John Smith

Overview

John Smith is Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel for Ryan and is based at the Firm’s global headquarters near Dallas, Texas. He leads Ryan’s global legal function, providing strategic counsel on litigation, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, acquisitions and integration, risk management, and commercial contracting. John works closely with executive leadership and the Board to ensure legal strategy aligns with the Firm’s business objectives while supporting growth, innovation, and client trust.

With more than 25 years of experience across the legal, business, and national security communities, John brings a rare breadth of perspective shaped by service in all three branches of the United States Government and senior leadership roles in the private sector. Prior to joining Ryan, he spent a dozen years at Raytheon (now RTX), where he pioneered the company’s cybersecurity and privacy legal functions and later served as the general counsel for both major services divisions. Earlier in his career, John served as associate counsel to the President of the United States, clerked for Judge Samuel Alito, and practiced at an international law firm. With his military and missionary service overseas, John brings a global mindset to international growth. Known for his sound judgment, collaborative leadership style, and principled approach, John helps organizations navigate complex legal environments with clarity and confidence.

Education and Qualifications

Juris Doctor, Brigham Young University Law School

Bachelor of Arts, Princeton University

Experience and Achievements

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, Ryan, Plano office

• Leads global legal strategy, litigation, governance, contracts, and compliance

• Advises executive leadership and the Board on complex legal matters

Vice President and General Counsel, Enterprise Services, Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

• Led legal function for enterprise services organizations

Vice President and General Counsel, Global Business Services, Raytheon

• Served as chief legal officer for a worldwide internal services division

• Acted as the company’s senior legal expert on cybersecurity and privacy law

Vice President and General Counsel, Intelligence, Information, and Services, Raytheon

• Led legal teams supporting the largest division providing services worldwide to military, intelligence, and commercial customers

Associate Counsel to the President, The White House

• Served as lead lawyer for the Homeland Security Council staff

Associate, Covington & Burling LLP

Judicial Law Clerk, Judge Samuel Alito, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

Captain, U.S. Army Reserve and Army National Guard

Missionary, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints