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Partner Ryan Ewasiuk helps clients by providing the highest quality legal service in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
“Obtaining early and cost-effective file resolutions is a priority,” says Ryan.
He has a broad civil litigation practice, with a focus on insurance matters, including defence and coverage issues under a wide variety of policies, such as commercial general liability, property, auto, and errors and omissions. He also has extensive experience with transportation, equipment and cargo (TEC) claims, as well as regulatory matters.
Ryan, who views his client relationships as a true partnership, prides himself on always having a clear game plan, focusing his efforts on those steps that will contribute to the best possible result for his clients.
“Beyond that, it’s also important to note that when you partner with Brownlee, you not only have a lawyer, you also have a law firm,” he says. “We can structure teams for our clients, based on their needs. All team members will have a demonstrated track record of competence, aggressiveness, ingenuity and client focus. This ensures that the appropriate level lawyer is handling your file, leading to the best result at the most efficient cost.”
This approach also brings an internal benefit to the firm, he adds, as it eliminates internal competitiveness, and allows Brownlee to develop opportunities for younger lawyers, resulting in effective succession planning for the firm.
Another benefit that Brownlee offers clients, is its affiliation with the Canadian Litigation Counsel and the Harmonie Group, which are associations of independent law firms throughout North America and many other parts of the world.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Ryan wanted to be a lawyer from the time he was in high school. He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree (with distinction) in 1994, and a law degree (LL.B.) in 1998, both from the University of Alberta. He articled at Brownlee in 1998, and has been with the firm ever since. Called to the bar in 1999, he became partner in 2007.
Ryan is motivated daily by two fundamental things. “The first, is my dedication to our clients. The second is my family – I work as hard as I do for them as much as anything.”
Ryan advises students-at-law or first year associates to practise in an area of law they truly enjoy. By doing so, “you will work harder and become more successful. Moreover, the harder you work earlier on in your career, the easier it will be to maintain a healthy balance later in life,” he says.
Looking ahead, Ryan sees accelerated growth and profitability for Brownlee, while the firm remains true to its core values.
From a personal perspective, Ryan wants to continue to grow as a lawyer, expand his practice, and play an important role within the firm. For many years, he has chaired Brownlee’s student committee, with primary responsibility for hiring the firm’s summer and articling students. “They are the lifeblood of our firm, and the traditional manner in which we build our firm,” he says. “Most of our partners articled at Brownlee.”
Ryan has been a coach with St. Albert Minor Hockey for the past several years. He volunteers with the United Way; as well as with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides pro bono legal advice to low to moderate income people in the Edmonton area. He has also been a member of Brownlee’s Charity Committee.
Ryan and his lovely wife Cara have two young sons.
REPRESENTATIVE WORK
- Insurance Defence
- Transportation, Equipment, Cargo
- Construction and Fire Losses Coverage
- Occupiers’ Liability
- E&O and D&O and Regulatory Offences
MEMBERSHIPS
- Member of the Edmonton, Alberta and Canadian Bar Associations, with specific involvement in the insurance law and civil litigation sub-sections.
- Member of the Canadian Transportation Lawyers Association and the Transportation Lawyers Association.
- Member of the Canadian Defence Lawyers and Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association.
COMMUNITY
Minor Hockey Coach; ECLC Volunteer; and United Way Volunteer.