Firm History

 

“We are required to give back to the community we are privileged to live and work in.”

-George L. Ruder
Ruder Ware Founder

Founded in 1920 by George L. Ruder, our firm today exemplifies the professional integrity and strategies shaped by the business vision of George Ruder.

Ruder Ware is a full-service law firm deeply rooted in the heart of Wisconsin. With over a century of providing comprehensive legal services, the firm has grown to become one of the state’s largest and most respected firms. Our team of more than 45 attorneys is dedicated to delivering legal counsel to businesses, individuals, and families.

In the legal profession growth depends upon innovation and adaptability in response to changing circumstances. Ruder Ware has guided clients through economic booms and helped them weather periods of uncertainty. Our unwavering focus is on providing our clients with the services they need when they need them. From business and estate planning to employment law and litigation, our services are designed to support the success and growth of your ventures.

The firms’ founder, George Ruder, believed in giving back to the communities we serve. This philosophy has been an integral part of our culture for 100 years. Ruder Ware is committed strengthening communities through board involvement, committee membership, and sponsorships.

Firm Timeline

1920s

  • Early 1920s:  George Ruder aligns with the “Wausau Group” and focuses on real estate law and probate.
  • Mid-1920s:  The firm begins practicing corporate law.

1929-1930s

  • 1929:  George Ruder adapts to the Great Depression by specializing in insolvency and bankruptcy law.

1950s

  • 1954:  Stanley F. Staples, Jr. joins the firm, focusing on business law, estate planning, and probate.
  • 1950s-1960s:  The firm grows alongside the national economic boom.

1960s

  • 1965:  G. Lane Ware is recruited, specializing in corporate and securities law.
  • 1966:  Karen M. Wagner is hired, becoming the first female attorney in Wausau.
  • Late 1960s:  John F. Michler and John M. Forester join the firm.

1970s

  • 1970:  George Ruder passes away.
  • 1972:  The firm is restructured as Ruder, Ware, Michler & Forester, S.C. with G. Lane Ware as president.
  • 1975:  A litigation department is established.

1980s

  • 1980s:  The firm expands its environmental law and trust and estate practices.
  • 1988:  The firm employs 24 attorneys and adopts a strategic plan and mission statement.
  • 1989:  John M. Forester resigns, and the firm is renamed Ruder, Ware & Michler, S.C.

1990s

  • 1999:  Lane Ware steps down as president, and Lon Roberts becomes president.

2000s

  • 2005:  Ruder Ware merges with Garvey, Anderson, Johnson, Geraci & Mirr, S.C. in Eau Claire.
  • 2009:  Mark Bradley becomes president, succeeded by Stewart Etten in 2013.

2010s

  • 2014:  Lane Ware passes away.
  • 2018:  Ruder Ware establishes a Green Bay office with attorneys from Metzler, Timm, Treleven, S.C.

2020s

  • 2020:  The firm celebrates 100-year anniversary.
  • 2021:  Matt Rowe becomes president.
  • 2022:  The firm establishes a Wisconsin Rapids office with attorneys from La Chapelle, Kryshak & Nettesheim, LLP.