Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia. Eventually, he spent his childhood living and growing up with his younger brother in both Las Vegas, NV and Cocoa Beach, FL as his parents lived on opposite coasts. He is a proud father of his daughter. His daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy and is his ultimate teacher and daily reminder of the importance of listening, engaging and above all, having a patient and empathetic view on life. All of these being attributes Ryan uses every day his practice. He completed his Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He then moved to San Diego, CA to go to Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia. Eventually, he spent his childhood living and growing up with his younger brother in both Las Vegas, NV and Cocoa Beach, FL as his parents lived on opposite coasts. He is a proud father of his daughter. His daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy and is his ultimate teacher and daily reminder of the importance of listening, engaging and above all, having a patient and empathetic view on life. All of these being attributes Ryan uses every day his practice. He completed his Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He then moved to San Diego, CA to go to Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
During his time there, he made the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence. His studies in law school were in Criminal Law and Trial Practice. Every year he does things to improve his ability as a lawyer and set himself apart from the rest, such as attending a legal seminar, lecture or reading books. He has trained with the Trial Lawyers College, founded by famed trial lawyer Gerry Spence, on more than one occasion. Likewise, during most of his career, he had the very fortunate and great pleasure of being mentored by the legendary Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer, the late Bill Terry. Learning from these two Hall of Fame lawyers gave Ryan the tools necessary to provide the best defense possible for his clients.
Today, Ryan continues to practice exclusively in Criminal Defense. He is a member of the Office of Appointed Counsel for cases that only involve life sentences. In addition, he serves as an Ombudsman for the Police Fatality Public Fact-Finding Review Board. During his time as a lawyer, he has tried many high-profile cases and successfully resolved many others. Some of these included murder and sexual assault charges.
Since becoming a lawyer, he humbly shares that he has been recognized for National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 Under 40” for multiple years. Beginning with 2018 through 2021, he was selected as one of the “10 Best Attorney’s” by the American Institute of DUI Attorney’s. In 2020, he was selected as “10 Best Under 40” by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorney’s. In 2020 and 2021, he was honored by Super Lawyers and made their Mountain States Rising Stars list. This honor is given to only 2.5% of attorneys in Nevada. In 2021, he was also honored by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers as “Litigator of the Year” as well as the Top-Ranking Attorney by The American Association of Attorney Advocates. Ryan has been featured on A&E Networks show “THE ACCUSSED: GUILTY OR INNOCENT,” for some of his cases. Lastly, he has been recognized as “The Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Las Vegas,” by the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Best of Las Vegas.
But Ryan will be the first to say that it’s not the awards that set him apart from the rest. What sets Ryan apart from many other criminal defense attorneys is his passion for what he does, his love for his clients and for his relentless preparation of the cases that he defends. “Walking out of the courtroom, knowing I did everything I could do for that person, knowing I gave it everything I had, that’s what it’s all about.”
K. Ryan Helmick, Esq.