Global law firm with aerospace and defense clients opens office in Huntsville

Global law firm Holland & Knight has officially planted its flag in Huntsville, marking a significant expansion for the practice. This new location represents the firm's second outpost in Alabama and its 36th office worldwide.

Strategic Leadership in Rocket City

The Huntsville office is being spearheaded by Ryan Letson, who steps into the role of Huntsville Office Executive Partner, working alongside associate Andrew Tuggle. Holland & Knight Chair and CEO Bob Grammig praised the move, noting that Alabama remains a vital growth market. Grammig highlighted Letson’s deep experience in national security and defense as a key asset for the firm’s mission to support Huntsville’s robust economy.

Jason Klitenic, chair of the National Security and Defense Industry Sector, emphasized that Huntsville’s standing as a hub for premier aerospace and technology companies makes it an essential destination for the firm's clientele.

Meet the Team

Ryan Letson brings a wealth of experience to the firm, having previously chaired the Intellectual Property Practice Group at a major regional law firm. His background includes a tenure as a systems engineer at Boeing, where he contributed to the Department of Homeland Security’s Secure Borders Initiative. Deeply embedded in the local landscape, Letson serves on the Mayor’s AI Task Force Law & Ethics Committee and maintains active roles with the Huntsville Bar Association and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.

Andrew Tuggle, who joined the firm in April, brings a specialized focus on export controls, government contracting, and foreign investment. His background features work with international hardware manufacturers and research projects backed by DARPA and G8 nations.

A Growing Alabama Presence

With offices now in both Birmingham and Huntsville, Holland & Knight boasts 20 attorneys across Alabama. The combined team provides high-level counsel on matters ranging from white-collar criminal defense and financial services litigation to bankruptcy, regulatory compliance, and technology transactions.

The firm's new Huntsville headquarters is conveniently located downtown at 100 Church St. SW, Suite 301, in the Big Spring Summit office tower.