Judge Joan E. Ryon: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Joan E. Ryon is an associate judge for the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Maryland. She was appointed to the bench by former Governor Martin O’Malley on August 8, 2013.

Prior to her appointment, Ryon was a Master for the Family Division of the Montgomery County Circuit Court, a position to which she was named in 2000. Before that, she spent time as special master for the Montgomery County Circuit Court (1994 to 2000) and special counsel for the Montgomery County Child Support Enforcement Administration (1991 to 1994).

Ryon earned a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State College in 1980. She then completed a J.D. at William & Mary Law School in 1983. She is admitted to practice in Maryland (1983) and the District of Columbia (1985).

After graduating from law school, Ryon entered into private practice, working as an associate at Smith & Smith (1984 to 1985) and Beggiani, Smith & Roth (1985 to 1986). During this time, she supplemented her practice with service as a contract attorney with the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office.

Then, in 1986, Ryon became a partner at Kolb & Ryan. Her time there was brief. Later that year, she joined the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she served as an assistant state’s attorney in the Family Services Division until 1991.

Her memberships have included the Maryland State Bar Association, the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Montgomery County American Inn of Court, and the Montgomery County Bar Foundation. She has also been involved with the Olney Boys & Girls Club.

Ryon was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.