Rickard & Associates, P.C. was founded by Lori-Ann Rickard after years in private practice at a large Detroit law firm, and eight years serving in-house as corporate counsel for the St. John Health System, a member of the largest Catholic Health system in the country, Ascension Health System.
Having experienced both sides of the attorney-client relationship, Rickard founded her firm on the premise that effective legal counsel is about helping clients reach intelligent, practical solutions that meet their unique needs, while focusing on the bottom line. A tireless client advocate, Rickard has a team of attorneys and legal assistants who have both a passion for the law and an “it’s handled” attitude toward client service.
Understanding that the needs of our clients sometimes extend beyond the walls of our firm, our in-house team sits at the center of a vast network of legal specialists, expert witnesses and industry professionals throughout the country who can be called upon at a moment’s notice to assist on a matter. This structure allows us to combine the personal attention and definitive advice that you would expect in the best small firms, with a depth of knowledge and specialty services that rivals most large firms.
“We combine real-world business acumen with the latest in legal expertise to provide timely and relevant counsel to help businesses address their challenges.”
— Lori-Ann Rickard
Lori-Ann Rickard founded Rickard & Associates in 2000 after years as a partner at a large Detroit law firm, and then serving in-house as corporate counsel for the St. John Health System, a member of Ascension Health System.
Honored with the distinctions “Best Lawyers in Michigan” by the Best Lawyers publication and the “Top Lawyers in Metro-Detroit” by DBusiness magazine, Ms. Rickard is an accomplished litigator and experienced corporate attorney, and a recognized leader in the ever-changing field of healthcare law. With clients ranging from national healthcare systems, ambulance companies and medical vendors to all types of physicians, Ms. Rickard combines cutting–edge legal knowledge with the desire to help clients reach intelligent, practical legal solutions that meet their unique needs.
Ms. Rickard is a seasoned corporate attorney, serving as an external in-house lawyer for many businesses, healthcare practices and organizations, and corporations. She provides advice and counsel on issues ranging from employment, corporate documentation, contract drafting and negotiation, disputes, IT issues, and more. Ms. Rickard also assists clients and their families with estate planning issues.
Ms. Rickard is a nationally known public speaker and continues to lecture for St. John Health System, Beaumont Health System, Michigan Peer Review Organization, National Congress on Healthcare Compliance, Health Care Compliance Association, the American Ambulance Association, Michigan Association of Ambulance Services, the Michigan Medical Billers Association, and the Michigan EMS Expo, among others.
Ms. Rickard has published several books and authored or co-authored numerous articles on healthcare and legal matters. She is an active member of the American Health Lawyers Association, State Bar of Michigan Health Law Section, American Bar Association, and the American Academy of Professional Coders. She is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and has also been certified in Probate and Estate Planning.
Ms. Rickard received her Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from Eastern Michigan University in 1983 and her Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State University in 1986, where she was a member of Wayne Law Review. Ms. Rickard is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, The Florida Bar and admitted to practice in federal courts. Ms. Rickard was an assistant teacher of Civil Trial Advocacy at Wayne State Law School.
“Our commitment to customer service is matched only by our passion for helping you realize positive, bottom-line results.”
— Ronald Rickard
Ronald Rickard has over forty-five years of legal experience. An accomplished legal strategist and litigator, he specializes in corporate law, contracting, real estate, estate and business planning and domestic relations. Mr. Rickard represents businesses, individuals and municipalities. Mr. Rickard practices in Genesee, St. Clair, Lapeer, Wayne and Ingham Counties.
Mr. Rickard specializes in estate planning and administration. He crafts sophisticated estate plans to account for an individual’s wishes, minimize taxes, and plan for incapacitation. Mr. Rickard handles the estate and business planning needs of hundreds of trusts and foundations ranging from smaller estates to those with assets totaling over tens of millions of dollars.
Mr. Rickard is also an astute corporate lawyer and litigator. His personal experience stems from his personal corporations and businesses, which lend to his knowledge and efficiency of planning for family businesses. He owns and operates a variety of businesses, ranging from dollar stores, oil change businesses, gyms, and more. His varied and extensive experience allows him to create unique solutions and plan for all worst-case scenarios.
One-third of Mr. Rickard’s practice is dedicated to divorce, paternity, guardianship and complex custody proceedings. Mr. Rickard has successfully represented thousands of clients in domestic relations matters in most counties in southeastern Michigan.
Mr. Rickard is the past president of the Lapeer County Bar Association, Imlay City Rotary Club and formerly served as a member of the Adrian College Board of Trustees.