Biography
Ryan Watkins is a trial lawyer in Jackson Walker’s Dallas Trial & Appellate Litigation practice. He represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes, appeals, FINRA arbitrations, intellectual property matters, and industry-specific litigation involving the aviation and energy sectors.
Since joining Jackson Walker, Ryan has handled a broad range of litigation matters at both the trial and appellate levels. His experience includes disputes involving breach of contract, business torts, trade secrets, fiduciary duty claims, product liability, negligence, trademark and copyright infringement, and condemnation proceedings. Ryan also represents broker-dealers and financial services professionals in FINRA arbitrations.
Ryan assists clients through every stage of the litigation process, including internal investigation review, taking and defending depositions of fact and expert witnesses, briefing and oral arguments on dispositive motions, negotiating settlements, and trial.
Before joining Jackson Walker, Ryan served as a legal extern in Bell Helicopter’s Legal Department, where he supported compliance initiatives and business strategy discussions, gaining valuable insight into how in-house counsel assess risk and guide decision-making. He also interned with Pony Oil, where he developed firsthand knowledge of the operational and legal challenges facing companies in the energy industry.
Before beginning his legal career, Ryan taught ninth-grade speech and communication in Fort Worth, Texas. His experience helping students develop public speaking and persuasive advocacy skills continues to shape his approach to courtroom advocacy, witness examinations, and oral argument. He also served as an assistant coach for the school’s football, basketball, track, and wrestling programs.
Education
B.S., Texas Christian University
- TCU Football Student-Athlete
J.D., cum laude, SMU Dedman School of Law
- Corporate Law Association
- International Law Society
- Black Law Students Association
Bar Admissions
Texas
