About Ryan
Ryan A. Hancock: Leading Employment Law Attorney in Philadelphia
Ryan A. Hancock is a dedicated and experienced legal professional specializing in employment law, recognized for his strategic approach and commitment to advocating for his clients' rights. As Chair of the Employment Law Group at Willig, Williams & Davidson, and with a distinguished background as Assistant Chief Counsel with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Mr. Hancock brings a unique blend of courtroom experience and regulatory understanding to every case. He is deeply invested in ensuring fair employment practices and providing robust legal counsel to individuals facing discrimination or legal challenges within the workplace.
Mr. Hancock’s career is built upon a foundation of meticulous legal work and a profound understanding of civil rights legislation. His time at the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission provided him with invaluable experience litigating a diverse range of discrimination claims, including those involving sexual orientation, religious accommodation, disability, race, sex, and denial of employment based on a criminal record. Notably, he was the principal author of the Commission's proposed policy regarding disparate impact discrimination related to a denial of employment based on a criminal record, demonstrating his proactive approach to legal issues and commitment to systemic change.
Mr. Hancock’s legal expertise extends beyond traditional litigation. He is a co-founder and Board Chair for the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) and its Criminal Record Expungement Project (C-REP), reflecting his passion for social justice and access to opportunities for individuals with criminal records. This dedication is further evidenced by “The Double Bind: Obstacles to Employment and Resources for Survivors of the Criminal Justice System,” a comprehensive publication (15 U. Pa. J.L. & Soc. Change 515 2011-2012) that sheds light on the systemic barriers faced by this population.
He’s actively involved in the legal community, having served on the board of Penn Law’s Journal of Law & Social Change and as the supervising attorney for Penn Law’s International Human Rights Advocates (IHRA). His leadership extended to co-convening the Drexel Summer Theory Institute at the Earle Mack School of Law from 2011-2013. Currently, he is a Part-time Lecturer on Trial Advocacy at Rutgers School of Law from 2016 to the present, further contributing to the development of the next generation of legal professionals.
Mr. Hancock’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including: Recognition in Best Attorney USA since 2018, “Pro-Bono Partner of the Month” for the Public Interest Law Center (August 2015), and a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers recognition (2017-Present). These accolades underscore his dedication to client advocacy and his significant contributions to the legal field.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law - Individuals: Providing comprehensive legal representation to employees facing claims of discrimination, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, and other employment-related issues.
- Litigation - Labor and Employment: Strategically litigating complex employment cases, leveraging Mr. Hancock’s extensive experience to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
Education & Credentials
- Law Degree: Rutgers School of Law (2003)
- Clerkships: Camden County Superior Court, Criminal Division for the Honorable David G. Eynon
- Awards & Recognition: Philadelphia’s 3rd Senatorial District Community Service Award (2017), Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2017-Present), Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2018
- Affiliations: Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE) – Board Chair, Criminal Record Expungement Project (C-REP)
Mr. Hancock is dedicated to providing proactive legal counsel and achieving the best possible outcome for your employment law needs. Contact him today to discuss your situation.
