OUR STORY
Ryan Swanson has been helping people tackle their legal challenges for well over a century—since 1897, to be exact. We bring together a team of smart, approachable problem-solvers committed to helping clients navigate legal challenges with confidence. Our goal is to deliver exceptional legal service rooted in trust, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on client satisfaction, not just size or profitability. By working as a unified team, we strive to deliver the kind of representation we would want for ourselves.
With a team of 35+ attorneys and just as many support staff, we’re all about one thing: helping you succeed. Whether it’s starting a business, solving a tough problem, planning for the future, or dealing with life’s curveballs, we’re here to make legal issues feel a little less daunting and a lot more manageable. Success, after all, is a shared journey.
The world doesn’t stand still, and neither do we. We’re constantly growing, learning, and expanding what we do so we can stay ahead of the curve and be ready for whatever you need next. With the right people by your side, no challenge is too big to tackle.
Bryan Graff, Managing Director
From 1897 to Today
Our journey began in 1897, when John Ryan, Sr. set out to create a law firm that prioritized high-quality legal services at a fair cost. That vision became the foundation of Ryan Swanson, a firm built on trust, collaboration, and a commitment to helping clients succeed. Over the years, leaders like John Ryan, Jr., Ray Swanson, and Dick Cleveland solidified this foundation, establishing a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire us.
Carrying this vision forward, leaders like Joel Paget, Jerry Kindinger, Roger Kindley, and Dave Tift ensured the values of the founders continued to shape its future. These influential figures served as a crucial link between the firm’s early pioneers and its modern leadership, ensuring that its guiding principles remained central to its evolution. Their steadfast dedication and forward-thinking approach laid the groundwork for the dynamic and client-focused firm we are today. Under Bryan Graff’s leadership, these principles remain as strong as ever, guiding us into the future.
Fast-forward 128 years, and the firm has grown in size, reputation, and reach—including a global network through TAGLaw. Yet one thing hasn’t changed: the belief that legal solutions should be personalized, practical, and grounded in the legacy of those who came before us.
Ryan Swanson is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our work. We celebrate the unique perspectives that come from differences in race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and veteran status, knowing they strengthen our firm, our clients, and our community. Through intentional efforts like recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds, we work to create an environment where everyone can succeed.
We invite you to explore our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion at Ryan Swanson, where we detail our principles and ongoing efforts to foster a more equitable legal profession and society.
Empowering Leadership Through Diversity
Building a culture of inclusion starts at the top. At Ryan Swanson, leadership within the firm reflects the diverse world we live in. Today, many of our practice groups and committees are led by female and minority attorneys who are helping us shape the future of our firm and the legal profession more broadly:
Immigration Practice Group (Marsha Mavunkel, Chair)
Professional Recruiting Committee (Jennifer Truong, Chair)
Litigation Practice Group (Kristin Nealey Meier, Chair)
Estate Planning & Probate Practice Group (Kari Brotherton, Chair)
Employment Law Advising & Defense Litigation Practice Group (Britenae Pierce, Chair)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (Amy Royalty, Chair)
Associate Hiring Committee (Cody Nunn, Chair)
We are proud to have built a firm where everyone is valued and empowered to succeed. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is more than just words—it’s a lived experience for our people and our clients.
Firm Diversity at a Glance
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Our Alumni Spotlight celebrates former Ryan Swanson attorneys who have gone on to achieve remarkable success,
highlighting the lasting impact of their time at the firm and the diverse paths they’ve taken beyond it.
Arbitrator and Mediator
Boundless Immigration
Western District of Washington
Financial Advisor, Senior Retirment Plan Consultant, Institutional Consultant
GIVING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
Giving back to the community where we live and work is a core part of who we are. Supporting civic activities and encouraging our team to get involved isn’t just a guiding principle—it’s woven into the fabric of our culture. Ryan Swanson is as dedicated to improving our community as we are to delivering excellent legal services.
Our Charitable Giving Committee, comprised of team members from across the firm, leads the firm’s philanthropic efforts. Supported by an impactful annual budget determined by the Executive Committee, the Committee selects a special focus each year for its charitable donations. From educating children to honoring seniors or combating homelessness, our team contributes time, goods, and funds to meaningful causes that make a difference.
We believe that being an active corporate citizen means everyone—management, attorneys, and staff—plays a role in giving back. For more information about our efforts, please contact Michael Callahan, Member of Ryan Swanson’s Charitable Giving Committee
