Professional Biography

Thomas D. Ryerson Partner

  • Phoenix

    D +1.602.351.8039

    F +1.602.648.7000

    Phoenix

    2525 E. Camelback Road, Suite 500

    Phoenix, AZ 85016-4227

    +1.602.351.8039

    TRyerson@perkinscoie.com

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Overview

Thomas Ryerson is an experienced litigator, advocating for clients in high-stakes civil and criminal cases. He helps clients litigate complex commercial disputes, defend against criminal charges, respond to government enforcement actions, and conduct internal investigations. Thomas is ranked by Chambers USA as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers” and described as “a formidable opponent in litigation,” who “always serves his clients very well.”

Thomas litigates both civil and criminal cases in federal and state courts, while also representing numerous clients in complex commercial arbitration. These matters arise across many industry sectors, including construction, real estate, financial services, energy, agriculture, gaming, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and securities. Thomas also represents public agencies in a variety of matters, including those relating to state and federal constitutional law.

Thomas also represents individual and corporate defendants in connection with government investigations and criminal proceedings in federal and state courts, as well as in front of government agencies. He advises clients in nearly all stages of enforcement, from the initial investigation through sentencing, and regularly conducts internal investigations in anticipation of government scrutiny or other legal exposure.

Thomas is an adjunct professor at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Prior to joining the firm, Thomas served as a law clerk to the Hon. Rebecca Berch of the Supreme Court of Arizona.

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Ranked by Chambers USA Four Years in a Row

White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

Professional Recognition

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation Law; Criminal Defense: White-Collar Law, 2021-2024
  • Listed in Chambers USA as an "Up and Coming" Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigation Lawyer, 2020-2023
  • Listed as a "Super Lawyer" by Southwest Super Lawyers, 2024
  • Listed as a “Rising Star” in Southwest Super Lawyers, 2016-2020

Professional Leadership

  • Maricopa County Superior Court, Judge Pro Tem
  • Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law, Adjunct Professor
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
  • Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Member

Clerkships

  • Hon. Rebecca Berch, Supreme Court of Arizona, 2010 - 2011

Experience

News

Insights

RELATED INFORMATION

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Arizona
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

Education

  • William & Mary Law School, J.D., Order of the Coif, 2010, William and Mary Law Review
  • Oregon State University, B.S., American Studies, summa cum laude, 2007