Ryne T. Sandel

Partner - Criminal Defense Attorney

Biography

Ryne Sandel graduated from Texas A&M University with a Major in Psychology and Minors in Philosophy and Sociology. He attended law school at Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law) in Fort Worth. Ryne was on the Dean’s List, served as a teaching assistant, and graduated number 4 in his graduating class.

As an advocate, Ryne Sandel will fight for his clients. Ryne prides himself on his ability to stand toe to toe with anyone in the courthouse. Cutting his litigation teeth by winning numerous awards in national level mock trial competitions, he was coached, trained, and mentored by some of the best litigators in the state of Texas. Ryne has succeeded in every stage of litigation, from winning written motions, obtaining favorable rulings in oral hearings, and winning jury verdicts. He has the skill, the training, and the experience necessary to fight tooth and nail for everything his clients deserve.

As a negotiator, Ryne Sandel will make the opposing side see reason. A good lawyer will fight for his client, but a great lawyer can recognize when it would be most beneficial to come to an agreement. As a trained mediator, Ryne recognizes the power and importance of negotiation. He understands how to gain and utilize leverage in order to walk away from the bargaining table with the very best offer the other side is willing to give.

As a counselor, Ryne Sandel will be the sword, shield, and guidepost that his clients need. Facing criminal charges can be stressful, confusing, frustrating, and embarrassing. Earning his Psychology degree from Texas A&M University, Ryne understands and appreciates the stresses involved in this process. As such, he focuses on being as client-centered as possible. You are not a case number, but a person. He purposefully makes himself available to his clients at all times and will always gladly take the time to explain every step of their case.

Ryne Sandel has been appointed to serve on the Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee for the State Bar of Texas. As a member of this committee, he will be responsible for investigating and ultimately litigating against individuals who are practicing law in the State without a valid license. In his appellate practice, he has all too often seen the irreversible damage that can be done to a client’s life when they are given advice from someone who is unqualified and ineffective. Ryne hopes his position on this committee will serve his community by protecting against those who would prey on vulnerable individuals in search of legal help. He is also the co-chair for the Collin County Bar Association Criminal Law Section. This allows him to reach out to other lawyers who do not practice criminal law and explain how offer assistance in situations that require it.

Ryne Sandel cares about clients and their cases. He prioritized learning about who his clients really are so that he can shape his representation around what they need. Going beyond their case, Ryne tries to help clients position themselves for success in the future by making sure they get any help or assistance that they may need, rather than just pleading them quickly and moving on.

Education

Major in Psychology and Minors in Philosophy and Sociology, at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University – School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan School of Law), Fort Worth

Admissions

Bar Admissions

State Bar of Texas

Federal Admissions

Eastern District of Texas
Northern District of Texas
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Associations

Collin County Bar Association –Co-Chair of the Criminal Law Section
Texas Aggie Bar Association
State Bar of Texas Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee
NACDL

Professional Awards and Recognition

Super Lawyer Rising Star 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch –Federal White Collar 2022
Super Lawyers Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney 2022

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Reviews

James Whalen is a fantastic criminal lawyer. When criminal law issues arise in my other legal matters, James is someone I can trust to provide my clients with sound advice. If you’re in trouble, give him a call.

James Whalen knows has your back and most importantly… knows the law. If you ever find yourself in a bind, keep your mouth shut and call James. He’ll get you in the right position for whatever crazy situation you find yourself in. Highly recommend.

Being the first time I’ve ever needed the services of a defense attorney, I had no idea where to turn. I feel most fortunate to have come upon Whalen Law Office and Grace Tucker. They guided me through a potentially disastrous situation and ultimately achieved the best possible outcome. If you are need of attorneys that are professional and do what the promise, these are your people.

We’re going to use them but decided to go with the county the case was in but they are very professional and caring mf knows exactly what they’re talking about! I recommend for anyone nervous and confused about what to do to reach out to them for services! The only knock is the price but you pay for what you get which is top notch service trust and believe!

Ryne was incredibly kind, helpful, and understanding in working with me. He gave me all of the documents he needed up front, had one brief meeting with me, and handled the rest for me from there! Ana, the paralegal who works at Whalen Law Office was fantastic as well! Quick to reply and act on whatever was needed. While I hope to not need legal assistance again, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Whalen Law Office! Easy 5/5 stars for me!

Ryne and the team at Whalen Law Office are the most considerate, respectful, professional, honest, direct, and best law group team I have ever met. I highly recommend hiring Ryne and the Whalen Law Office if you are ever in legal trouble. They do not take, “No,” for an answer when it comes to your case, and will do whatever it takes for you to receive the best outcome possible. They are an absolute pleasure to work with.

I would highly recommend Whalen Law office for anyone who has run into legal issues. Ryne and their whole staff was amazing to work with throughout almost a full year of hearings and then trial. Ryne and team were able to get the desired outcome of not guilty in trial. I’d come back and hire the Whalen Law Office without a second thought if ever needed again in the future.

I needed an open records request to the Plano police department. When I sent it myself, I was ignored. I asked James to help, his office did get a response, but heavily redacted (and was not even relevant – I think they lied). None the less, by way of questioning them with a law firm, they became aware I was “lawyered-up”, and have not tried to trick me again. I’ve drooped my open records inquiry as it served its purpose – they are on notice. Thanks James.

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