About Us
John@RDULawfirm.com
John J. Ryan
John Ryan is a founding partner in the law firm of Ryan, Drewniak & Upshaw, P.A. and concentrates his practice in the areas of family law and small business practice. These areas require many of the same disciplines – listening to the client’s concerns, being creative with solutions, and following through to ensure the best results which can be obtained are obtained. Both practices focus on meeting the legal needs of individuals during transitions in their lives.
He is admitted to practice in all Maryland Courts, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. During his years of practice, Mr. Ryan has tried cases, argued motions, and otherwise represented clients throughout Maryland including the Appellate Court of Maryland and the Supreme Court of Maryland (the State’s highest Court).
After a successful undergraduate academic career in which he was elected a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar at the University of Maryland, Mr. Ryan went on to enjoy success at the University of Maryland Law School, earning academic awards and ultimately graduating with the highest honors in 1988. Even before his graduation, Mr. Ryan joined a large Baltimore law firm named Frank, Bernstein, Conaway & Goldman, where he spent several years learning to practice law under the tutelage of some of Maryland’s most prominent and gifted attorneys. In 1991, Mr. Ryan moved his practice to Annapolis, Maryland, where he began concentrating on family law and business law at his newly created law firm.
Mr. Ryan brought with him the focus and determination of a large firm, but he has never lost sight of the fact that as a lawyer, he is, in the end, a service provider. He understands that part of his role is to counsel and guide his clients through difficult and trying times as well as through their success. He first used the words “Support through a difficult time” in 1991 to describe his philosophy, and it has been the guiding principle of his law practice ever since.
Chris@RDULawfirm.com
Christopher J. Drewniak
Christopher Drewniak began his career in criminal defense as a JAG attorney in the Marine Corps in 1985 and began practicing law in Anne Arundel County in 1988. Mr. Drewniak has focused much of his practice in traffic and criminal defense, handling matters ranging from DUI/DWI, automobile manslaughter and MVA hearings; to theft, burglary, assault, domestic violence, shoplifting, drug possession and distribution, sexual abuse, and rape. Because of his extensive background in military law he also regularly handles matters ranging from administrative discharge hearings to special and general courts-martial.
In addition to criminal and traffic defense Mr. Drewniak regularly represents clients in the pursuit of personal injury claims to include medical malpractice, automobile accidents, and dog bites. He has also handled hundreds of matters in litigation ranging from the defense of employee related claims on behalf of the firm’s business clients, to breach of contract claims and administrative matters before various state agencies.
Mr. Drewniak has been admitted to practice in Maryland and Rhode Island, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Since becoming an attorney in 1984, he has represented thousands of clients and tried cases throughout the State of Maryland, various military installations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C., as well as the Naval Academy and West Point, including in one case an appeal to the United States Supreme Court.
After graduation from the College of Holy Cross in 1981, Mr. Drewniak received his law degree from Case Western University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1984. He served on active duty in the Marine Corps from 1985 to 1988 as a defense counsel and prosecutor, as well as performing duties representing military personnel concerning various civil matters.
Inga@RDULawfirm.com
Inga Upshaw
Inga Upshaw is a Founding Partner at Ryan, Drewniak & Upshaw, LLC, a law firm celebrating over 30 years of excellence, and based in Annapolis, Maryland. Her unique practice of over three decades is devoted to the strategic representation of motor carriers and insurers in the trucking industry.
Inga is actively engaged in handling first response investigations (i.e., “legal triage”) for the numerous motor carriers that she represents. Inga regularly achieves efficient, expedited results for her clients by and through early investigation, creative problem solving and innovative strategies. In addition, she advises motor carrier clients regarding matters outside Maryland, and is frequently called upon to supervise and/or coordinate litigation with local counsel in other venues. Inga is admitted to practice in Maryland and handles cases throughout the State of Maryland in state and federal courts.
Inga is a Founding member of the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), an elite trucking organization celebrating over 30 years. Inga served as an Officer and Director of TIDA from its founding until she reached term limits, as well as various programs and committees. Inga was TIDA’s Second President.
Inga was awarded with TIDA’s coveted John T. Biezup Memorial Service Award for dedicated service, excellence and commitment to the defense of the trucking industry. Inga was also twice awarded the Schneider National Partnership Award in recognition of her aggressive and thorough defense of Schneider cases; noting her competitive fire, tenacity, and indomitable spirit that distinguished her from her peers, and for her outstanding trial performance and continuing commitment to the excellence in the defense of Schneider National, Inc.
Inga received her Bachelor’s Degree Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University Maryland and her juris doctor from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law. Inga is a member of numerous bar associations and trucking organizations that enable her to most effectively serve her trucking industry clients. Inga is also a certified Mediator and embraces these honed skills for the benefit of her clients at every turn. Inga is an especially valued problem-solver and trucking enthusiast that engages and resolves complex challenges.