DM

David Mclain Ratcliff, Business Attorney in Laurel, Mississippi

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Energy · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatRatcliff & Ratcliff

Laurel, MS

Practicing business in Laurel since 1974.

52+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you David Mclain Ratcliff?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

David Mclain Ratcliff is a member based in Laurel, MS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Energy. David has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ratcliff & Ratcliff. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Laurel, MS
Experience
over 52 years
Known for
Business · Criminal Defense · Energy
  • Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Energy matters from Laurel, MS.
  • Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About David Mclain Ratcliff: David Mclain Ratcliff is a member based in Laurel, MS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Energy. David has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ratcliff & Ratcliff. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Laurel

David concentrates on business, criminal defense, energy, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Laurel, Mississippi

David takes business matters in Laurel, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Laurel, Mississippi

David takes criminal defense matters in Laurel, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Energy cases in Laurel, Mississippi

David takes energy matters in Laurel, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

General cases in Laurel, Mississippi

David takes general matters in Laurel, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Laurel, Mississippi

David takes insurance matters in Laurel, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David Mclain Ratcliff, business attorney serving Laurel

David Mclain Ratcliff is a member based in Laurel, MS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Energy. David has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ratcliff & Ratcliff. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. David works from Laurel, Mississippi and takes on business matters across the region.

David Mclain Ratcliff is a lawyer practicing general civil and criminal practice, trials, corporation and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Millsaps College in 1969, and has been licensed for 52 years. David practices at Ratcliff & Ratcliff in Laurel, MS.

Working with David on a business matter

David Mclain Ratcliff is a lawyer practicing general civil and criminal practice, trials, corporation and 5 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Millsaps College in 1969, and has been licensed for 52 years. David practices at Ratcliff & Ratcliff in Laurel, MS.

Who David represents

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and energy matters in Laurel and the surrounding Mississippi area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

  • University of Mississippi and Jackson School of Law

    J.D. · 1974

  • Millsaps College

    B.A. · 1969

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Mississippi

    1974 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in University of Mississippi and Jackson School of Law and B.A. in Millsaps College.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in University of Mississippi and Jackson School of Law and B.A. in Millsaps College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Mississippi is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Jones County Bar Association

    President, 1985-1986) Mississippi State Bar (Chairman, Judiciary Committee, Young Lawyers Section, 1980-1981 · membership

Locations

David Mclain Ratcliff's office in Laurel

David's primary office is at 525 Central Avenue, Suite 1, Laurel, MS, 39441. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ratcliff & Ratcliff

525 Central Avenue, Suite 1

Laurel, MS 39441

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Mclain Ratcliff — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Laurel.

4.5

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Mclain Ratcliff claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Mclain Ratcliff — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Laurel, Mississippi

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Mclain Ratcliff

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Mississippi typically take?

    Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Laurel?

    David is licensed in Mississippi. Matters governed by Mississippi law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new business clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Laurel, Jackson and Ridgeland in Mississippi

David handles business matters throughout Mississippi. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Laurel handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.