Ronald W. Meister

Prior to assuming the position of Senior Counsel in January 2021, Ron Meister concentrated on litigation in federal, state and military trial and appellate courts.

Ron successfully litigated cases ranging from a criminal antitrust case in Montana to a multi-million-dollar tax case in New York.  His clients have included manufacturers, publishers, cable television companies, housing cooperatives, copyright and trademark owners, theater producers, religious organizations, civil liberties organizations, corporate executives, financial advisors, attorneys, university professors, individuals and companies in the news, entertainment, milk, jewelry, concrete, electrical contracting, and kosher food industries, a former Prime Minister of Israel and a former Vice President of the United States.  He served as a special counsel to the New York City Bar Association prosecuting the disbarment of Richard Nixon.

Ron is a former Navy JAG officer and military judge, is Chairman of the Board of the National Institute of Military Justice, and represents active duty, reserve, and former military personnel.  

He appeared in military cases on behalf of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and individuals including a Navy nurse who refused to force-feed prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, former service members seeking discharge upgrades, and students at military service academies, and successfully argued a challenge to the constitutionality of the military death penalty.

Honors & Recognitions

• The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial Litigation and IP Litigation (2007 to present)

• New York "Super Lawyers" Business Litigation (2006 to present)

• Thurgood Marshall Award of the New York City Bar Association for pro bono representation of death row defendants

• Beacon of Justice Award of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (awarded to firm for pro bono litigation on behalf of Guantanamo Bay prisoners)
• Human Rights Award of the Southern Center for Human Rights (awarded to firm for pro bono litigation on behalf of Guantanamo Bay prisoners)
• Secretary of the Navy Medal for Achievement

Community & Professional Activities

• Life Member, American Law Institute
• Executive Committee, Yale Law School Association (2010 - 2013)
• Chairman of the Board,  National Institute of Military Justice
• Town Justice, Town of Mamaroneck, New York
• President, Westchester County Magistrates Association, 2020-2021
• Director, New York State Magistrates Association

Experience

• United States Navy, Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General's Corps
• Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, Associate
• Kornstein Meister & Veisz, Partner
• Meister Leventhal & Slade, Partner