CV for Marilynne R. Ryan

MARILYNNE R. RYAN

825 Main Street

Walpole, MA 02081

(508) 668-9112

mryan@rfclegal.com

Marilynne R. Ryan (Mal) is the Founder of Ryan Faenza Carey since 1986, concentrating exclusively in divorce and family law. Her vast experience and knowledge in the field of divorce and family law have earned her respect and recognition amongst the family bar.

BAR ADMISSION

  • Massachusetts State Courts (1986)
  • United States District Courts in Massachusetts (1987)
  • United States Supreme Court (2004)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1986 to present: Ryan Faenza Carey, Partner, Walpole, Massachusetts offices (formerly Ryan & Faenza). Private practice concentrating in all aspects of divorce and family law

1990 to 2022: Private and Court appointed master, special discovery master, conciliator and mediator

1972 to 1986: Paralegal/Manager of a law firm with extensive experience concentrating in the areas of family law, real estate, probate, estate planning and personal injury

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Top Rated Rated Lawyer by Avvo, 2022
  • Selected as “Best Lawyers in America” — Women in the Law, 2021, 2022 Edition
  • Selected as “Best Lawyers in America” — Family Law, 2017 – Present
  • Selected as “New England’s Best Lawyers”, 2021 Edition
  • Designated as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer, 2008 – 2023
  • AV® preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Accredited with A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
  • 10 Best – – Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2014, 2015
  • Top 100 Family Lawyers in Massachusetts-American Society of Legal Advocates(ASLA), 2014 – 2017
  • Top Women of Law Award- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2016
  • Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Lawyers, The National Advocates 2015-2016
  • Boston’s Top Rated Lawyers in Family Law – Legal Leaders, 2014, 2015
  • Top Women in Law Award – Lawyer Monthly 2014
  • Top 10 Attorney Award for excellence in the field of Family Law – National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA), 2014, 2015
  • Boston Magazine Top Women Attorneys in Massachusetts, 2013
  • Top Lawyers of Boston – Recognized for excellence and achievements by the legal community, 2013, 2015

EDUCATION

  • New England School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts- Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, May 1986
    • New England Scholar Award, 1982-1986
    • American Jurisprudence Book Award for Criminal Law, 1984
    • Timothy J. Cronin Memorial Award, 1986
  • Stonehill College, North Easton, Massachusetts- Bachelor of Arts, cum laudeMay 1981
  • The Center for Self Leadership/Boston Law Collaborative,
    • The Inner Dimensions of Mediation and Negotiation, 2014
  • Collaborative Training Solutions, LLC
    • Certification in Collaborative Law Practice, Annapolis, Maryland, January 2009
  • Haynes Mediation Training Institute
    • Certification in Divorce Mediation, New York, New York, 1987
  • New England Alcohol Education Institute, Stonehill College
    • Certificate in Alcoholism Counseling, 1980

PUBLICATIONS

Co-Author, Silver Linings, a guide for parents during divorce, 2014

Co-Author, Massachusetts Domestic Relations 4th Two Volume Publication (2003 – 2006), Matthew Bender & Company, Inc., a Member of the LexisNexis Group

Co-Author, Massachusetts Domestic Relations 3rd Two Volume Publication (1999 – 2003), Matthew Bender & Company, Inc., a Member of the LexisNexis Group

Co-Author, Massachusetts Domestic Relations 2nd Two Volume Publication (1997 – 1999), Lexis Law Publishing

Co-Author, Massachusetts Domestic Relations Two Volume Publication (1982 – 1997), Lawyers Co-Operative Publishing Company

Co-Author, “Antenuptial Agreements, Resolving Division of Assets Upon Divorce,” Boston Bar Journal (1981)

Co-Author, “Cost of Living Adjustments: Property Settlement Agreements, Negotiation and Drafting of Separation Agreements – From Whereas to Whereof,” Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education/New England Law Institute (1980)

Co-Author, “For Your Notebook Series,” Massachusetts Bar Association Personal and Probate Section Newsletter (1977 – 1985)

Author, “Outline of Preparing Property Settlement Agreements in Massachusetts,” Massachusetts Bar Association Personal and Probate Section Newsletter (1977)

Author, “Domestic Relations Initial Interview Questionnaire, Massachusetts Divorce Practice and Procedure, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education/New England Law Institute (1976 – 1983)

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BAR AND COMMUNITY

  • Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Task Force, 2006 – 2008
    • Vice Chair, 2007 – 2008
  • Member, Probate Court Working Group to Develop Low Cost Litigation Options, selected by Chief Justice Angela Ordonez, 2014 – 2015
  • Panelist, “Do You Wonder How Child Support Can Help Your Children?”April 2014
  • Sponsored by the Roxbury Community College Criminal Justice Program and Criminal Justice Club and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue
  • WBZ News Radio NightSide guest discussing divorce issues2008, 2011, 2014
  • Volunteer, Court Approved Conciliator, Conciliation Program of the Bar Association of Norfolk County, 2013 – 2022
  • Fox 25 Television interview on divorce issues, 2010
  • Panelist, Child Support Seminar, Roxbury Community College, March 2009
  • Child Support Guidelines Update, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, March 2002
  • Faculty Member,Massachusetts Family Law Conference, Massachusetts Bar Association, April 2002
  • Faculty Member/Lecturer/Panelist for numerous programs on various aspects of Family law for Massachusetts Bar Association, Suffolk University Law School and Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth County Bar Associations
  • Chairperson “Anatomy of a Divorce: Tips From The Experts” Seminar, May 1998

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

  • Hearing Officer for Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, 1999 – 2002
  • Supreme Judicial Court Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct, 2008 – 2009
  • Court Management Advisory Board of the Supreme Judicial Court, 2010 – 2013
  • Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council, 2009-2018
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, 2009-2018
  • Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, 1986-1998 and 2014 – 2019

NORFOLK COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

  • Norfolk County Bar Association, 1988 – 2022
  • Norfolk Probate and Family Court Bench Bar Committee, 1995 – 2022
  • Norfolk County Bench Bar Committee Co-Chair

PLYMOUTH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION                                                              

  • Plymouth County Bar Association, 2013 – 2020

WORCESTER COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 

  • Worcester County Bar Association, 2016 – 2018

MASSACHUSETTS BAR ASSOCIATION

  • Massachusetts Bar Association, 1980 – 2021
  • Investment Subcommittee, 2004-2005
  • Budget and Finance Committee, 2004 – 2008
  • Judicial Evaluation Standing Committee, 1997 – 1998 and 2004 -2007
  • Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Committee Chairperson, 2000 – 2003
  • Family Law Section
    • Council Member, 1995 – 2000
    • Council Co-Chair, 1998- 2000
  • Family Law Pro Se Practice Group, 2000- 2001
  • Family Law Legislation Committee, 1997 – 1998
  • Board of Delegates, 1990 – 1993
  • House of Delegates, 1991 – 1993 and 1999 – 2000
  • Nominating Committee for the American Bar Association, 2010 – 2011
  • Probate Law Section, 1986 – 1998
  • Executive Management Board, 1992 – 1993
  • Property Rights Section, 1987 – 1998
  • Judicial Administration Committee, 1984 – 1987
  • Long Range Planning Task Force, 1984 – 1985
  • Young Lawyers Division, 1987 – 1988

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION

  • American Bar Association, Law Practice Section, 1987- 2016
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section, 1987- 2016

OTHER AFFILIATIONS

  • The Business Alliance GroupLLC, 2014-2016
  • Boston Bar Association, 1987 – 1988
  • Massachusetts Bar Foundation Life Fellow, 1995 – Present
  • Massachusetts Conveyancers Association, 1987 – 1995
  • Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, 1987 – 1988
  • Walpole Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee, 1988 – 2016
    • Chairperson, 1991 – 2016
  • Advisory Board, The Harry H. Clinton & Edith K. Clinton, 1983 – 1986
    • Charitable Foundation
  • Human Rights Committee, Wrentham State School, 1987 – 1999