Ronald Grais

Ronald B. GraisCounsel

  • Chicago: (312) 704-2771
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Ronald B. Grais is a transactional lawyer who is highly skilled in all areas of real estate law, particularly as it relates to the development process. With special experience in zoning, tax increment financing and construction, he represents developers, contractors and subcontractors as well as landlords, tenants and occasionally community groups. Mr. Grais has served as a court-appointed receiver for projects still under construction and has extensive experience representing receivers of properties, as well as mechanics lien claimants, in foreclosure and bankruptcy proceedings.

Well versed in the intricacies of LEED certification and development and leasing of sustainable projects, Mr. Grais is a frequent speaker at national conferences and seminars on the subject of Green Leasing. In addition to his law practice, Mr. Grais has been an active real estate developer for more than 20 years. In January 2011, he was profiled in a cover story for Leading Lawyers Magazine - Real Estate, Construction & Environmental Edition. Grais is a trained and experienced mediator with extensive experience as a neutral in resolving real estate contract and construction disputes.

Strongly committed to community service, Mr. Grais for more than three decades has been involved with Thresholds, the largest and oldest provider of mental health services in Illinois, including serving as president of the Board of Directors. He received the 2006 W.F. Faulkes Award from the National Rehabilitation Association Awards Committee, as well as the Citizen Community Rehabilitation Service Award, a Chicago and State of Illinois honor. He was selected for the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative in 2014, and spent a year there training in techniques for accomplishing social change through entrepreneurship.

Memberships

Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
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Honors


Leading Lawyers Network - Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law: Commercial; Real Estate Law: Finance (2004-2017)



Martindale-Hubbel AV Preeminent Rated, 5.0/5.0 Overall Peer Rating

Publications

Speaking Engagements

News

Civic & Professional

Corporate Realty, Design & Management Institute's Green Lease Task Force, Member

Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, Director
Roosevelt University, Member, Board of Trustees

Thresholds Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centers, Director, President Emeritus

Thresholds Rehabilitation Industries, President

Economics Club of Chicago, Member

Lambda Alpha International Honorary Land Economics Society, Member

12th Judicial Circuit, Illinois, Volunteer Mediator

Psychiatry Advisory Council at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Member

Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Mental Health, Editorial Board

Chicago High for the Arts (ChiArts), Chairman of the Board of Directors

Ronald B. Grais's recent or notable engagements and experience includes:

  • Represented developer of 79 unit affordable housing project to meet the needs of LGBT seniors.
  • Lead team assisting master portfolio owner in repositioning big box stores in 5 states.
  • Represented receiver of high rise residential condominium through completion of construction and sellout.
  • Counseled receiver of regional shopping center.
  • Served as mediator in condominium purchaser dispute involving 12 purchasers, lender and developer.