Overview
Ryan Engle is a partner in the firm’s litigation department, specializing in real estate litigation, construction contracts and disputes, and complex business litigation. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and listed as a Hawaii Super Lawyer, Mr. Engle is also a recipient of the Pacific Business News Forty Under 40 award for his exceptional contributions to the legal profession and the community.
Mr. Engle’s practice involves representing clients in high-stakes litigation, including constitutional law challenges, construction disputes, class action defense, and complex business cases. He is also actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Architectural Foundation.
In addition to his practice, Mr. Engle frequently speaks at construction law seminars and is a published author of numerous construction-related legal works.
Experience
Constitutional Law
- Represented a national REIT in a constitutional challenge to legislation affecting lease rent calculations for industrial ground leases. Secured a ruling declaring the statute unconstitutional under the Contracts and Equal Protection Clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
Construction Litigation
- Represented a large general contractor in a landmark mechanic’s lien action for a commercial project, obtaining a total lien exceeding $20 million.
- Represented a developer in drafting construction contracts and advising on land use and environmental issues for a luxury subdivision on the Kohala Coast.
Class Action Defense
- Defended a prominent Hawaii developer in a decade-long class action alleging construction defects in a large-scale residential subdivision. Achieved summary judgment on half of the claims and negotiated a favorable settlement with nominal damages and an extended warranty program.
Complex Business Litigation
- Represented a leading generic drug manufacturer in a multi-party case involving allegations of fraud and misrepresentation in pharmaceutical pricing for the Hawaii Medicaid program.
- National REITs in constitutional challenges to legislation.
- Prominent Hawaii developers in large-scale construction and land use disputes.
- General contractors in mechanic’s lien actions and construction defect claims.
- Generic drug manufacturers in high-profile business litigation.
- Small businesses and property owners in real estate and development matters
- “Construction Defect Litigation: From A to Z,” National Business Institute, 2012
- “Construction Contracts: From A to Z,” Lorman Education Services, 2012
- “Construction from Start to Finish: A Practical Overview of Construction Contracts and the Construction Process,” Lorman Education Services, 2013
- “Introduction to the New AIA Contract Documents,” Lorman Education Services, 2009
- “AIA Contracts,” Lorman Education Services, 2008
- “The Fundamentals of Construction Contracts: Understanding the Issues,” Lorman Education Services, 2007
Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Hawaii Super Lawyer
- Pacific Business News Forty Under 40
Affiliations
- Member, Hawaii State Bar Association
- Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities Hawaii
- Director, Hawaii Architectural Foundation
- Former President, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Board of Directors
- Former Director, BIA-Hawaii
- Former Director, The Institute for Family Enrichment
- Member, ULI (Urban Land Institute)
- Member, NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association)