With a degree in architecture, it's natural that Ryan would have a deep fascination for buildings and other spaces that define our community. Of course, most architects don’t parlay that passion into a law career.

Toward the end of his architecture education, Ryan found himself attracted more to the business and legal aspects of construction and real estate development than to design. That shift propelled him toward a law career that now builds on the two areas of expertise.

His architectural training gives Ryan a unique foundation for interacting with design and construction professionals, and two years as in-house counsel at an architecture and engineering firm helped him understand clients' day-to-day business objectives, as well as their legal needs.

"With a professional degree in architecture and as a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional, I draw from my technical knowledge of design and construction to understand particular legal issues that arise in the context of construction projects," he said.

At Levy Craig, Ryan handles issues involving construction disputes, mechanic’s liens, foreclosures and contracts for construction and design professional services, including government contracts.

ACTIVITIES
> Member, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, since 2008
> Member, American Bar Association, since 2008
> Volunteer, Bridging the Gap, since 2010

PUBLISHED WORKS/PRESENTATIONS
> Author, "Missouri's One and Only Court of Appeals," Journal of the
   Missouri Bar, November-December 2008

EDUCATION
> J.D., University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, 2008
       > CALI Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy (2008)
       > Order of the Barristers (2008)
       > Associate Editor-in-Chief, Missouri Environmental Law & Policy
          Review, 2007
       > Negotiation Competition – First Place, ABA Regional Negotiation
          Team (2006 and 2007)
>  Bachelor of Architecture, Kansas State University, 2005

BAR ADMISSIONS
> Kansas, 2009
> Missouri, 2008

HONORS
> Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association Bar Leadership
   Academy, 2010-2011