Prior to joining Newmeyer Dillion, Ryan spent twelve years serving on active duty and in the reserves in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 2005. Ryan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1993 attending Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, California. As an enlisted Marine reservist, Ryan drilled monthly with his reserve unit while working a full-time job and attending college full-time. At this time, Ryan was accepted into the Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class commissioning program and began his journey to be a leader of Marines. Upon graduating from college, Ryan was promoted from Corporal to 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. After completion of law school, Ryan received orders to active duty and attended The Basic School and Naval Justice School before being assigned to his permanent unit at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Ryan served as a Marine Judge Advocate on Camp Pendleton from 2002-2005 serving in a number of different billets requiring both Ryan’s legal and leadership training.  The most challenging and fulfilling billet for Ryan was as a Trial Counsel.

As a Trial Counsel, Ryan prosecuted hundreds of cases involving a variety of crimes, including premeditated murder, manslaughter, war crimes, drug distribution and sexual assault. Ryan gained an inordinate amount of experience during his tenure in the Marine Corps in leadership and practical trial skills which he utilizes in his practice today. Ryan was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in July of 2005 as a Captain.

Ryan’s personal awards include, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Selected Marine Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and two National Defense Service Medals.