Ryan Bates

Ryan has distinguished himself as a nationwide litigator handling complex employment litigation, trade secret cases, and other high-stakes litigation. Ryan has litigated cases in the state and federal courts of 25 states. He has been named a “Leader in the Law” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, an award received by only about 1% of Virginia lawyers, as well as a “Legal Elite” and “Labor and Employment Star” by peer and industry publications.

Ryan’s employment litigation practice includes defending clients against class and collective actions involving misclassification, off-the-clock claims, meal/rest break claims, and related wage and hour disputes. He regularly litigates claims under Title VII, Title IX, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, and various state statutes.

Ryan routinely represents clients in high-profile trade secret and restrictive covenant litigation. Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, he has secured significant injunctions and favorable results for clients in a variety of industries. In one such case, Ryan obtained the largest-known trade secret injunction in the state, upheld on appeal, which preserved over $50 million in client revenue.

Ryan frequently conducts internal investigations into harassment, discrimination, and other employee misconduct. He routinely counsels nationwide employers on compliance with federal and state employment laws. Ryan has defended over 200 administrative actions in over 35 states, including litigating against the DOL and EEOC. He advises clients during mergers and acquisitions and drafts executive employment agreements, severance packages, handbooks, and bonus plans.