Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Diana Ryan, an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Civil Division at the United States Attorney’s Office in South Dakota, has been awarded the title of Attorney of the Year by the State Bar of South Dakota’s Women in Law Committee. The award was presented at the State Bar’s Annual Convention on June 19, 2025, in Rapid City.
The State Bar's Women in Law Committee annually recognizes one attorney who exemplifies leadership, mentorship, and professionalism while inspiring others positively.
“Diana Ryan has played a critical role at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for more than 35 years," said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. "She is a fierce advocate whose depth of knowledge and practical experience as it relates to federal litigation is truly unmatched in South Dakota."
Ms. Ryan joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1989 as a criminal prosecutor dealing with violent crime in Rapid City before becoming Civil Division Chief in 2004. In this role, she supervises all affirmative and defensive litigation and oversees the Financial Litigation Unit responsible for collecting federal civil debts and enforcing court orders related to criminal restitution.
Throughout her career, Ms. Ryan has been lead counsel on over 150 criminal cases, 750 civil cases, and 89 appeals.
"Diana has mentored countless attorneys over her career," added Ramsdell. "We are thrilled that the Women in Law Committee has honored Diana by naming her Attorney of the Year for 2025.”
