Ryan is a first-chair trial attorney and a litigation partner in the firm's Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Group. He focuses his practice primarily on litigation against state attorneys general (AGs) across the U.S. Ryan has served as lead counsel to companies confronting these challenging adversaries in an array of industries, including medical device manufacturing, consumer goods, orthodonture and dentistry, cloud computing, public records, privacy, and residential solar. He has appeared in various federal and state courts across the U.S.
State AG litigation is unique in nature. Such matters require a targeted understanding and the employment of refined skills related to how different state AG offices operate, the public policy and political dynamics at play, and the differences in discovery tools that exist vis-à-vis commercial and class action litigation. Representing clients during state AG litigation also requires a deep appreciation for the massive exposure that clients face due to the threat of civil penalties, treble damages, fee-shifting, and debarment, in certain cases. Consequently, Ryan frequently advises C-suite executives and their general counsel when confronting state AG litigation and has served as counsel during all stages of such actions, from pre-litigation counseling through trial. Ryan also has prevailed as lead counsel in appellate litigation.
In terms of subject matter expertise, Ryan has broad experience defending state Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Practices (UDAP) claims and regularly publishes on these ever-expanding state statutes. Relatedly, Ryan has represented clients navigating investigations related to the federal False Claims Act (FCA) and analogous state FCA statutes nationwide. In this context, he has handled significant matters involving exposure for clients, upward of a billion dollars, against both the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the state AGs.
In addition, Ryan has litigated many matters involving trade secrets and false advertising, including under the federal Lanham Act. That experience equips him to advise clients on reaching confidentiality agreements with state AGs during litigation and investigations. These matters also frequently involve the filing of motions for temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction in federal and state courts, experience that serves Ryan well when litigating against state AGs, who often file such motions contemporaneously when filing a complaint against a company.
Finally, Ryan has challenged numerous federal regulations and decisions in federal court under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
As a thought leader, Ryan provides ongoing analysis and commentary on developments involving state AG litigation, state UDAP statutes, and the FCA, and he commonly contributes to the firm's regulatory blog, Regulatory Oversight.
State Attorneys General Litigation and Investigation
Federal Agency Litigation and Investigations
Complex Commercial Litigation and Class Action Litigation
Representative matters may include engagements before joining Troutman Pepper.
Articles + Publications
March 2024
Regulatory Oversight Newsletter — March 2024
Articles + Publications
February 2024
Regulatory Oversight Newsletter — February 2024
Press Coverage
01.23.24
National Veterans Legal Services Program Lauds Troutman Pepper's Assistance
Articles + Publications
January 2024
Regulatory Oversight Newsletter — January 2024
Articles + Publications
December 2023
Regulatory Oversight Newsletter — December 2023
Speaking Engagements
11.15.23
The Government Investigations and Civil Litigation Institute's Ninth Annual Meeting