Industry Recognition

After having amassed a cascade of accolades from sources such as National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers, Ryan's prowess in the courtroom was resoundingly validated when he was declared the 2016 Top Criminal Lawyer in North Carolina by Business North Carolina's Legal Elite. His recognition, solely based on the votes of his fellow attorneys, propelled him into the esteemed Legal Elite Hall of Fame.

NBA ∣ Professional Affiliations

Outside the courtroom, you'll find Ryan extending his influence by actively recruiting elite level talent, both in law and in basketball. As an NBPA Certified Player Agent, he always has his eye out for the future potential NBA lottery picks. As the Commissioner of the Mecklenburg County Bar Lawyer Basketball League, Ryan maintains his pursuit to yet another title.

His professional affiliations read as a testament to his influence and dedication to his craft, including memberships in the NC Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the Mecklenburg County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (MCCDLA). His leadership prowess was recognized early in his career when he was named among the Top 30 Under 30 Business Leaders in Charlotte, and also among the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense lawyers.

Corporate Experience

Before launching his formidable career in private practice, Ryan honed his financial and strategic skills at Wachovia Securities in their Corporate & Investment Banking [CIB] division, where he specialized in tax-incentivized financing of corporate aircraft and yachts.

Family at RTS

The firm has had the fortune of welcoming Ryan's parents, Tom and Linda Smith, to the RTS family. Linda, as the formidable head of the Finance department, ensures the business side of the firm runs like a well-oiled machine, while Tom, seated right in Ryan's office, offers his consistent wisdom during their invaluable strategy sessions.

Education ∣ Global Exposure

Born and raised in Wheeling, WV, Ryan's academic journey took him from Marshall University's Lewis College of Business to the West Virginia University College of Law. His academic accolades include a distinguished appointment to Law Review and a substantial tenure in the WVU Clinical Law Program.

Driven by an insatiable intellectual curiosity, Ryan chose to spend considerable time during his law school years exploring the globe. His academic journey took him from the historic courts of Europe, studying in countries like Greece, Italy, France, and Spain, to the vibrant classrooms of South America, where he absorbed the local law and culture in Brazil and Argentina.

He fondly describes the thrill of hang-gliding off the formidable cliffs of Rio de Janeiro as 'pure bliss.' However, it wasn't until being front and center in the historic 'Running with the Bulls' that Ryan's fearless personality took center stage.