Ryan brings extensive experience in the regulated utility industry having served as General Counsel to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, Residential Utilities and Antitrust Division. Building on more than a decade of public service, including responsibility for providing advice on all aspects of legal management, strategy, and regulatory matters, Ryan has a deep understanding of how utilities operate in the regulatory system and how to achieve positive outcomes that satisfy both clients and regulators. He is in a unique position to assist clients in dealing with the ongoing transitions in the energy and communications sectors and can advise clients on how their businesses can grow and adapt in this fast-paced environment.

Ryan maintains close relationships with interested groups throughout the energy sector and works to minimize litigated issues and achieve positive outcomes for clients.

Ryan also has experience in administrative law and contested case proceedings, working with state agencies, drafting and reviewing legislation, handling high stakes appellate matters and environmental review requirements under state and federal law, and in advising clients on matters related to data practices and Open Meeting laws.

Experience

  • Achieved positive outcomes in electric and natural gas rate cases before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, including developing testimony, establishing and achieving strategic objectives, examining opposing witnesses, and advocating before administrative judges and regulators.
  • Experienced in technical administrative litigation, including electric and natural gas rate cases, nuclear power plant cost review, resource planning, resource acquisition, advanced rate design, grid modernization, vehicle electrification, and energy infrastructure permitting.
  • Participated in multiple dockets related to electric and natural gas utility mergers and restructures to ensure compliance with state requirements.
  • Advised state agency client on compliance with state and federal rules, employment law, data practices, and Open Meeting law requirements.
  • Advised state agency clients on legislative changes at both state and federal levels and on federal regulatory matters at FERC, FCC, and MISO.
  • Advised state agency clients on compliance with state and federal environmental protection acts and energy infrastructure permitting procedures.
  • Successfully defended appeals in electric, natural gas, telecommunications, and pipeline matters.

Credentials

Clerkships

  • The Honorable Kathleen D. Sheehy, Minnesota District Court, Fourth Judicial District

Education

University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., magna cum laude; managing editor, Minnesota Law Review and Constitutional Commentary

University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., Economics and Political Science

Admissions

  • Minnesota

Affiliations

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association – Public Utilities Law Section, Administrative Law Section, and Natural Resource and Energy Section
  • Ramsey County Bar Association
  • Associate member, Minnesota Telecom Alliance
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