Ryan is Co-Leader of the firm's Product Liability & Complex Tort Practice Group. He is an accomplished litigator and trial lawyer who concentrates his practice in three major areas. First, he represents manufacturers and suppliers defending product liability lawsuits in state and federal courts throughout New York and the United States. Ryan has litigated numerous catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and property damage claims through to successful completion involving a variety of products, including agricultural and construction equipment, aerial devices, turf and lawn care products, power tools, medical devices and equipment, industrial equipment, consumer goods, and food products. Ryan also advises these clients on risk mitigation policies and procedures and he has extensive experience guiding clients through product recalls with government agencies, like the CPSC and NHTSA.
Second, Ryan represents a variety of businesses and industries in commercial litigation. He has handled cases involving dealer and supply agreements, license agreements, employment and shareholder agreements, and other forms of contract and business tort claims. He successfully represented a software company in California federal court against an insurance company’s claim of a failed system implementation alleging commercial damages in the tens of millions of dollars. Ryan has also developed a particular expertise in litigating indemnity and insurance claims for his business and insurance clients, as they may relate to first or third-party claims for damages.
Third, Ryan defends public and private sector employers in state and federal courts in matters alleging discrimination, harassment, and negligence claims. He also counsels these clients on employment matters involving the use of social media, rights of privacy and publicity, and internal investigations.
Representative Work
Recognitions
- Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation) 2024 - 2025
- Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants) 2023 - 2025
- Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Product Liability Litigation - Defendants) 2018 - 2025
- Listed, Upstate New York Super Lawyers, (Personal Injury - Products: Defense) 2013 - 2024
- Former Publications Editor, Buffalo Law Review
News & Insights
Civic
- Pro Se Assistance Program, W.D.N.Y.
- Director/Officer, Horizon Health Services and Horizon Village
- Past Director/Officer, Crisis Services
Professional
- New York State Bar Association
- Bar Association of Erie County
- Defense Research Institute; Marketing Liaison, Manufacturer's Risk SLG
- UB Law Alumni Association, Class of 2005
Highlights
- Press Release73 Hodgson Russ LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Upstate New York Super Lawyers List, 35 Recognized as “Rising Stars”
- Press Release93 Hodgson Russ LLP Attorneys Ranked in 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
- AlertSupreme Court Provides Further Guidance on Public Officials First Amendment Rights on Social Media