Early Life & Career

Ryan K. Willis grew up in Homer, Louisiana, where he attended Grambling State University Laboratory High School and developed a strong foundation in leadership, scholarship, and the arts. During his early years, he was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and 4-H, and earned superior ratings for four consecutive years in solos and ensemble performance. Ryan went on to attend Louisiana Tech University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts with a major in Vocal Music. In college, he further demonstrated his dedication to service and community engagement through involvement in the Student Government Association, Chamber Singers, Black Student Union, and the fraternities Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., experiences that strengthened his communication skills, discipline, and commitment to advocacy.

Legal Training

Ryan earned his Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law in 2020, where he distinguished himself through active leadership and campus involvement. He served as President of the Student Bar Association, President of the Black Law Students Association, and Editor-in-Chief of the Southern Journal for Justice and Policy, roles that allowed him to build skills in collaboration, legal scholarship, and student advocacy. Ryan was admitted to the Bars of Alabama in 2021, Maryland in 2022, and the District of Columbia in 2025, and he practices in the areas of criminal law, family law, and estate planning. His professional achievements include recognition such as the Centennial National Bar Association’s Top 40 Under 40 – Nation’s Best Advocate, the National Bar Association’s Top 5 Award in Excellence in Leadership, and the NBA YLD Brandes S.G. Ash/Toya Carmichael Leadership Award, highlighting his dedication to leadership and service within the legal community.

Career at Smith Clinesmith

Ryan joins Smith Clinesmith LLP as an Associate Attorney, motivated by a deep commitment to fighting injustice and serving as a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. He is inspired by the belief that advocacy can protect the vulnerable and create meaningful change, a conviction rooted in his early interest in law, which began during high school debate. Ryan approaches his work with passion and purpose. He looks forward to contributing to the firm’s mission by championing the rights of clients, confronting wrongdoing, and helping ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect.