Ryan K. Willis

Ryan K. Willis is a purpose-driven attorney, servant leader, and fierce advocate for justice who believes in using the law as a tool for empowerment and lasting change. With over five years of experience in the legal field, Mr. Willis is an Assistant Public Defender with the Maryland Office of Public Defender, where he fiercely advocates for clients and uphold the principle of justice and fairness.

He is licensed to practice law in Alabama, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Mr. Willis serves as President-Elect of the Washington Bar Association, Inc., Past President of the Washington Bar Association Educational Foundation, Inc., Historian of the National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and serve on the Communication Committee of the Maryland State Bar Association Young Lawyers Section. He is an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

He was recognized as the 2025 Centennial Class National Bar Association Top 40 under 40 Nation’s Best Advocate, National Bar Association Top 5 Excellence in Leadership, the National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Brandes S.G. Ash/Toya Carmichael Leadership Award, and The Maryland Daily Record 2026 Leaders in Law-Generation J.D. Award. Mr. Willis is originally from Homer, Louisiana. He received his Juris Doctor from Florida A & M University College of Law and LL.M from American University Washington College of Law.