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?
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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
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Criminal Defense
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Energy
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General
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Insurance
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Real Estate
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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.
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 reviewsHiring 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
Other top-rated business attorneys in Mississippi
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.





