Ryan C. Nerney, Esq. is the Managing Partner at the Ladera Ranch office of Tully Rinckey PLLC, where he focuses his practice primarily on national security law, with experience in federal employment and military matters. Ryan represents clients who have security clearance issues against agencies such as CIA, NSA, DIA, DOD, NRO, and DOE. He has represented numerous clients in security clearance revocation proceedings and has a proven record of saving clients’ jobs, as well as anticipating and resolving potential future issues with their security clearances. Ryan currently serves as Secretary for the National Security Lawyers Association (NSLA).
Prior to joining Tully Rinckey PLLC, Ryan spent more than five years representing clients in security clearance cases and Administrative Law hearings, appearing in more than 300 hearings and appeals with various agencies. Ryan also practiced federal employment law in a range of forums, including MSPB and EEOC. He has traveled all over the country assisting his clients with their security clearance and federal employment issues. He also spent time as a Volunteer Attorney with Legal Aid Society of Orange County, practicing Matrimonial law and Bankruptcy law. Ryan was published in that organization’s weekly newspaper on multiple occasions.
Ryan received his Juris Doctorate from Arizona Summit Law School and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Irvine. While in law school, Ryan served as the Executive Board Secretary for the American Association for Justice.
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2014
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999 Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Ladera Ranch, CA, 92694
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by alex | July 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding work Ryan did in helping me regain my security clearance. His expertise and dedication were evident from our first meeting, and he consistently went above and beyond to ensure a positive outcome. Ryan’s deep understanding of security clearance processes...
Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Ryan and his support team did fantastic for me. After a misunderstanding on the SF85 submittal, my local Security Officer was going to take away my CAG card privileges. After getting my feedback, he and his team drafted a response SOR and submitted it to that Security Officer, and afterward; the de...
Posted by Tim | December 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney
When my 5-star written response to my SOR failed I saw no path to getting my clearance approved. I was referred to Ryan and he systematically paved the way towards full mitigation, assigning me a pile of useful tasks for exhibits and preparing me for my hearing. With Ryan I felt I had the best poss...
Posted by Matthew | December 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney
After a very long and stressful investigation for my TS Clearance, I learned this morning that my Clearance has been granted. I was facing the loss of my existing DOD Secret Clearance, and I turned to Ryan for help. I followed his advice, and he did a masterful job of presenting a case that the com...
Posted by anonymous | November 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
I am now convinced that if it wasn't for Mr. Ryan Nerney, I would have been forced to retire and throw away a 30-year career. This is a well-organized law firm that knows what they are doing, and they do it exceptionally well. Their knowhow kept me calm because they had everything under control. R...
"Ryan is an absolute subject matter expert in his field! I have worked with him on numerous cases where he has achieved fantastic results, above and beyond expectations. He is not only passionate about the law, but he truly cares about his clients and it shows! I absolutely endorse this attorney!"
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I've worked along side Ryan Nerney on a variety of security clearance, MSPB, and EEOC matters. He is very knowledgeable in each area of law and willing to jump in to assist with case issues as they arise. I highly recommend his representation."
"Ryan's knowledge of security clearance law is unrivalled in the industry. Ryan has obtained exceptional outcomes for a variety of clients including military personnel, federal employees, and contractors. I extend my highest endorsement for Ryan and encourage anyone in need of security clearance assistance to reach out to him and utilize his experience and expertise."
"Ryan has a tremendous level of expertise and experience in security clearance representation. His knowledge in the national security space is exceptional, and his ability to effectively advocate is elite. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"Ryan is a highly skilled litigator and is an invaluable resource on security clearance matters. He is an asset to his colleagues and clients alike. His experience with DOHA and DOE have been personally beneficial as he has provided great advice leading to favorable adjudications."
"Ryan is an exceptional security clearance attorney. His knowledge of this area of law is unmatched. Ryan has obtained excellent outcomes for military members, federal employees and covert officers/agents. Without reservation, I endorse this lawyer."
"Ryan's documented record before the Defense Office of Hearing and Appeals is excellent, and his successful cases are consulted regularly by members of the Security Clearance bar seeking wisdom on Guideline B, C and F adjudications; a rising star with a distance to go, looking forward to his continued excellence on the part of our service members, civilians and contracting personnel supporting the mission of Federal agencies."
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2026
500 X - The Next Generation, Lawdragon
2026
500 Leading Litigators in America, Lawdragon
2025
Southern California Rising Stars, Thomas Reuters
2025
500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Laywers, Lawdragon
2024
Southern California Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters
2023
Southern California Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters
2022
Super Lawyers Rising Star, Thomas Reuters
2022
National Security Lawyer of the Year, National Security Lawyers Association
2020
Employee of the Month, Tully Rinckey, PLLC
2019 - Present
Managing Partner, Tully Rinckey, PLLC
2022 - Present
National Security Lawyers AssociationSecretary
2014 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
Favorable Decision
Favorable Decision - Retained Security Clearance
Favorable Decision - Security Clearance Granted
Favorable Decision - Security Clearance Granted
Favorable Decision
2013
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
BA - Bachelor of Arts
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Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) - What You Need to Know
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2014
English