Ryan Otis was born in Berkeley, California and grew up in nearby Moraga.  His father is a worker's compensation lawyer representing injured workers.  From an early age he learned how law can protect and empower the vulnerable worker against the larger, more powerful corporations.

Ryan obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, with High Honors and Distinction in the Major, from the University of California, Santa Barbara.  While there, he played rugby and competed on the UCSB Alpine Ski Team.  Although he greatly enjoyed learning and understanding how things work, Ryan sought a legal career where he could help those in need.  After college, Ryan attended the University of San Francisco, School of Law where he clerked for two plaintiff's personal injury law firms and a patent law firm, was a staff member on the Intellectual Property Law Bulletin, and represented indigent clients in the USF Criminal Law Clinic.

Ryan's legal practice has always focused on representing the injured because he finds trial practice and plaintiff work the most interesting, compelling, and rewarding area of law.  Before coming to Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson, Ryan was an associate attorney for a two-lawyer plaintiff's law firm.  In addition to Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) and Federal Whistleblower cases, Ryan has handled a wide range of cases involving automobile collisions, dangerous products, dog bites, premises liability, and dangerous conditions of public property.  He deeply enjoys helping injured men and women obtain fair and just compensation for their injuries.

Ryan is a member of the California Bar and admitted to practice in California and Federal Courts.  He serves on the Board of the Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyer's Association and has served on the Board of the Consumer Attorneys of California New Lawyers Division, and the Board of the Contra Costa County Barristers.  Ryan is a member of the American Association of Justice (formerly the American Association of Trial Lawyers).  His leadership roles started at an early age when he served as Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop after reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. He also served as Vice President of his college engineering honor society.

Ryan is also a member of ARLA, the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys. ARLA is a professional association of attorneys representing injured railroad workers or their families. ARLA represents injured workers in their efforts to be compensated fairly for their injuries and promote rail safety and safe working conditions for all railroad employees. ARLA upholds the right to a jury trial for the injured worker and provides continuing legal education through seminars and other educational programs. ARLA also actively participates in protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and their families by participating in critcal cases throughout the Courts of Appeal and Unites States Supreme Court.

Outside the office, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and friends, as well as mountain biking, downhill skiing (especially on powder days), reading, and watching movies.