Derek Ryan is the firm’s executive director. He is a strategic and administrative leader who brings 15+ years of progressive law firm experience in operational excellence, human resources, finance, project management, client relations, business development, and creation of advanced and feasible solutions that drive continuous improvement.
Prior to joining the firm, Derek was the San Francisco office-based administrator for a multi-national law firm, where he oversaw and directed all management functions, including human resources, administrative support, facilities, and financial management and information systems. Before that, he was a law office manager for a boutique San Francisco family law firm. He was also an executive director for a San Francisco 50-attorney law firm, where he successfully guided all management, administration, and daily operations.
Before his law firm management positions, Derek was a long-time general manager for JAMS, Inc., a leading global provider of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. While there, he led all strategic planning and forecasting for the San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Rosa offices, overseeing staff employees, managers, and 45 retired judges and attorneys. He analyzed and led internal and external projects and increased revenue growth, outbound marketing, client relations/account management, internal processes, and margins by deeply evaluating business key performance initiatives.
Derek is a member of the Association of Legal Administrators. His certifications include Six Sigma Green Belt, JAMS Arbitration & Mediation Training, and JAMS Management Forum.