ABOUT RYAN
Based out of Nova Scotia, Ryan's practice is devoted primarily to criminal defence. He regularly defends individuals charged with the most serious offences. His practice encompasses every stage of the criminal process, from bail hearings and pre-trial applications to trials, sentencing proceedings, and appeals.
In addition to his defence work, Ryan has served as Crown counsel in Toronto, Yellowknife, and Vancouver. Having worked on both sides of the criminal justice system, he brings a balanced perspective to every case. His experience as a prosecutor provides valuable insight into investigative practices, prosecutorial decision-making, and trial strategy, allowing him to anticipate and effectively respond to the issues that arise in criminal litigation.
Ryan is frequently appointed to act as amicus curiae in complex criminal proceedings where independent assistance to the court is required. These appointments reflect the confidence that courts place in his judgment, advocacy, and ability to assist in difficult legal matters while ensuring the fairness and integrity of the proceedings.
Ryan also has extensive experience representing Indigenous clients from diverse communities and backgrounds, and has gained an appreciation for the unique historical, social, and cultural factors that can affect their involvement with the criminal justice system.
Beyond his litigation practice, Ryan serves as an adjudicator on administrative tribunals, where he is responsible for hearing evidence, making findings of fact, and issuing written decisions. This adjudicative experience has further strengthened his analytical approach, decision-writing skills, and appreciation of procedural fairness.
Ryan also serves as Chair of the Criminal Appeals Committee for Nunavut Legal Aid. In that role, he reviews convictions and sentences to determine whether appeals should be funded, assesses potential grounds of appeal, and provides guidance on complex appellate issues. His work has involved evaluating a wide range of legal questions, including Charter rights, evidentiary rulings, jury instructions, sentencing principles, and questions of procedural fairness.
Ryan also represents complainants in sexual assault proceedings in the Northwest Territories, working closely with complainants to explain the criminal justice process, ensure their legal interests are effectively advanced, and provide independent representation where Parliament has recognized that their rights may differ from those of the Crown.
Throughout his career, Ryan has built a reputation for careful preparation, practical advocacy, and thoughtful legal analysis. He is particularly interested in difficult and legally significant cases involving constitutional issues, novel questions of law, forensic evidence, and appellate advocacy. He approaches every file with the understanding that effective representation requires not only a thorough knowledge of the law, but also careful attention to the individual circumstances of each client.
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Dedicated.