Our Interview With Nolan Ryan, Principal Attorney at Nolan Ryan Law

Our Interview With Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan is the Principal Attorney at Nolan Ryan Law. He graduated from the Texas Tech University School of Law with a J.D. in 2016 and has extensive experience in personal injury law. Nolan is dedicated to providing personalized legal services and advocating for his clients with a focus on achieving practical, effective solutions.

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What motivated you to pursue a career in law?

I've wanted to be a lawyer since childhood. I was excited by the idea of advocating for people in need and helping them navigate complex legal issues. It’s the passion for justice and making a difference that still motivates me today.

What do you wish you had known about the law school application process before you applied?

I wish I had applied for more scholarships and aid—there’s a lot available if you put in the time. Law school is a huge investment, and taking advantage of financial resources can significantly ease the burden.

A lot of students struggle with the law school personal statement. What did your brainstorming, writing, and editing process look like, and what do you think made yours stand out from the crowd?

I aimed to be authentic and relatable. I focused on my real experiences and how they shaped my passion for law. I revised my statement several times with feedback from mentors, making sure it felt original and personal.

What was the biggest challenge that caught you off guard when you sat down to write the LSAT?

The LSAT isn't about memorization; it tests your ability to think critically under pressure. The length and intensity were challenging, and I had to adjust my study approach to simulate real test conditions.

How much work experience did you gain before applying to law school? What opportunities did you pursue, and what helped you the most during the application process?

I interned for several years with a judge in Montgomery County. It gave me real insight into the legal field and helped me build connections that proved invaluable during my application process.

Did you have any setbacks or rejections during the law school admissions process, and what did you learn from those experiences?

I didn’t have any setbacks, but I’ve learned from others that resilience and adaptability are crucial. Even if things don’t go as planned, there are alternative paths to success, such as gaining more experience and reapplying.

What led you to specialize in personal injury law? What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue your specialty? What activities/events/opportunities would you recommend for students wanting to pursue personal injury law?

Gaining internships is key. The legal field is about building connections and experience. My advice is to seek out internships, join legal networks, and engage with professionals in your field of interest to gain real exposure.

What are some emerging fields of law that you would recommend potential students start thinking about if they want to future-proof themselves in the industry?

AI and crypto are growing rapidly, and they’ll continue to generate legal challenges. Staying informed on these trends and gaining expertise in them will help future-proof your legal career.

What are the biggest sacrifices you’ve had to make to pursue a career in law?

The legal field demands a lot of time and commitment—there’s no 9-5 schedule. Balancing work and personal life is difficult, and taking vacations can be rare. It’s a commitment, but the reward is making an impact.

Bonus question: How much would we have to pay you to take the LSAT again?

$10,000—preparing for the LSAT was intense, and I’d need a good incentive to go through it again!

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