Ryan P. Downey

Ryan P. Downey is an attorney based in Fort Myers, Florida, who focuses on business and construction litigation throughout Southwest Florida. He represents clients involved in disputes that require courtroom advocacy and careful legal judgment. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2009, he brings a background in public defense and trial leadership to his civil litigation practice. His approach emphasizes persistent effort, creative thinking, and commitment to his clients.

Ryan earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he majored in Spanish. He also studied abroad at Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago, Chile, and is proficient in Spanish. He later received his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. During law school, he appeared on the Dean’s List and received a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement in Community Service. After completing his legal education, he returned to Fort Myers.

Ryan previously served as Circuit Court Chief at the Public Defender’s Office for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit. In that position, he managed felony attorneys and casework across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. He took more than 60 trials through to verdict, including capital cases, and won a majority of those trials. He also oversaw advanced courtroom skills training for the office. This work gave him substantial experience in trial advocacy, attorney supervision, and the demands of serious courtroom proceedings.

Ryan P. Downey remains active in professional leadership and legal education within the local community. He served as president of the Lee County Bar Association Foundation from 2024 to 2025 and continues to serve on its board of directors as president emeritus. He judges the annual High School Mock Trial Competition and speaks at local middle and high schools. His speaking activities also include Constitution Week programming, Rotary Club events, and Junior Achievement Law Day.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Knott Ebelini Hart
• Member, The Florida Bar
• Director and President Emeritus, Lee County Bar Association Foundation
• Judge, High School Mock Trial Competition
• Guest Speaker, Junior Achievement Law Day
• Guest Speaker, Rotary Club

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• University of Florida Levin College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Notre Dame
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges