married in 2014. His job frequently took him away from
her.
Ryan was exiting the military at the same time his
younger brother, Matthew, decided that he wanted a
career change.
Both were accepted to UNT Dallas College of Law.
“We had all but a couple of classes together,” Matthew
said.
Since graduating law school, Ryan secured a position
with the Fort Worth-based law firm of Law, Snakard &
Gambill, with roots reaching as far back as 1892 and a
firm with which his grandfather, father and uncle have a
history with.
“We took the bar in February and I started work full-
time at the firm the next week,” Ryan said.
Ryan is planning to focus his career on business litiga-
tion.
The reaction to being nominated for WGFTS Earl King
Award was identical.
“It’s a bit surprising,” Ryan said. “We haven’t really
done anything special other than to have an exceptional
grandfather who has been a great role model for us. All
we have done is to follow his example to the best of our
ability.
I think that had a big influence on us both. I joined the
Army largely because of my grandfather’s influence. We
both started law school, graduated and took the bar at the
34
same time. We took the bar in December (2018).”
“Our grandfather is such a great role model,” Matthew
said. “I love the idea of being able to help people in their
time of need, the way he always has.”
Matt says he will probably take a little bit different path
in his law career.
“I think I’ll be working for a smaller firm rather than a
big corporate entity,” he said.
Matt’s way of giving back is largely through an orga-
nization he founded while in law school, called The
Homeless Outreach Program. He volunteered when he
was younger with Center of Hope.
“We go downtown and talk to homeless people. We
asked them what they need. It may be cold and they need
a blanket. Maybe, they need a shower because they have
a job interview. I’ve had several of them tell me, ‘You
don’t have to give me money or food, just acknowledge
me, look at me and afford me my dignity.’”
He’d eventually like to be involved in an area of law
where he can impact policy, perhaps in the capacity of
lawmaker, like his uncle, who is a State Representative.
“My grandfather has always loved to help people in a lot
of different ways and so do I.”
It’s that propensity to help others that was the deciding
factor in recognizing them both as our 2019 recipients of
the Earl King Legal Genius Award.
Continued on page 66