Mr. Ryan Willis

Ryan Willis is a seasoned trial lawyer with nearly two decades of courtroom experience, having tried more than 35 cases to verdict in state and federal courts. He has earned not guilty verdicts in serious felony matters, including sex offenses, major drug charges, and violent crimes, and has defended clients accused of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony assault, and second-degree rape. Ryan also handles complex white collar investigations, serving as lead counsel in matters involving health care fraud, antitrust issues, insurance and bank fraud, and political corruption. He advises companies as outside general counsel, helping clients strengthen compliance and, in many cases, avoid prosecution altogether. Ryan regularly responds to grand jury subpoenas and target letters from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, often resolving cases before charges are filed. A Raleigh native and former Wake County Assistant District Attorney, he co-founded Dysart Willis in 2016, later joining Maynard Nexsen after a 2024 merger. After gaining perspective in a large-firm setting, he returned to a focused practice to defend individuals and small businesses.