Ryan O’Connor is a Partner in WhiteBird’s Litigation Practice Group. He handles a wide variety of litigation matters, including business disputes, real estate disputes, construction disputes, probate issues, and others. When clients find themselves embroiled in a civil litigation matter, Ryan is there to help.

In addition to being an accomplished trial court litigator, Ryan also has a wealth of experience handling appeals.  Prior to joining WhiteBird, Ryan spent several years at a prominent nationwide law firm where he represented clients in numerous precedent-setting appeals throughout Florida’s state and federal courts. This focus on appellate matters honed Ryan’s written and oral advocacy skills, uniquely positioning him to provide comprehensive and effective representation for his clients today.

An award-winning attorney, Ryan has on numerous occasions been recognized as a “Rising Star” in Florida’s legal community by Super Lawyers magazine and named “One to Watch in America” by Best Lawyers legal publication. Ryan also received numerous accolades while in law school, including multiple book awards recognizing him for receiving the highest grade in his class.

Outside the office, Ryan enjoys fishing, playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two children.

  • Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” 2020, 2023-2025
  • Best Lawyers, “Ones to Watch in America,” in both Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation, 2023-2025

  • Volunteer Moot Court Judge, Florida State University College of Law, 2013-2017, 2020

  • “The Multi-Jurisdictional Practice of Law,” Association of Corporate Counsel, Fall 2021

  • Berthiaume v. Smith, 875 F.3d 1354 (11th Cir. 2017) – Successfully obtained reversal of a judgment following a jury trial in high profile civil rights case; established binding precedent on issue of first impression in the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Potter v. Potter, 317 So. 3d 255 (Fla. 1st DCA 2021) – Successfully defended judgment on appeal in family law case involving legal issues of first impression
  • A Flock of Seagirls LLC v. Walton County, 7 F.4th 1072 (11th Cir. 2021) – Successfully obtained the removal of an easement over the beachfront property