Ronald Zack

Ronald Zack

Estate planning Attorney at Tucson, AZ

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Trustworthy, knowledgeable and compassionate

Ron was able to retrieve the retainer another attorney took but never filed probate. Ron helped me through the terminal illness and loss of a loved one. He negotiated through problems with the estate that an attorney is needed. Ron is the only attorney (I have that suggest arrangements planning for a pets. Not only for estate planning but preventative measures their safety. Finally if anything is not handled exactly the way you wanted. Ron will listen and make it right. His legal assistant Bernadette also will make sure any issues are resolved in a timely fashion.

Best Lawyer Ever

About Ronald

Learn Ronald’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Estate planning

40%

8 years
Trusts

30%

Trust and Estate Litigation
Guardianship

15%

Guardianship and conservatorship
Probate

15%

Ronald Zack’s legal focus is elder law and estate planning. He is a Certified Specialist in Estate & Trust Law (State Bar of Arizona, 2017). Ron also practices in the areas of criminal defense and juvenile matters, such as representing parents accused of abuse or neglect. Ron is a member of the State Bars of Arizona and California, as well as the Central District of California Federal Court, and Federal District Court of Arizona.

As an attorney, Ron worked in medical malpractice defense in California. In Arizona, He has been a prosecutor and was an Assistant Attorney General representing Child Protective Services. He opened his law firm, Ronald Zack, PLC in 2008. In 2013, Ron moved his legal practice to the DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy law firm where he was an attorney shareholder. In 2015, he moved his practice to the Udall Law Firm where he was a partner. He returned to managing his own law firm in 2017. Ronald Zack, PLC has changed its name to Zack & Schmitz, PLC. Ron Zack is the managing partner and continues to deal with unique and complex issues of estate planning and elder law.

Ron has a diverse background not only in law, but also in radio broadcasting (Law Review Radio), publishing (Today’s Tucson Senior and A Legal Guide to Growing Older: Planning for Disability, Dementia, & Death), real estate, insurance, education, and nursing. Along with his Juris Doctorate degree, Ron earned a Master of Arts degree in Linguistics, a Master of Science degree in Nursing Education and is a certified Family Nurse Practictioner. He maintains his nursing license. This unique background not only cultivated his passion for the law but also facilitates his holistic approach to his practice of law.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 18 years

State AZ

Status Active

Acquired 2005

Updated 12/21/2022

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 2004

Updated 11/28/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Ronald

Ronald Zack

4400 East Broadway Blvd

Suite 307

Tucson, AZ, 85711

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Reviews

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4.5 / 5.0

8 customer reviews

5 Star

88%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

13%

Posted by Connie | December 15, 2016

Trustworthy, knowledgeable and compassionate

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Posted by Judy | November 19, 2015

Best Lawyer Ever

Ron has represented us for, adoptions, wills and any legal question we have. He is thorough, reliable, extremely knowledgeable, fair and goes above and beyond to make sure 150% effort is given to ensure the best possible outcome. Win or lose we always walked away winners. We highly recommend Ron for any of your legal needs!

Posted by Laura | November 19, 2015

Ronald Zack

I have been fortunate enough to have Ronald Zack represent me. His honesty and integrity are top in his field. He has compassion and understanding in the most difficult of cases. I would highly recommend him as an attorney. He is , in my opinion, at the top of his field. Thank you, Laura

Posted by Wesley | July 27, 2013

A Lawyer Who Met My Needs

I am a senior who needed help with a variety of elder law issues. I needed assistance immediately and was unable to travel to a law office and thought I would not able to find legal assistance that could accommodate my needs.. Ron Zack was recommended to me because not only is he a skilled elder law attorney, but he has a geriatric nursing background which allows him to truly understand the barriers seniors face. Ron Zack not only met with me right away, but met with me in my home. He proved very knowledgeable and was able to assist me immediately. He took the time to listen to me and understand my current needs, and was able to advise me on potential future issues. He helped me obtain the resources necessary, and resolved my issues. I am happy with his services and highly recommend them. He is easy to work with, and very easy to reach. I found him to be honest, knowledgeable, and resourceful.

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Posted by Gary | September 23, 2012

Very Thorough

I had long been putting off my estate planning, but after getting married and having a child, I decided it couldn't wait any longer. After hearing that the majority of people die without having a will and the headaches that estates in probate can cause, I turned to Ronald Zack for help. He sat down with me and thoroughly reviewed my information. He provided me with all possible options, and explained the advantages (and disadvantages) of each not only to protect me, but more importantly, my family. Mr. Zack has provided me and my family with a sense of relief. In addiition, his fees are very reasonable.

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Posted by Rachel | September 23, 2012

I highly recommend this lawyer!

I came to Ronald Zack at the recommendation of a friend to help with some estate planning needs. I really had no idea where to start but knew that I wanted to at least create a will. Mr. Zack helped me understand different options that are available, explained the process, and advised me on the best way to approach this for my situation and family. He was very patient, kind, and helpful. He provided a great deal of information and has readily been available to answer my many questions. He completed my paperwork quickly and made the whole process seem very easy. I was touched by his caring attitude and his concern. I really feel like I came to the best. I highly recommend this lawyer.

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Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2012

A Lawyer who Listens

Mr. Zack explained my options, process, and kept me informed of the status of my LLC development throughout the process. He was kind enough to provide me community resources to help my new LLC. His staff was courteous and personable.

Posted by Steve | November 14, 2015

Awful experience!

My mother in law passed away 3 years ago and when we were emotionally ready to tackle probate I called a few attorney offices. Mr Zack sounded professional and qualified to do this very simple probate case, boy did I misread that. Please keep in mind that this is a very simple and uncontested probate case with very minimal assets and only 2 siblings (which were in complete agreement). Well 2 years later the probate is almost complete. This has been the worst experience I've ever experienced with what should be a "professional" business. The level of incompetence that this attorney and his staff has demonstrated over the past 2 years is mind boggling. When I originally spoke to Mr Zack he said that an uncontested probate can be easily handled in 6 months with more difficult cases taking 1-2 years. Fast forward 2+ years and my very simple case is almost complete only after my wife and I had to, on multiple occasions, call to forcefully inquire. If you are considering hiring Mr Zack or his associates I would strong urge you to reconsider and retain someone else who is actually qualified.

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Response from Ronald Zack November 17, 2015

Dear Steve, I am so sorry you had such a bad experience. Probate can, and usually is, a very emotional process and many factors can delay closing. If something we did caused a delay, I would like to fix it. If the delay was caused by some other factors, I would like to explain what happened. Until now, I was not at all aware of your complaint. Please note my cell phone number is on my business card and on my website (tucsonestateplanning.com), I invite you to please call me directly on my cell at 520-331-3232. I am available to clients 7 days a week and after hours. You may need to leave a message, but I will get back to you and make this right. Again, I apologize for the experience. Very sincerely, Ron Zack

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner
Udall Law
2015 - 2017

Shareholder / Partner
DeConcini McDonald Yetwin Lacy, P.C.
2014 - 2015

Principal
Ronald Zack, PLC
2008 - 2014

Assistant Attorney General
Attorney General for the State of Arizona
2006 - 2008

Deputy County Attorney
Cochise County Attorney's Office
2006 - 2006

View all work experience

Education

Western State Univ COL
law
N/A

Legal Cases

In re XXXXXXXXXX
Obtained guardianship within same day.

Matter of Gxxxxxxxx
Able to stop distribution of retirement account to ex. Albe to recover funds ex had taken. All proceeds then distributed to rightful heirs.

State v. Gxxxxxxxxxxxx
Conviction set aside - granted new trial

Associations

Southern Arizona Estate Planning Council
Member
2009 - Present

WealthCounsel
Member
2008 - Present

State Bar of Arizona
Member
2005 - Present

State Bar of California
Member
2004 - Present

Medical Reserve Corps of Southern Arizona
Co-chair, Nurse Task Force
2015 - 2016

St. Luke's Home
Chair, Developmental Committee, BOD
2014 - 2016

Pima Council on Aging
Board of Directors
2012 - 2014

Wingspan
Board of Directors
2011 - 2015

Pima County Bar Association
Board of Directors
2011 - 2014

Funeral Consumers Alliance
Member at Large, Board of Directors
2011 - 2014

Board of Arizona Gerentological Association
Vice President
2011 - 2013

National College of DUI Defense
Member
2009 - 2014

ElderCounsel
Member
2008 - 2015

Pima County Bar Association
President-Elect
2005 - 2014

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Languages Spoken

English

Awards

President’s Volunteer Service Award
Arizona Breastfeeding Coalition
2014

Publications

Tucson Happenings
Hospice, Suporting the Terminally Ill and Their Loved Ones
2015

Tucson Happenings
Library Fires and Ethical Wills
2015

Tucson Happenings
Choosing Your Successor Trustee Agent or Executor
2015

Tucson Happenings
Unwinding the Confusion Regarding Veteran Pension Benefits
2015

Tucson Happenings
Protecting Your Pets
2015

Tucson Happenings
Choosing Your Successor Trustee Agent or Executor
2015

Tucson Happenings
Protecting Beneficiaries and the Money You Leave Them
2015

Biz Tucson Magazine
Succession Planning for Family Businesses
2015

Tucson Happenings
Am I Incapacitated?
2015

Tucson Happenings
Killing Me Softly
2014

Tucson Happenings
Protecting Your Pet
2014

The Writ (PCBA)
Transitioning to a New Practice Area or "We're not in Kansas Anymore, Toto"
2012

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Speaking Engagements

Elder Law Series
Basics of Health Care directives: Don't Get Caught Dead Without On
2015

Elder Law Series
Guardianships & Conservatorship: What We All Need to Know
2015

Elder Law Series
Wills and Trusts
2015

Elder Law Series
Death, Disability & Dementia
2015

Elder Law Series
Avoiding Probate Without a Trust
2015

Pacifica Senior Living Live Educational Series
Death is Not an Option: Legal Aspects of End of Life Care
2013

Funeral Consumer Alliance of Southern Arizona Annual Membership Meeting
Death is Not An Option: Advance Directives
2013

Elder Law and Estate Planning Workshop
Basic Estate Planning: What Happens If You Fail to Plan or Your Plan Fails
2013

Arizona Gerontological Nursing Association Annual Meeting
Legal Aspects of End of Life Are
2013

District 11 Candidates: State Legislative Canditates Forum
State Legislative Candidates Forum
2012

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Attorney endorsements

Received (10)

Given (7)

Endorse Ronald

Hardy Smith

Probate Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ron is highly competent and extremely knowledgable. He is very well organized and detail oriented with any matter he handles. I am pleased to endorse him."

Cedric Hopkins

Estate planning Attorney | Jan 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ron is a great guy and even better lawyer."

German Yusufov

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly skilled and respected in the community, and I have referred cases to him in the past."

Peter Axelrod

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ronald Zack is a highly skilled Estate Planning and Elder Law attorney. I highly endorse him."

Michael Waddington

Personal injury Attorney | May 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ronald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Riisa Petersen

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Johnson

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Ronald Zack is an experienced and trusted legal advisor with a wealth of experience in estate planning, probate, estate administration, insurance, and elder care issues. He is particularly skilled at creating innovative estate planning solutions for all types of client concerns, including long-term care, tax planning and wealth preservation, and litigation avoidance ."

Phillip Daniels

Elder law Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Mr. Zack is one of the hardest workers in the business. If Mr. Zack is working on your case, you can rest assured that you will be getting diligent representation. Aside from unquestioned work ethic, Ron is not afraid to litigate on your behalf. I endorse Ronald Zack without hesitation."

Brian Chase

Elder law Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Zack is a dedicated lawyer who truly cares about his clients. He is well known throughout the legal community for his skill, preparation, and thoroughness, in addition to being an all around professional. It is because of his stellar reputation and skillful work that I have no hesitation in endorsing and recommending him."

Justin McShane

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Zack is a dedicated trial advocate who specializes in ethically using the very cutting edge of DUI defense theory and practice. Having attained a hard earned national reputation, Attorney Zack routinely obtains great results on behalf of the citizen who has been accused of a crime. Reputation, knowledge, experience and guts are attributes that can be easily attributed to Attorney Zack."

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