PRINCIPAL CO-CHAIR, CLASS ACTION & COMPLEX LITIGATION PRACTICE
Ryan Lutz is a compassionate competitor. Inspired to enter the highly adversarial field of litigation after playing collegiate basketball, Ryan has successfully focused his competitive spirit toward helping those injured by large corporations who place profits over safety and fairness.
Ryan believes that helping people through the law gives ordinary people a voice, and his “win the day” approach to practicing law gives a powerful voice to those who need it.
Raised in Birmingham, Ryan earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University before returning to Birmingham to pursue his Juris Doctor at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.
Since joining Cory Watson in 2006, Ryan has served as Co-Lead Counsel in a $25 million verdict for plaintiffs in a products liability case against Nissan, twice represented the State of Mississippi through Attorney General Jim Hood against Google, represented nearly every city and county in the State of Arkansas against every major Opioid manufacturer and distributor, served as Co-Lead Class Counsel for numerous certified nationwide consumer fraud class actions against large corporations in jurisdictions across the country, and served leading roles for the firm in Multi-District Litigation involving medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
One of his most important accomplishments involved leading two certified nationwide consumer fraud class actions against fireplace manufacturers who made dangerous glass front fireplaces that were causing severe third-degree burns to infants and toddlers who accidentally touched the glass fronts. As a result of those cases, the fireplace industry changed its standards to require mandatory safety screens, preventing further harm to young children.
Ryan’s drive to help and connect to fellow citizens nationwide is evidenced by his work, his lifestyle, and his concern for children that extends beyond the courtroom. He is a board member and president of the TumTum Tree Foundation, a charity that raises money for local children’s charities through an annual live wine auction. The foundation has raised over $12,000,000.
When he’s not working, he and his wife Lindsey are experiencing the joys of parenthood with their two children, Asher and Holden. Ryan also has a passion for food and wine, exercise and sports, and travel abroad.
BAR ADMISSIONS
Alabama State Bar
COURT ADMISSIONS
Chancery Court of Lowndes County, Mississippi
Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland
Circuit Court of Crittenden County, Arkansas
Iowa District Court, Linn County
State of California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District
State of North Carolina, Craven County
Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Central District
Superior Court of the State of Indiana, County of Marion
The Supreme Court of Alabama
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama
United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama
United States District Court for the Northern District of California
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi
United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas
United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
HONORS, AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Super Lawyers, Alabama Rising Stars, 2012-2016
The Best Lawyers in America©, 2020-2023
Birmingham Magazine, Top Birmingham Attorneys
Birmingham Business Journal Top 40 Under 40, 2019
Birmingham Business Journal Rising Star
Mealey’s Pharmaceutical Superconference, “Digitek-An Overview,” Guest Speaker
HB Litigation Conference, “Fleet Phospho-Soda-Over the Counter Drug Litigation,” Guest Speaker
Alabama Association for Justice, “Spotting a Class Action—Don’t Miss Your Opportunity,” Guest Speaker
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Alabama State Bar Association
American Association for Justice
Alabama Association for Justice, Emerging Leaders Section
Birmingham Bar Association
EDUCATION
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D.
The University of Alabama at Huntsville
Auburn University, B.S.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
TumTum Tree Foundation, Board Member and President
Practice Areas
CLASS ACTION
CONSUMER PROTECTION
PRODUCTS LIABILITY
PHARMACEUTICAL LITIGATION
DEFECTIVE MEDICAL DEVICES
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
TRUCK ACCIDENTS
PERSONAL INJURY
ASBESTOS INJURY
GAS FIREPLACE INJURY
