Rushmore State News

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced that Diana Ryan, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Civil Division at the United States Attorney’s Office in South Dakota, received the Attorney of the Year award from the State Bar of South Dakota’s Women in Law Committee. The honor was bestowed during the State Bar's Annual Convention held on June 19, 2025, in Rapid City.

The Women in Law Committee's Attorney of the Year award is designed to annually acknowledge a South Dakota attorney who demonstrates leadership, mentorship, and professionalism while inspiring others positively.

“Diana Ryan has played a critical role at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for more than 35 years," said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. "She is a fierce advocate whose depth of knowledge and practical experience as it relates to federal litigation is truly unmatched in South Dakota." Ramsdell also praised Ryan for her dedication to mentoring attorneys throughout her career.

Ryan began her tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1989 as a criminal prosecutor focusing on violent crime in Indian country before transitioning to civil litigation representing the United States in federal court. In 2004, she became Civil Division Chief and has since overseen all affirmative and defensive litigation as well as managing the Financial Litigation Unit responsible for collecting federal civil debts and enforcing court orders related to criminal restitution, fines, and penalties.

Over her career, Ryan has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal cases, 750 civil cases, and 89 appeals. Her work as both an outstanding litigator and mentor has been widely recognized.