Ryan Weiss

Ryan Weiss is a trial lawyer who helps individuals and companies of all sizes navigate—and win—high-stakes disputes. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in all phases of litigation, from pre-suit strategy through trial and appeal, in both federal and state courts nationwide.

Ryan’s practice is intentionally diverse and spans the full spectrum of complex litigation, including energy, financial, probate, employment, real estate, class action, intellectual property, personal injury, and other commercial disputes.

Clients turn to Ryan for his mastery of the record, sound judgment, and relentless preparation—qualities that help him see the case a way a jury will and then zealously advocate for his client’s goals.

LITIGATION HIGHLIGHTS

Ryan plays a central role in every matter he handles.  He has examined and defended fact and expert witnesses at trial, argued dispositive and evidentiary motions, and taken and defended numerous critical depositions. Courts have described Ryan’s written advocacy as “excellent” and called him the “linchpin” of his trial teams—a recognition of both his preparation and poise in the courtroom.

Ryan’s practice centers on high-value, high-consequence disputes, often involving extremely complex issues. Among other ongoing matters, Ryan represents Preston L. Marshall, grandson of J. Howard Marshall II, in what has been described as the largest will and trust dispute in the world. This multijurisdictional fight, which spans Texas and Louisiana courts, involves control of the Marshall family’s wealth, which traces to its 16% ownership of Koch Industries. Most recently, after a two-week jury trial, Ryan helped secure a “take-nothing judgment” in a dispute valued at more than nine figures.

In another major win, Ryan secured affirmance of a $17 million summary judgment ruling for Macquarie US Trading LLC, that dismissed breach of contract claims brought by 1701 Commerce Acquisition LLC. Ryan drafted and argued Macquarie’s successful summary judgment motion and earlier persuaded the court to reconsider a key discovery ruling, compelling production of withheld documents that proved central to the win. Read more.

Ryan also helped secure a $39 million recovery for a class of universal life insurance policyholders against ReliaStar Life Insurance Company stemming from ReliaStar’s failure to charge cost of insurance rates in accordance with the terms of its policies. Before settlement, Ryan opposed ReliaStar’s motion for summary judgment in front of Hon. Donovan Frank (D. Minn.). After a lengthy hearing, and in a detailed opinion, Judge Frank denied ReliaStar’s motion and simultaneously granted class certification. (A full transcript of Ryan’s argument here).

BACKGROUND

Before joining Susman Godfrey, Ryan clerked for Judge Michael Daly Hawkins of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge Mark E. Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, two brilliant jurists who continue to inspire Ryan to strive to become an excellent attorney. These clerkships provided him with a unique perspective on the inner workings of the bench—this helps him view each case with an eye towards what issues matter most to the judge and jury.

Ryan graduated magna cum laude from Duke University School of Law, where he was the Managing Editor of the Duke Law Journal and competed on both the Moot Court and Mock Trial teams.  He remains closely involved with Duke University and currently serves as the Law School Representative on the Duke Houston Board.  Ryan graduated cum laude from the University of Florida, where his allegiance to the Gators was first cemented—and remains strong.

Notable Representations

Honors & Distinctions

Clerkships

Education

Admissions

Publications