Ruder Ware - Eau Claire, WI

A Century of Comprehensive Legal Excellence for Wisconsin Businesses

With a distinguished legacy dating back to 1920, Ruder Ware has grown into one of Wisconsin's largest, most respected full-service corporate law practices. Positioned in downtown Eau Claire across the fifth and sixth floors of the Graham Riverside Building at 402 Graham Avenue, the firm's western Wisconsin office traces its direct local heritage to 1954 through its historic merger with Garvey, Anderson, Johnson, Geraci and Mirr. Combining the depth of more than forty-five attorneys statewide with an intimate understanding of the Chippewa Valley economic environment, Ruder Ware provides decisive counsel to entrepreneurs, closely held corporations, public entities, and multigenerational families. When business executives need to find an attorney equipped to manage complex transactions or cross-border concerns, this firm provides an unparalleled caliber of legal sophistication.

Business Formation, Mergers, and Corporate Governance

Navigating commercial opportunities requires proactive legal strategy from inception through succession. Attorneys in the Eau Claire business section counsel corporate leaders through every stage of enterprise growth, helping them minimize liability and capitalize on strategic market positions. Corporate practice competencies include:

• Business formation, restructuring, and operating agreement design for limited liability companies and corporations.
• Mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and asset sales across domestic and global sectors.
• Commercial contract drafting, vendor agreements, licensing frameworks, and executive employment agreements.
• Business succession planning ensuring seamless generational transfers of family-owned enterprises.
• Corporate compliance, antitrust guidance, and risk mitigation strategies.

Labor and Employment Law and Workplace Relations

Maintaining a compliant, productive workforce in a continually shifting regulatory landscape is paramount for modern employers. Ruder Ware represents management, human resources professionals, and corporate boards in navigating complex state and federal employment regulations. Key employment legal services include:

• Advising employers on compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage and hour laws, and disability accommodations.
• Formulating customized employee handbooks, non-compete agreements, and trade secret nondisclosure covenants.
• Defending businesses against workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, and harassment claims before administrative agencies and courts.
• Collective bargaining negotiation, grievance arbitration, and National Labor Relations Act compliance.
• Internal workplace audits, executive severance negotiations, and compliance training programs.

Commercial Real Estate and Financial Services

Real estate development and commercial lending form the foundation of regional economic growth. Ruder Ware real estate attorneys have played instrumental roles in high-profile developments throughout western Wisconsin, including transformative civic projects like downtown Eau Claire arts center. The firm represents developers, municipal bodies, and institutional lenders in:

• Commercial land acquisition, zoning approvals, tax incremental financing, and municipal development agreements.
• Commercial lease drafting and negotiations for industrial facilities, retail spaces, and office complexes.
• Banking and creditors' rights litigation, secured transactions, and loan workouts.
• Construction contracts, mechanic lien disputes, and contractor negotiations.

Sophisticated Estate Planning, Trusts, and Business Litigation

In addition to corporate transactions, Ruder Ware features renowned trusts and estate planning attorneys who assist high-net-worth individuals and business owners in preserving wealth. The firm structures revocable living trusts, irrevocable dynasty trusts, charitable planning instruments, and comprehensive probate administrations. When commercial disagreements arise, the firm's seasoned trial attorneys deliver aggressive representation in business litigation, shareholder disputes, and breach of contract actions. Backed by AV Preeminent ratings and global connectivity through the Meritas legal network, hiring a lawyer at Ruder Ware provides regional clients with world-class capability right in downtown Eau Claire.