Ryan Files is a litigation attorney in Bousquet Holstein’s Syracuse office, focusing primarily on employment and labor law matters.
Ryan represents both employers and employees across New York State on a wide range of complex labor and employment matters, from day-to-day workplace concerns to high-stakes litigation. As a litigator and advisor, Ryan’s goal is to build trusting relationships while bringing a practical, solutions-focused approach that utilizes strategies and advice tailored to each client’s individual needs and goals. A Syracuse native, Ryan is dedicated to serving and advocating for the interests of the Central New York community and those that call it home.
Experience
Ryan has successfully litigated matters within Federal District Courts, New York State Supreme Courts, local town courts, the New York State Division of Human Rights, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the New York State Education Department. He has represented employers and employees in civil cases involving workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower complaints, retaliation, wrongful termination, moral character assessments, and wage and hour claims. Ryan has notable experience handling individual and class action claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the New York Labor Law (NYLL), including securing multiple six-figure settlements for wage and hour claims on behalf of classes with hundreds of employees.
In addition to litigation, Ryan advises public and private employers—particularly school districts, consortiums, and educational institutions—on sensitive workplace issues. He frequently conducts internal and external investigations into employee misconduct complaints and provides clear, actionable recommendations to help organizations move forward. He also counsels on a multitude of daily operational matters, including compliance with state and federal regulations, drafting and implementing internal policies, and analyzing contracts with outside business partners.
Ryan also regularly assists both employers and employees in reviewing and negotiating private severance and release agreements in order to facilitate amicable separations in employment.
Background
Ryan graduated cum laude from the Syracuse University College of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the Syracuse Law Review, and was inducted into the Justinian Society. Before entering private practice, Ryan served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. He remains committed to community service through pro bono work, including appointments from the U.S. District Court and his involvement with the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Central New York.
Ryan earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from Nazareth University, where he was inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Society. He currently lives in the Town of Camillus with his loving family.
Acknowledgements & Affiliations
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, Employment & Labor – Upstate New York Edition (2024, 2025)
- New York State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section & Trial Law Section
- New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Onondaga County Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York Pro Bono Program
Education
Syracuse University College of Law – Syracuse, NY
Juris Doctor, cum laude, May 2015
Nazareth University – Nazareth, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, cum laude, December 2011
Admissions
New York
United States District Court, Northern and Western Districts of New York