Ryan P. Downey

Ryan Downey is an associate attorney at Knott Ebelini Hart, specializing in litigation of business and construction disputes across Southwest Florida. With decades of high-profile trial experience, he is committed to working relentlessly, creatively, and passionately for his clients.

A lifelong Southwest Florida resident, Ryan returned to Fort Myers after earning his Juris Doctor at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law where he appeared on the Dean’s List and received his Certificate of Outstanding Achievement in Community Service. Prior to that, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he played on the school’s water polo team. Ryan is proficient in Spanish, having majored in the language and studied abroad at Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago, Chile.

Before joining Knott Ebelini Hart, Ryan served as Circuit Court Chief at the Public Defender’s Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit, managing all Felony attorneys and casework for Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades Counties. During his time there, he chaired over 60 trials through to verdict, including Capital cases, winning a majority. In addition, he oversaw advanced courtroom skills training for the office.

Ryan is active in the legal community, having served as President of the Lee County Bar Association Foundation from 2024-2025, and currently sits on their Board of Directors. He continues to serve as a judge of the annual High School Mock Trial Competition and guest-speaks at local middle and high schools and Constitution Week programming.

Government Service

• Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender – 20^th Judicial Circuit

Professional and Civic Activities

• Lee County Bar Association Foundation; Director, President Emeritus
• High School Mock Trial Competition; Judge
• Rotary Club, Junior Achievement Law Day, various Lee County schools; Guest Speaker