Ryan Pahnke practices in Ray Quinney & Nebeker’s Litigation, Securities, and White Collar, Corporate Compliance, and Government Investigations Sections.

Ryan is a versatile commercial litigator who assists clients in navigating challenging business disputes from pre-litigation counseling through trial. His engagements routinely arise out of matters involving contracts, business torts, corporate governance, products liability, employment, insurance, intellectual property, securities, receivership, and real property, among others.  Ryan represents clients in state and federal courts across the country.

In addition to his litigation practice, Ryan also advises clients in navigating federal and state administrative, investigatory, and enforcement proceedings before various government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, as well as several state administrative agencies.

Issues faced by companies with important legal disputes can be complex and require knowledgeable expertise to navigate the litigation or regulatory processes.  Prior to joining RQN, Ryan successfully represented clients in handling litigation and compliance cases for over 10 years, and Ryan has continued to obtain favorable results for clients at RQN. 

Z. Ryan Pahnke was last modified: August 25th, 2025 by RQN

Awards and Recognition

  • Best Lawyers 2026 list of “Ones to Watch” for Commercial Litigation

Education

University of Nevada Las Vegas, J.D., 2005

University of Utah, B.S., Economics, 2001

Affiliations / Memberships

  • Federal Bar Association
  • Member, National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys (NAABLA)

Professional Experience

  • Durham Jones & Pinegar (Salt Lake City, Utah), Associate, Shareholder (2007-2017)
  • Law Clerk to Honorable Dee V. Benson, U.S. District Court for the District of Utah (2006-2007)
  • Jolley Urga Wirth Woodbury and Standish (Las Vegas, Nevada), Associate (2005-2006)
Admitted to Practice
Utah State Bar
Nevada State Bar
All State and Federal Courts in Utah and Nevada

Contact

Z. Ryan Pahnke

801-323-3686