Atty. Ryan A. Smith
Chair of the firm’s Natural Resources Department and the American Indian Law & Policy Group. Represents tribal nations, those doing business with tribes and western water districts.
Native American Law Attorney · Serving Washington, DC
Profile Summary
About Ryan A. Smith at a Glance
Ryan A. Smith is an attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, District of Columbia Bar, Arizona, State Bar of Arizona, Arizona, District of Arizona, and United States, U.S. Supreme Court. Educated at Arizona State University (Phoenix) (J.D., 1998) and Arizona State University (B.A., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Native American Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Ryan A. Smith
- Chair of the firm’s Natural Resources Department and the American Indian Law & Policy Group
- Represents tribal nations, those doing business with tribes and western water districts
- Proven ability to resolve natural resource and water disputes before Congress and the Department of the Interior
- Ryan Smith represents tribes, water districts and corporations before Congress, the Department of the Interior and the courts on tribal issues and Western natural resource issues
- He has significant government and private practice experience working on matters relating to Indian water rights
- Colorado River and western water issues
- lands into trust
- and tribal gaming issues
- Ryan has been the lead on several major Indian water settlements, ushering a number of settlements through Congress while serving in government and in private practice
- In addition, he has been instrumental in the development of federal policy relating to western natural resources the Colorado River, water management and federal funding for Indian country
- Before joining Brownstein, Ryan served as a senior legislative advisor to former Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) on water and tribal issues and served as deputy counsel for the Arizona Department of Water Resources, advising the state of Arizona on Colorado River, tribal and water banking matters
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose Ryan A. Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Ryan A. Smith's practice.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in District of Columbia, District of Columbia Bar, Arizona, State Bar of Arizona, and Arizona, District of Arizona, Ryan A. Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means Ryan A. Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Ryan A. Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
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