Bienert Katzman Littrell Williams LLP is proud to announce the elevation of Ryan V. Fraser to the firm’s partnership. Ryan’s promotion reflects his outstanding advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the firm’s core values of excellence, integrity, and client-centered lawyering.

Over more than a decade in practice and nearly five years at BKLW, Ryan has built a reputation as a thoughtful and formidable litigator, trusted by clients and colleagues alike to handle some of the firm’s most complex and high-stakes matters. His practice spans white collar defense, complex civil litigation, and appeals, where he is known for his strategic precision, creative problem-solving, and steady judgment under pressure.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Ryan for more than a decade, and his promotion to partner is very deserved,” said BKLW Partner Whitney Z. Bernstein. “He is a brilliant, strategic thinker whose precision is matched only by his integrity and decency. Our clients and our team are better for his leadership, judgment, and character.”

Ryan’s recent representative matters underscore the depth and breadth of his practice. He was part of a joint defense team that secured dismissal of all but one charge in a high-profile federal fraud case involving a staff member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). The defense challenged the government’s intrusion into attorney-client privilege and raised significant religious-freedom issues central to the organization’s mission. Despite a government recommendation of 21 months’ imprisonment, the court imposed a non-custodial sentence of two years of supervised release with no fine and dismissed the remaining charges.

Ryan also played a key role in the defense of a former Qualcomm executive in a five-week federal jury trial involving allegations of a $180 million wire fraud and money laundering scheme, in which the team employed an aggressive defense strategy that challenged the indictment, key evidence, and the government’s legal theories.  BKLW’s advocacy at sentencing resulted in a four-year sentence that was a fraction of the time sought by the government (151 months) and called for by the sentencing guidelines (60 years). The case is currently on appeal.

In addition, Ryan represents defendants in an appeal following a complete summary judgment victory in a complex business dispute alleging breach of contract, fraud, and financial elder abuse. He is also defending Shaunik Raheja in a closely watched federal criminal case that tests the boundary between alleged violations of online platform terms of service and federal fraud statutes, an issue with significant implications for platform-driven business models.

“Ryan is a shining example of the firm’s commitment to excellence and client-centered lawyering,” said BKLW Managing Partner John Littrell. “His keen intellect and creativity have earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike. More importantly, Ryan is a strong leader who shares the firm’s values of teamwork, empathy, and collaboration. We are honored to have him as a partner.”

BKLW congratulates Ryan on this well-earned achievement and looks forward to his continued leadership and success as a member of the firm’s partnership.

Learn more about Ryan V. Fraser by viewing his bio.