Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
318 Client Reviews
PRO
Ronald C. Sykstus
also known as Ron Sykstus
About Ronald
Biography
Ron Sykstus is the managing partner of Bond, Botes, Sykstus, Tanner & Ezzell, P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama, and Decatur, Alabama. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ron received his education from the University of Arizona and the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Ron served a four-year tour of active duty with the United States Army Judge Advocates General’s Corps. As a JAG, he initially served as a prosecutor for 11th ADA Brigade and 3rd Armored Calvary Division at Fort Bliss, Texas. He was subsequently stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, as the senior defense counsel with the U.S. Army’s Trial Defense Service. There, he supervised an office of attorneys that handled all of the courts-martial and security clearance defense at both Fort McClellan, Alabama, and Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Ron received two Meritorious Service medals for his military service. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Ron joined the Bond and Botes team of lawyers and has been there ever since.
For the past 20 years, Ron Sykstus has practiced exclusively in the following areas of law: consumer bankruptcy; consumer law, including Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) cases, Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) cases and civil lawsuit defense; Security Clearance Revocation Defense; VA Disability claims, and Social Security law. Ron is admitted to practice law in Alabama, Illinois, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, U.S. Army Court of Military Review, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, U.S. Tax Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. He is also board certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification. Ron has an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been listed as an Alabama Super Lawyer by Thomson/Reuters publishers, and he has a 10.0 superb rating from Avvo. In addition to being the author of Bankruptcy – We Wrote the Book on It, Ron is also a co-author of Navigating Legal Issues for Military Veterans: Leading Lawyers on Arguing Disability, Pension, and Other Claims Before the VA (Inside the Minds).
Please visit our websites: https://www.BondandBotes.com and www.SecurityClearanceDefenseLawyer.com
“Bankruptcy – We Wrote the Book on It”
Former U.S. Army JAG www.securityclearancedefenselawyer.com call 256-513-7807
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Bankruptcy and Debt
20%
34 years
Military Law
20%
37 years
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
10%
34 years
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
10%
34 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2023
...
+
11
2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 30 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in Alabama for 35 years
State: Alabama
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 36 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 37 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Location
Bond, Botes, Sykstus & Tanner, P.C.
225 Pratt Avenue, Huntsville, AL, 35801
securityclearancedefenselawyer.com/Bond, Botes, Sykstus & Tanner, P.C.
605 Bank Street, Decatur, AL, 35601
securityclearancedefenselawyer.com/Bond, Botes, Sykstus, Tanner & McNutt, P.C.
102 S. Court Street, Florence, AL, 35630
securityclearancedefenselawyer.com/Bond, Botes, Sykstus & Tanner, P.C.
200 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman, AL, 35055
securityclearancedefenselawyer.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Ronald online.
Ronald C. Sykstus's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 255 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Wayne | September 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Legal Guidance with Judicial Insight
I had the privilege of working with Ron's, and I can confidently say his expertise and professionalism were instrumental in helping me secure my clearance. What truly set him apart was his past experience as a judge. He didn’t just understand the law, he understood how decisions are made. That perspe...
Posted by Rex | August 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Ron Sykstus, My Bankruptcy Lawyer - Rex, August 2025
A year-and-a-half ago I was a person in desperate need of guidance from someone who could help me navigate the mess my life had become. I was losing all I had worked for and didn’t know how to fix it. My sister did some research for me and found a guy named Ron Sykstus with Bond n Botes , et al. She ...
Posted by Joe | August 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Look no further if you want the best!
I found myself in a very difficult position which required the utmost professional legal help available. From our first contact to the last, was without question remarkable. Ron provided the best experience and outcome I could have ever hoped for. Ron was quick to understand what I was up against, an...
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DoD Security Clearance Tax Delinquency Issue
Attorney Ron Sykstus is the definitive subject matter expert regarding Security Clearance issues. I contacted him for advice regarding how to address unfiled and unpaid federal and state taxes on my SF-86 update. Tax delinquency can be career-ending for security-cleared professionals and I was determ...
Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
First time applicant with checkered past
Ron was great. See him for your needs. As a 47 year old, first time security clearance applicant with a checkered past, I could not recommend Ron enough. He walked me through the process about what to expect, what I should do (he advised me a couple years ago when I probably didn’t have a shot a...
Ronald C. Sykstus's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked with Ron and his law firm on a number of bankruptcy and consumer rights cases. Ron is one of the best consumer protection lawyers in the Southeastern United States and I would give him the highest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ron Sykstus is an outstanding advocate. He is the consummate lawyer, respected by all. He is probably the most knowledgeable lawyer in this metropolitan area (at least this side of the Tennessee River) regarding protecting the rights of consumers and those whose credit and lives have been ruined by banks and other creditors. I whole heartily recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ron is very knowledgeable in bankruptcy and consumer law and does a great job for the people of Alabama."
"I have known Ron for years. He is a brilliant and ethical attorney who really goes to bat for his clients.For security clearance and bankruptcy you cant do better."
"I endorse this lawyer. Truly exceptional and professional attorney with an outstanding reputation in the legal field for providing high quality representation and results for his clients!"
"I’ve known Ron both professionally and personally for many years and I know him to be an outstanding lawyer and a reliable individual. Ron is well-respected in the areas of bankruptcy law as well as being a strong advocate for veterans before the Department of Veterans Affairs. My entire firm regularly sends clients to Ron as we know they will be well-represented and in skilled hands. I would highly recommend Ron to anyone!"
"Ron is up to date in the latest developments in the law that could benefit his clients. He does an outstanding job in getting the best results possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ron is an excellent attorney who does an incredible job in representing his clients. He is considered the expert in his field and is called by other lawyers all over the country for his advise. We are so fortunate to have a lawyer of Ron's caliber practice law in the North Alabama area."
"This is a very good attorney and highly respected by peers in Huntsville. I am happy to endorse him!"
"I highly endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working with Ron over the past several years. I have always found him to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and very professional. He is an excellent bankruptcy attorney."
"Ron is a great lawyer in the Huntsville area. I've worked with Ron on cases for many years and do not ever hesitate to refer bankruptcy clients to Ron and also veterans who have a service related disability. He knows what he is doing and I've never had any concern about whether he will do a great job for his clients."
"I absolutely endorse this attorney. Ron and I have handled numerous cases togother involving identity theft, unfair debt collection, and credit reporting errors. He is an excellent lawyer who represents the best interests of his client with great results."
"Ron is considered to be one of the preeminent attorneys in Alabama practicing in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, consumer law, including debt collection / harassment cases and credit report dispute cases, as well as V.A. disability and security clearance revocation cases. Ron is a professional and he is held in high regard by other attorneys."
"One of my first meetings with Mr. Sykstus was when I represented a credit card company in a collection case against one of his clients. He was courteous and respectful, but did not let that get in the way of vigorously, not to mention successfully, advocating for his client Since then, I have corresponded with Mr. Sykstus on several occasions, taking every opportunity I can to pick his brain about consumer issues. In life and in the law, Mr. Sykstus strikes me as someone who, simply put, "gets it.""
"Attorney Sykstus is a Superlawyer with a solid military background and legal education, with high respect among other attorneys and a deep understanding of all Consumer Law matters, from bankruptcy to car sales fraud, If you have a Consumer Law problem, and his office is anywhere near you, I think he is your answer. I recommend him to you."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is both knowledgeable and effective -- a real professional!"
Andrew Sieja
Probate lawyer
Amy Tanner
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Melissa Mitchell
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Cynthia Lawson
Unknown lawyer
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Oliver Gardner
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Penny Cauley
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Experience
Honors
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters Publishers
2016
Selected as a Mid-South Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters Publishers
2016
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Selected as an Alabama Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters and the publishers of Business Alabama
2015
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Selected as an Alabama Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters and the publishers of Business Alabama
2014
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Selected as an Alabama Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters and the publishers of Business Alabama
2012
NOVA Recognition for Homeless Veteran's Pro Bono Success, NOVA / Public Counsel's Center for Veterans Advancement Homeless Veterans Pro Bono Program
2011
Consumer Law Firm of the Year, Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
2011
Recognition Award for Pro Bono service, Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
2009
VA Accredited Attorney, Department of Veterans' Affairs
2009
Selected as an Alabama Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Media and Business Alabama
2008
Selected as an Alabama Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Media and Business Alabama
1999
Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law, American Board of Certification
1992
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), President of the United States of America
1991
Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), President of the United States of America
Work Experience
1992 - Present
Managing Partner, Bond, Botes, Sykstus, Tanner & Ezzell, P.C.
1988 - 1992
Military Prosecutor and Military Defense Counsel, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps
Associations
2012 - Present
NMS - Society of Industrial Security ProfessionalsMember
2007 - Present
National Association of Consumer Advocates
2005 - Present
National Association of Veterans Advocates
2004 - Present
National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives
2004 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans ClaimsAdmitted to Practice
1992 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
1988 - Present
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed ForcesAdmitted to Practice
Sample of Legal Cases
Bankruptcy cases
FDCPA cases
FCRA cases
Veteran's Disability (VA) cases
Security Clearance cases and issues
Education
1987
Northern Illinois University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
University of Arizona
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2022
Carolina Chapter of Security Professionals (NCMS) Quarterly Meeting
Security Clearance Issues, Problems, Denials and Revocations
2019
National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees National Conference
Security Clearance Issues for Debtors in Bankruptcy
2018
Huntsville Madison County Bar Association Lunch and Learn - June 2018
Security Clearance Issues, Problems, Denials and Revocations
2017
36th Annual Bankruptcy Law Update
Security Clearance Issues for Debtors in Bankruptcy
2016
People's Law School
Security Clearance Revocations and Denials
2016
Chapter 13 Trustee CLE Seminar
Security Clearances and Bankruptcy
2016
24th Annual National Convention - San Francisco, CA
Security Clearance Issues and Bankruptcy
2015
NCMS - Society of Industrial Security Professionals
Defending Against Security Clearance Revocations and Denials
2015
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys Webinar
When Bankruptcy and Security Clearances Collide
2015
Bradford Health Services
Defending Against Security Clearance Revocations
2014
University of Alabama School of Law - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The Practice of Consumer Law
2013
Home Ownership and Fair Housing Seminar
Credit Report Issues under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
2012
Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program Consumer Law Symposium
Consumer Law - Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act cases
2011
Military Law Symposium - Huntsville-Madison County Bar
VA Disability Claims for Veterans
2010
NAACP/Huntsville Home Ownership and Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
Bankruptcy Process and Foreclosure Prevention
2009
People's Law School
Defending against Security Clearance Revocations
2009
NAACP/Huntsville Home Ownership and Foreclsoure Prevention Workshop
Bankruptcy Process and Foreclosure Prevention
2008
People's Law School
Bankruptcy and Consumer Law
2007
NASHRM Security Clearance Experts Symposium
What to do when a Security Clearance doesn't go through or is revoked?
2007
Bankruptcy Law Update: Keeping Your Client Afloat
Alabama Landlord/Tenant Act
Publications
2016
Aspatore Book publication
Chapter 7 Commercial Bankruptcy Strategies - co-author
2016
Aspatore Book publication
Best Practices for Filing Chapter 13 - co-author
2015
Dog Ear Publishing - available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Banktuptcy - We Wrote the Book on It
2014
www.bondandbotes.com blog - March 24, 2014
Security Clearance Restrictions Announced by Department of Defense (DOD)
2014
2014
www.bondandbotes.com blog - February 17, 2014
Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) - What can I do if a debt collector or creditor is taking money from my bank account?
2014
www.bondandbotes.com blog - January 31, 2014
How can you improve your credit after filing for bankruptcy?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - April 15, 2013
Can I stop a Debt Collector from harassing me?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - April 1, 2013
What can I do if my Security Clearance is being revoked?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - April 30, 2013
BP Oil Spill Settlement Claims - latest update - April 30, 2013
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - May 13, 2013
Judgments and Judicial Liens in the State of Alabama
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - May 27, 2013
How should I go about surrendering my house in bankruptcy?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - June 10, 2013
Can I transfer or give away my property before filing for bankruptcy?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - June 24, 2013
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - August 5, 2013
What can I do if I am being sued by a debt collector?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - August 19, 2013
Equifax Ordered by Jury to Pay $18.6 million After Failing to Fix Oregon Woman's Credit Report
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - September 2, 2013
Can I be held responsible for another person's debts?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - September 18, 2013
VA - Why does it take so long for my VA disability claim to get processed?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - October 17, 2013
How can I stop telemarketing or solicitation calls to my home or cell phone?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - November 1, 2013
Credit Report Disputes - Furnishers of Information Must Investigate!
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - March 18, 2013
Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - March 4, 2013
How long can I stay in my house if I am giving it up in bankruptcy?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - February 11, 2013
Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - February 4, 2013
BP Oil Spill Settlement Cases
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - January 24, 2013
How can I find out the status of my government student loans?
2013
www.bondandbotes.com blog - January 7, 2013
How can I dispute incorrect or erroneous information on my credit report?
2013
Thomson Reuters and Aspatore Book publication
Navigating Legal Issues for Military Veterans - Leading Lawyers on Arguing Disability, Pension, and Other Claims Before the VA - co-author
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - December 3, 2012
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - August 6, 2012
Security Clearance Resources
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - July 16, 2012
Filling Out the Form for a Government Security Clearance
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - August 27, 2012
How will Filing for Bankruptcy Affect my Security Clearance?
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - September 17, 2012
How does a Veteran file an Original VA Disability Claim with the VA?
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - October 15, 2012
What to do if VA Disability is denied by the VA?
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - November 7, 2012
What are the VA deadline dates if I am trying to get my VA disability?
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - December 10, 2012
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
2012
www.bondandbotes.com blog - December 24, 2012
How can I get my free credit reports?
N/A
N/A
Thomson Reuters - Aspatore
Commericial Bankrupcty Strategies - co-author
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Ronald earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
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12 Dec 2025
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If mortgage is in one person name but deed is in another person name and there are arrears can the person that’s on deed file b?
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