Get to Know Ryan Israel

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Immigration attorney Ryan Israel was born and raised in Farmington Hills.

The University of Michigan graduate earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law, receiving a Jurisprudence award and graduating magna cum laude. 

He is licensed in Florida, in the Southern District Court of Florida, and in the Eastern District Court of Michigan. In July of 2017, the South Florida AILA litigation committee recognized Israel for winning an important case in immigration court. 

Israel speaks fluent Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese.

By Jo Mathis
Legal News

When you were considering law school, what was Plan B? There was no Plan B. I knew I wanted to defend immigrants before the immigration courts.

What would surprise people about your job? People would be surprised by how established the law is, and at the same time, how much it changes each month.

What is your most treasured material possession? My computer—because it contains so much important information.

What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? The day I passed the bar exam.

What was always written on your grade school report card? My report card almost always had A’s.

What is your happiest childhood memory? When I helped a pelican with a hook and fishing line stuck in its wing. I was able to pull the hook out and free it. The pelican threw me into the air when it opened its wings to fly once more, and as a child, it seemed like such a big impressive bird.

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? When a former law firm partner/employer told me how much they liked how honest I was.

What do you wish someone would invent? A phone that protects people’s privacy.

What do you miss most from your past? College.

Any advice for someone considering law school? Make sure they pick internships in the areas of law that interest them.

If you could have witnessed any event in history, what would it be? The creation of the universe.

What were you doing in your last selfie? I was with a friend at a Tigers game.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?  To see the Great Barrier Reef.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be? One of my detained immigrant clients so that I could experience what they do.

What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve been? The Great Teton Mountains.

What’s something you changed your mind about recently? About going up North on a recent weekend so I could prepare for a case.

What is one thing you would like to learn to do? How to build a jet engine.

What is something most people don't know about you? I went backpacking in Asia part of my 2L summer.