K. Ryan Helmick

Ryan is a nationally recognized award-winning attorney who has handled some of the most high-profile cases in Las Vegas. He has been voted “Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review Journal as well as received the “Lawyer of the Year” award for 2024 and 2025. Ryan is the Founder and Lead Attorney of The Defense Firm and author of “The Defense Begins” located on Amazon.

Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia. Eventually, he spent his childhood living and growing up with his younger brother in both Las Vegas, NV and Cocoa Beach, FL as his parents lived on opposite coasts. He is a proud father of his daughter. His daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy and is his ultimate teacher and daily reminder of the importance of listening, engaging, and above all, having a patient and empathetic view on life. All of these are attributes Ryan uses every day in his practice.

He completed his Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He then moved to San Diego, CA to go to Thomas Jefferson School of Law. During his time there, he made the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence. 

His studies in law school focused on Criminal Law and Trial Practice. Every year, he does things to improve his ability as a lawyer and set himself apart from the rest, such as attending a legal seminar, lecture, or reading books. He has trained with the Trial Lawyers College, founded by the late famed trial lawyer Gerry Spence, on more than one occasion. Likewise, during most of his career, he had the very fortunate and great pleasure of being mentored by the legendary Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer, the late Bill Terry. Learning from these two Hall of Fame lawyers gave Ryan the tools necessary to provide the best defense possible for his clients.

Today, Ryan continues to practice exclusively in Criminal Defense. He is a member of the Office of Appointed Counsel for cases that involve life sentences. In addition, he serves as an Ombudsman for the Police Fatality Fact-Finding Review Board. He has also appeared on two episodes of the show on A&E called “The Accused: Guilty or Innocent,” specifically for his cases. Ryan and The Defense Firm have garnered numerous accolades and recognition within the law community, from being honored by prestigious organizations such as the National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction, as well as receiving client-choice awards for excellence in legal advocacy. Ryan’s dedication to the law has not gone unnoticed.

But Ryan will be the first to say that it’s not the awards that set him apart from the rest. What sets Ryan apart from many other criminal defense attorneys is his passion for what he does, his love for his clients, and his relentless preparation of the cases that he defends. “Walking out of the courtroom, knowing I did everything I could do for that person, knowing I gave it everything I had, that’s what it’s all about.”