Ryan aggressively seeks justice and accountability for people and institutions that have been harmed. He has 20 years’ experience successfully litigating complex disputes from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast.
Ryan represents both plaintiffs and defendants in matters including breach of contract, partnership disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, antitrust, RICO, civil theft, theft of trade secrets, fraud, fraudulent transfer claims and securities, and antitrust class actions.
His clients include entities, individuals, and groups of individuals coming from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, including energy, finance, and entertainment.
When asked about their experience with Ryan, his clients have said:
“Ryan was exceptionally prepared, ready, and willing to enter into the dispute on my behalf and take the case to trial.” S.M. (Business Owner)
“During the trial Ryan continued to keep everyone current on the proceedings and did a great job all the way to the final disposition. I would certainly recommend Ryan to handle complex legal matters to anyone. His diligence, preparation and communication is very commendable. I certainly would not hesitate to use him on any future legal matter.” J.C.B. (Executive)
“Mr. Higgins has argued the case as if he is just as personally involved and as invested as I am in the details and outcome of my case. While Mr. Higgins continues to win my case at every level of the court system, he has always kept me very well informed and even contacts me personally to periodically check on my family.” (Client and Business Owner)
“Mr. Higgins and I worked against each other in a contentious, high-stakes case that lasted for several years. Despite the hard fought nature of the matter, Mr. Higgins always conducted himself with the highest degree of professionalism in addition to being a highly-skilled advocate for his client. I would not hesitate to give him the highest rating possible.” (Opposing Counsel)
“Excellent trial lawyer and a fine person.” (Head of Arbitration Tribunal)
“I have worked with and known Ryan for several years. He is a top-notch lawyer, very results-oriented and creative in his thinking about how to achieve the best practical results for his clients in light of the legal risks they face. He is also a superb communicator and advocate — very calm, strategic and effective in adversarial situations such as depositions and negotiations.” (Cocounsel)
Early in his career, Ryan practiced in New York City with a large litigation firm, Boies Schiller Flexner, focusing on complex litigation. The litigation practice he built there, and has continued at Rusty Hardin & Associates, allows him to obtain the best possible outcome for clients.
In this pursuit, there are a few basic principles that Ryan follows.
First, Ryan concentrates on streamlining complex cases and developing strategies that win. This requires marshaling what, in some cases, is a complex set of facts and developing simple and compelling themes to present to the jury or judge.
Second, he treats every case, from its inception, as though it were to be taken to trial. This includes methodical development of the factual record and adapting the facts to the law and the core themes of the case.
Third, he constantly works with the client to achieve the client’s desired goal and advance the client’s interest. This includes viewing matters based on the clients’ business or personal objectives and drawing on the experience of his prior cases from across all major industry sectors.