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Ronald Zack

also known as Ron Zack
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Avvo Rating10
  • Tucson, AZ
  • Licensed for 17 years
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About Ronald

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 and a Master of Science degree in Nursing Education. He maintains his nursing license and has been certified in Hospice and Palliative nursing. This unique background not only cultivated his passion for the law but also facilitates his holistic approach to his practice of law.


Ron is active in many community nonprofit organizations, including Casa De La Luz Hospice- Ethics Committee, Wills for Heros, Hospice Education and Legal Partnership, Inc., and the Volunteer Lawyers Program. He is a member of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and American Association of Nurse Attorneys. Currently, Ron volunteers on the Boards of Directors for the Pima County Bar Association, and the Wright Foundation.

 

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Practice areas

GuardianshipProbateTrustsEstate planning
  1. Estate planning: 40%

    6 years

  2. Trusts: 30%

    Trust and Estate Litigation

  3. Probate: 15%

  4. Guardianship: 15%

    Guardianship and conservatorship

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

120049 1562456443

Contact

Ronald Zack

4400 East Broadway Blvd
Suite 307
Tucson, AZ, 85711

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    AZActive 200509/05/2021
    CAActive200411/05/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers77
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    President’s Volunteer Service AwardArizona Breastfeeding Coalition2014
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerUdall Law2015 - Present
    Shareholder / PartnerDeConcini McDonald Yetwin Lacy, P.C.2014 - Present
    PrincipalRonald Zack, PLC2008 - 2014
    Assistant Attorney GeneralAttorney General for the State of Arizona2006 - 2008
    Deputy County AttorneyCochise County Attorney's Office2006 - 2006
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Medical Reserve Corps of Southern ArizonaCo-chair, Nurse Task Force2015 - Present
    St. Luke's HomeChair, Developmental Committee, BOD2014 - Present
    Pima Council on AgingBoard of Directors2012 - Present
    Pima County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors2011 - Present
    Funeral Consumers AllianceMember at Large, Board of Directors2011 - Present
    Board of Arizona Gerentological AssociationVice President2011 - Present
    Southern Arizona Estate Planning CouncilMember2009 - Present
    WealthCounselMember2008 - Present
    Pima County Bar AssociationPresident-Elect2005 - Present
    State Bar of ArizonaMember2005 - Present
    State Bar of CaliforniaMember2004 - Present
    WingspanBoard of Directors2011 - 2015
    National College of DUI DefenseMember2009 - 2014
    ElderCounselMember2008 - 2015
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Tucson HappeningsHospice, Suporting the Terminally Ill and Their Loved Ones2015
    Tucson HappeningsLibrary Fires and Ethical Wills2015
    Tucson HappeningsChoosing Your Successor Trustee Agent or Executor2015
    Tucson HappeningsUnwinding the Confusion Regarding Veteran Pension Benefits2015
    Tucson HappeningsProtecting Your Pets2015
    Tucson HappeningsChoosing Your Successor Trustee Agent or Executor2015
    Tucson HappeningsProtecting Beneficiaries and the Money You Leave Them2015
    Biz Tucson MagazineSuccession Planning for Family Businesses2015
    Tucson HappeningsAm I Incapacitated?2015
    Tucson HappeningsKilling Me Softly2014
    Tucson HappeningsProtecting Your Pet2014
    The Writ (PCBA)Transitioning to a New Practice Area or "We're not in Kansas Anymore, Toto"2012
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Western State Univ COLlawN/A
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Elder Law SeriesAvoiding Probate Without a Trust2015
    Elder Law SeriesDeath, Disability & Dementia2015
    Elder Law SeriesWills and Trusts2015
    Elder Law SeriesGuardianships & Conservatorship: What We All Need to Know2015
    Elder Law SeriesBasics of Health Care directives: Don't Get Caught Dead Without On2015
    Pacifica Senior Living Live Educational SeriesDeath is Not an Option: Legal Aspects of End of Life Care2013
    Elder Law and Estate Planning WorkshopBasic Estate Planning: What Happens If You Fail to Plan or Your Plan Fails2013
    Arizona Gerontological Nursing Association Annual MeetingLegal Aspects of End of Life Are2013
    Funeral Consumer Alliance of Southern Arizona Annual Membership MeetingDeath is Not An Option: Advance Directives2013
    District 11 Candidates: State Legislative Canditates ForumState Legislative Candidates Forum2012
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    In re XXXXXXXXXXObtained guardianship within same day.
    Matter of GxxxxxxxxAble to stop distribution of retirement account to ex. Albe to recover funds ex had taken. All proceeds then distributed to rightful heirs.
    State v. GxxxxxxxxxxxxConviction set aside - granted new trial

    Reviews

    (8)4.5 stars
    5 Star
    		88%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		13%
    Review Ronald Zack

    Trustworthy, knowledgeable and compassionate

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Best Lawyer Ever

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Ronald Zack

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A Lawyer Who Met My Needs

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    Very Thorough

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    I highly recommend this lawyer!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.
    More

    A Lawyer who Listens

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    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.

    Awful experience!

    1.0 star

    Posted by

    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.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Ronald Zack's response: 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

    Attorney endorsements

    (10)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Hardy Smith

    Hardy Smith, Probate Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
    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.

    Lawyer Cedric Martin Hopkins

    Cedric Hopkins, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 19, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Ron is a great guy and even better lawyer.

    Lawyer Hardy Smith

    Hardy Smith, Probate Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
    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.

    Lawyer Cedric Martin Hopkins

    Cedric Hopkins, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 19, 2017
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Ron is a great guy and even better lawyer.

    Lawyer German Yusufov

    German Yusufov, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 8, 2015
    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.

    Lawyer Peter D Axelrod

    Peter Axelrod, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 14, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

    Lawyer Michael S. Waddington

    Michael Waddington, Personal injury Attorney on May 27, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

    Lawyer Riisa Petersen

    Riisa Petersen, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 1, 2013
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer.

    No photo

    Mark Johnson, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 16, 2013
    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 .

    Lawyer Phillip Michael Daniels

    Phillip Daniels, Elder law Attorney on Feb 7, 2013
    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.

    Lawyer Brian Chase

    Brian Chase, Elder law Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
    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.

    Lawyer Justin James McShane

    Justin McShane, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 29, 2010
    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.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates $325-$325/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card