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Ryan W. Cooke

Partner

P. 303.244.1889

Biography

Ryan Cooke is a commercial trial lawyer who represents sophisticated clients in complex civil disputes and bet-the-company cases. Ryan has taken jury trials to verdict with tens and hundreds of millions of dollars on the line—and won. He cross-examined the key witness to help win a nine-figure verdict in a case the judge called “the best-lawyered trial” of her career. In another trial, he gave a closing argument the client described as “masterful.”

Ryan has represented clients in civil and white-collar matters, including complex commercial and contractual disputes, intellectual property fights, professional liability litigation, and securities and other class actions. Prior to joining WTO, Ryan was a litigation associate at a preeminent law firm in New York City. 

Cases

  • Represented LivWell—a subsidiary of PharmaCann, the country's largest vertically integrated cannabis company—against claims by a purported investor and bookrunner for tens of millions of dollars in equity. Successfully obtained dismissal of all claims after uncovering and proving the fabrication of key evidence. On appeal, delivered a successful oral argument at the Colorado Court of Appeals affirming the dismissal.
  • Won a jury verdict for DISH Wireless in a cell tower contract dispute worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • As lead litigation counsel, assisted a healthcare technology company navigate and resolve an existential threat before litigation, resulting in a $35+ million business transaction.
  • Successfully represented a major U.S. wireless carrier in confidential arbitration proceedings to secure its rights in blockchain related intellectual property. Client was awarded its attorney fees.
  • Represented a major European telecom provider in successfully obtaining discovery under Section 1782 for use in a foreign proceeding.
  • Obtained a favorable settlement for a major North American resort owner and operator in multiple consumer class actions seeking refunds following the company's closure of its ski resorts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Obtained immediate relief for Michelin in a trade secrets misappropriation case against a former employee and competitor in federal court in South Carolina.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for a nation-leading cable operator in a high-stakes and high-profile antitrust dispute brought by a regional content provider.
  • Represented an international law firm in connection with legal-malpractice and breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims arising out of the firm's work on a real estate deal.
  • Represented an Am Law 50 law firm in connection with legal-malpractice and fraud claims arising out of the firm's work on a complex tax matter.
  • Represented the board of directors of a bankrupt alternative energy company in connection with its reorganization and defense of several securities, breach-of-fiduciary-duty, and whistleblower claims.
  • Represented a real estate company pre-suit in connection with an ongoing contractual dispute arising out of a major New York City development project.
  • Authored a federal habeas petition for an incarcerated pro bono client asserting claims of ineffective assistance of counsel.
  • Assisted U.S. military veterans in service-connected disability claims before the VA.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

    Articles

  • Down with Legislative-Standing Myopia: Why Congressional Suits to Police the Separation of Powers Fail Under Article I, 105 Geo. L.J. 1055, (2017).

Other Experience

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Litigation Associate

Legal Memberships, Activities, and Honors

Colorado Super Lawyers
    "Rising Star" - Business Litigation, 2022-2024
The Best Lawyers in America
    Ones to Watch - Commercial Litigation, 2023-2025
International Academy of Trial Lawyers
    2016 Student Advocacy Award
Empire State Counsel
    2017 Honoree

Personal Interests

Reading biographies, boxing, and Liverpool Football Club 

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