RYAN WILLIS

Smith Clinesmith LLP

Ryan K. Willis is an associate attorney at Smith Clinesmith LLP, where he focuses his practice on medical malpractice. He began his career as an assistant public defender with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, where he advocated for clients and upheld the principles of justice and fairness. His courtroom experience is extensive — he has successfully tried more than 50 bench and jury trials combined. Willis is licensed to practice in Maryland and is awaiting admission to the District of Columbia.

Willis sees the law as a powerful tool to promote fairness, justice and opportunity for individuals and communities whose voices too often go unheard. Coming from Homer, Louisiana, he understands firsthand how easily communities can feel overlooked or without representation. He was recently featured in a magazine article titled “Liberty and Justice for All,” which highlighted the vital work of public defenders.

His leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Willis serves as president of the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation Inc., and vice president of the Washington Bar Association, Inc. He is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., is involved with the Maryland State Bar Association and has served in various roles within the National Bar Association. He was selected as a National Bar Association Top 40 Under 40: Nation’s Best Advocate and as one of the organization’s Top 5 for Excellence in Leadership.

He holds a juris doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law and a master of laws from American University Washington College of Law.

Willis also holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music and is classically trained in both

Outside his professional responsibilities, Willis is deeply committed to mentoring law students and college students pursuing legal careers. He assists law students in preparing for the bar exam and advises students interested in law school on preparing for the LSAT and what to expect throughout the law school journey. Through the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation, he supports scholarship initiatives, mentorship programs and professional development opportunities for future generations of legal professionals. His long-term goal is to become a law professor, where he can educate and mentor the next generation of legal professionals.

Willis did not pass the bar exam on his first attempt. When he received the news, his mother offered words that stayed with him: “It’s okay. Sometimes we don’t get it on the first try, but that doesn’t mean we quit. Cry your tears today, but tomorrow get back to work.” He recommitted himself to the goal, passed the bar and has been practicing law for nearly five years. That experience taught him resilience, perseverance and the importance of not allowing a temporary setback to define the outcome of his journey.

opera and jazz.