Ronald G. Tate Jr.

Biography

Ronald G. Tate Jr. is a Greenville-based construction lawyer and litigator with 40+ years of experience representing home builders and contractors in jury trials, arbitrations, land-use disputes, and risk management counselling. His cases have ranged from construction matters, commercial litigation, environmental law, and toxic torts.

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

Most of Ron’s practice has centered on design and construction matters. He has been involved in the construction industry most of his life, starting with a family-owned construction business. His lifelong experience in construction provides Ron with the knowledge to understand the challenges faced by construction professionals. He represents many types of professionals in the construction industry including:

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

Representative Matters:

Strategic Risk Management. Counsels general contractors, home builders, and design professionals on contract negotiation and project-level risk. He tailors industry-standard forms to create custom protections for projects ranging from residential remodeling to large-scale power plants.

Land Use & Development Entitlements. As the Southeast experiences rapid growth, Ron assists developers in securing the approvals and entitlements necessary to transform raw land into developable property.

Construction Claims. Advises clients on collection and payment claims that arise during performance including mechanic’s lien and bond claims, claims for additional compensation due to disruption, acceleration and delays, and claims relating to contract termination. Prosecute and defend claims in court or arbitration.

Construction Defect Litigation. Defends and prosecutes complex claims involving residential and multi-family defects, building collapses, and water intrusion. Ron’s trial-first philosophy ensures that if a fair resolution cannot be reached at the table, his clients are positioned for success before a jury.

Industry Leadership. Serves as General Counsel to the Home Builders Association of Greenville and works closely with the HBA of South Carolina to influence the legal and regulatory landscape of the industry.

The issues that arise in construction can be very complex and difficult for individuals to comprehend. Ron believes in working with his clients to help them gain insight into their problems, to set goals, and formulate strategies to position them for the best result.

Education

Associations & Professional Memberships

• 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

• Phi Beta Kappa
• Beta Gamma Sigma
• Best Lawyers in America (2013 – 2026)
  • 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)
  • Legal Elite: Environmental Law (2025)
• 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
• South Carolina Law Review, Articles Editor
• TALK-Greenville
  • Top Lawyer (2024)

Community Involvement

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