Ryan J. Solfaro

Associate / New York

Ryan Solfaro is an Associate in the Litigation Practice of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. Mr. Solfaro was a Law Clerk at Freeborn & Peters, which combined with SGR in 2023.

  • Full Bio

    Mr. Solfaro is based in the Firm’s New York office, where he focuses on complex commercial litigation with a specialization in contractual disputes, including reinsurance and insurance coverage matters. His industry experience predates law school; as a paralegal, he managed all phases of disputes involving commercial contracts, complex insurance claims, and reinsurance matters. This extensive background has equipped Mr. Solfaro with nearly a decade of experience in reinsurance and insurance issues.

    Mr. Solfaro possesses a deep understanding of contractual disputes and regularly navigates intricate legal and commercial challenges. Beyond his work in reinsurance and insurance, Mr. Solfaro has been instrumental in drafting and negotiating licensing agreements, founder agreements, scientific advisory board agreements, and consulting agreements. He also has experience handling RICO actions, wage and discrimination matters, business incorporations, and contracts for startups.

  • Representative Experience

    • Represented a plaintiff in New York state trial court and the Appellate Division to enforce a contract documented only through email, securing a judgment exceeding $6 million and collecting it in full following intensive judgment enforcement.
    • Represented a reinsurer in arbitration, obtaining an award rejecting the cedent’s “follow the fortunes” argument and granting complete relief finding our client had no liability.
    • Successfully defended against a third-party subpoena in New York state court, such that the issuer of the subpoena paid all of fees on behalf of our client.

  • Bar Admissions

    New Jersey
    New York
    U.S. District Court of New Jersey
    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
    U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

  • Education

    Undergraduate
    • Binghamton University

    Law School
    • Seton Hall University School of Law

  • Recognitions


    Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Commercial Litigation, New York (2026)

  • Publications and Speaking Engagements


    Commercial Real Estate Litigation (acknowledged contributor; annual updates, 2018–2025), Commercial Litigation in New York State Courts

  • SGR Publications

  • Press