership South Carolina (2008)
• South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys’ Association (SCDTAA)

Honors & Awards

• Beta Gamma Sigma
• Best Lawyers in America (2013 – 2025)
  • Commercial Litigation 
  • Construction Law
  • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Greenville Business Magazine
  • Legal Elite: Construction Law (2012) (2015) (2020) (2022-2024)
  • Legal Elite: Insurance Law (2014)
• Home Builders Association of South Carolina
  • Thomas N. Bagnal Associate of the Year Award (2014)
  • Richard A. Ashmore, Sr. Associate Member of the Year Award (2014)
• Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated, AV Preeminent for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
• Phi Beta Kappa
• South Carolina Law Review, Articles Editor
• TALK-Greenville
  • Top Lawyer (2024)

Community Involvement

• Alliance for Quality Education, Public Education Partners of Greenville County, Former Board Member
• Eastside Sertoma Club, Past President
• Friends of the Greenville Zoo, Board of Directors, Past President
• Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Greenville, Former Board Member
• Pleasant Valley Connection, Board Member