Family First.
About
Education
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law
Juris Doctor May 2006
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning, cum laude,
May 2003
Union High School
Union, MO (Franklin County)
May 1999
Awards and Honors
Missouri Super Lawyers
Rising Star 2016
Judicial Service
Missouri 20th Judicial Circuit Court
Union, MO
January 2022 to Present
Pre-Judicial Employment
Helfrich Hotz Brandt, LLC
320 Lafayette St.,
Washington, MO 63090
November 2009 to Jan 2022
Ryan founded Helfrich and Hotz, LLC in 2009 with Benjamin Hotz. Jacob Brandt joined the firm in 2018. In addition to maintaining a robust criminal and civil practice, Ryan has developed a strong reputation as a mediator in the local legal community. Judges routinely assign cases for mediation; over 90% of cases are fully resolved.
Ryan has acted as the City of Pacific, MO municipal prosecutor since 2016. Prosecute all local municipal violations,attend court and work with City staff on enforcement of specific ordinances. Assisted in the implementation of new OSCA and REJIS court systems. Currently working with law enforcement on implementation of mobile ticketing programs to promote efficiency.
Hansen, Stierberger, Downard, Schroeder & Head, LLC
315 E. Main St., Union, MO 63084
May 2006 to November 2009
General litigation associate. Assisted partners and staff on all criminal, civil, family and estate planning matters in addition to appellate work. Acquired mediation certificate to perform all civil and family law mediations in 2009 through Missouri State University.
Acted as Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Union, MO from 2006 to 2009.
Acted as substitute Municipal Prosecutor for the City of Sullivan, MO from 2006 to 2009.
Community and Civic
Youth athletic coach City of Eureka, City of Washington and Four Rivers Area YMCA (Washington).
Coach baseball, basketball and soccer. 2014 to present.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Washington, MO
Home and School Committee 2017-2018
5th Grade head boys basketball coach 2021-2022
Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA)
Certified basketball official (2007 to present).
Officiated hundreds of games at all levels across east-central Missouri.
Union High School, Union, MO
Assisted in moot court programs 2016-2017; educate the students on direct and cross-examination skills, the presentation of evidence, making and meeting objections and general court rules and procedures.
Legacy…
Why be a Judge?
In short, to serve my home community. I was born and raised in this community. As an attorney there was an opportunity to assist clients on a case by case basis and that makes a difference. However, as a judge there is an obligation in certain circumstances to do what is best for the community at large and, in certain circumstances, for those who cannot help themselves. It takes commitment, hard work and integrity to act as Circuit Judge - I've been doing the job since being appointed in December of 2021 and hope to be able to continue to serve my home community for the foreseeable future.