rpierce@reevesbrightwell.com
512.334.4503   |   512.334.4492 (fax)

Ryan is a civil litigator with significant experience representing clients in trial and appellate courts across the country.  After graduating at the top of his class at Tulane Law School, Ryan clerked for Justice Harriet O'Neill of the Texas Supreme Court.  Ryan later clerked for Judge Michael W. Mosman, a federal district court judge in Oregon.  As a practicing lawyer, Ryan has represented clients involved in a variety of complex disputes, including intellectual-property, employment, legal-malpractice, and franchise matters.  Ryan also has substantial pro bono experience, including the representation of foreign journalists in asylum proceedings.

Representative Matters

• Representation of an inventor bringing claims against former employer who purported to convey the rights of his invention to major league baseball
• Representation of software company in defense of a trademark dispute favorably resolved by a federal-court jury
• Representation of entertainment company in defense of various “franchise” claims
• Representation of international semiconductor manufacturer in lawsuit presenting novel issues of fiduciary and corporate governance law.
• Representation of international natural foods grocery store chain in copyright infringement lawsuit brought by the designer of the chain's private-label logo.
• Representation of several former executives of an international camera company in national class action alleging violations of ERISA, brought in the Southern District of New York.
• Assisted in representation of international shipping company in national class actions alleging violations of antitrust laws, brought in federal court in Connecticut and in arbitration forum in New York.
• Representation of software company in enforcement of its license rights
• Representation of employers in enforcement of non-compete and trade-secret rights

Tulane University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2001 (recipient of Dean's and Faculty Medals for obtaining highest GPA in class)

Managing Editor, Tulane Law Review

Admitted to practice:
Texas 2002; Virginia 2004

Law Clerk to the Honorable Harriet O'Neill, Supreme Court of Texas 2001-2002

Appellate Associate, Vinson & Elkins LLP, 2002-2003

Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael W. Mosman, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon 2003-2004

Litigation Associate, Wilmer Hale LLP, 2004-2006