A lifelong resident of Cortland County, Ric has practiced as an attorney since 1989. He has been in private practice including as partner in Leonard & Van Donsel, and has served in various public positions. These include Corporation Counsel for the City of Cortland, County Attorney and Election Commissioner.

Ric has also served the Cortland community as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Tompkins Cortland Community College, serving five years as its Chairman. He is a past president of the Cortland Rotary Breakfast Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as a Cortland County Legislator, and on other Boards and Commissions.

Ric resides in Cortland with his wife Mary Leonard Van Donsel.