Andrew J. Ryan

Rochester Business Journal Staff//July 17, 2026//

Listen to this article

Partner, Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP

Years in current role: 17

What changes in the legal industry do you believe will have the biggest impact on clients over the next few years?

Aside from the continued insertion of AI into the practice of law, which is obvious to most people at this point, there is an industry-wide trend relating to new associate attorneys. Newer attorneys are demanding more of a work-life balance, while also demanding higher pay. It is increasingly difficult for law firms to maintain profitability when they are paying associates more money but receiving less work in return for those higher associate salaries. This trend is unsustainable and either partner profits or associate expectations will need to change to adapt to one another.

What is one challenge currently facing the legal profession that deserves more attention?

As time goes on, I see more of my contemporaries resigning from the practice of law. The reasons for this are varied, but with the resignation of experienced attorneys from the practice of law, law firms are losing a wealth of experience that could be shared with both younger attorneys and the legal community in general.

How do you balance legal expertise with client service and relationship-building?

Experienced attorneys need to spend time delegating and mentoring younger attorneys to perform the actual work. By pushing work down to lower-cost providers, it gives the newer attorneys experience and is more efficient for clients. I think clients are looking for a more team-centered approach rather than just relying on one attorney. Since most legal relationships are conducted virtually, I think clients are becoming less and less dependent on relationships with single attorneys.

What is one accomplishment — professional or personal — that you are especially proud of?

There is no question that I am most proud of my children — Bridey and Cam — although it’s difficult for me to take credit for their accomplishments. However, I believe that my wife and I have done a very good job of instilling our values into our children and our children know the value of hard work, dedication, standing up for themselves and refusing to accept injustice. While neither of my children are in the legal profession, I think they both have a deep respect for the legal profession and the rule of law in general, which is something that seems to be increasingly rare in American society today.

This profile is part of our Litigation Power List for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.