English
Spanish
About The Defense Firm
We are passionate about the relationship we foster to our clients and their families and accept the important role of representing them. They have entrusted us with their representation and accept fully our responsibility of their best defense.
- To provide the best defense, respectfully, empathetically, and responsibly.
- To recognize each client as a human being, not just a case number and care for the specific needs of their case.
- To faithfully monitor their case as it goes through the justice system and provide continuous communication to ensure our client receives the best defense and feels taken care of.
Our family firm prides itself with our strong work ethic, years of experience, and our hardcore values of quality over quantity and bringing a personal touch to clients who are facing perhaps the most challenging moments of their life.
K. Ryan Helmick
Founder and Lead Attorney
Ryan is a nationally recognized award-winning attorney who has handled some of the most high-profile cases in Las Vegas. He has been voted “Best Criminal Defense Attorney of Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Review Journal as well as received the “Lawyer of the Year” award for 2024 and 2025. Ryan is the Founder and Lead Attorney of The Defense Firm and author of “The Defense Begins” located on Amazon.
Ryan was born in Elkins, West Virginia. Eventually, he spent his childhood living and growing up with his younger brother in both Las Vegas, NV and Cocoa Beach, FL as his parents lived on opposite coasts. He is a proud father of his daughter.
His daughter was born with Cerebral Palsy and is his ultimate teacher and daily reminder of the importance of listening, engaging, and above all, having a patient and empathetic view on life. All of these are attributes Ryan uses every day in his practice.
He completed his Undergraduate Degree in Criminal Justice at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He then moved to San Diego, CA to go to Thomas Jefferson School of Law. During his time there, he made the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence.
His studies in law school focused on Criminal Law and Trial Practice. Every year, he does things to improve his ability as a lawyer and set himself apart from the rest, such as attending a legal seminar, lecture, or reading books. He has trained with the Trial Lawyers College, founded by the late famed trial lawyer Gerry Spence, on more than one occasion. Likewise, during most of his career, he had the very fortunate and great pleasure of being mentored by the legendary Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer, the late Bill Terry. Learning from these two Hall of Fame lawyers gave Ryan the tools necessary to provide the best defense possible for his clients.
Today, Ryan continues to practice exclusively in Criminal Defense. He is a member of the Office of Appointed Counsel for cases that involve life sentences. In addition, he serves as an Ombudsman for the Police Fatality Fact-Finding Review Board. He has also appeared on two episodes of the show on A&E called “The Accused: Guilty or Innocent,” specifically for his cases. Ryan and The Defense Firm have garnered numerous accolades and recognition within the law community, from being honored by prestigious organizations such as the National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Lawyers of Distinction, as well as receiving client-choice awards for excellence in legal advocacy. Ryan’s dedication to the law has not gone unnoticed.
But Ryan will be the first to say that it’s not the awards that set him apart from the rest. What sets Ryan apart from many other criminal defense attorneys is his passion for what he does, his love for his clients, and his relentless preparation of the cases that he defends. “Walking out of the courtroom, knowing I did everything I could do for that person, knowing I gave it everything I had, that’s what it’s all about.”
Branden K. Parent
attorney
Branden’s commitment to criminal defense is deeply personal. He understands firsthand the challenges individuals face when navigating the justice system. Before attending law school, Branden experienced the stress and confusion of defending his own innocence in court—an ordeal that revealed how overwhelming and costly the legal process can be for those unfamiliar with its complexities. That experience motivated him to dedicate his career to protect the rights of others and ensure that every client knows they have someone is in their corner advocating for them every step of the way.
Born and raised in Southern California, Branden earned his undergraduate degree from San José State University, graduating Cum Laude. He then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the UNLV-William S. Boyd School of Law, where he distinguished himself academically and earned the CALI Award for Excellence in Criminal Law-Adjudication; an honor given to the student with the highest performance in the course.
Today, as a criminal defense attorney at The Defense Firm, Branden combines legal skill with personal understanding to provide strong, strategic representation. He believes in aggressive advocacy paired with compassionate counsel, fighting tirelessly to safeguard his clients’ freedoms and dignity. “Sitting in that courtroom chair, listening to accusations while reporters record your every move, is one of the hardest experiences anyone can endure. No one should have to face that moment alone and confused.”
Elizabeth Renteria
Director of Operations
Elizabeth Renteria, serving as the Director of Operations at The Defense Firm, attended U.C. Davis where she received majors in the areas of Sociology with emphasis in Law and Society and Juvenile Delinquency. She minored in Spanish and accepted into the training program for the FBI. Life led her to decades of experience working for National and International Corporations abroad.
Yadira Ramirez
Firm Manager
Yadira Ramirez is the Firm Manager at The Defense Firm, where she oversees daily operations and supports the team in delivering exceptional legal representation. She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, earning her degree in Criminal Justice, and is currently a second-year law student at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Enrolled in the school’s blended part-time program, she is able to continue working full-time while advancing her legal education.
Ms. Ramirez has worked alongside attorney Ryan Helmick for the past 14 years, sharing his dedication to protecting clients’ rights and guiding them through their most challenging moments. Her deep experience, combined with her commitment to justice, makes her an integral part of the team.
Outside the office, Yadira enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family.
Jazmin Torres
Senior Case Manger
Jazmin Torres Massey is a dedicated Senior Case Manger committed to delivering comprehensive client support and advocacy for individuals navigating our complex criminal system. Jazmin received her Legal Assistant certificate at Northwest Career College and first started as an intern at The Defense Firm. With a strong foundation in organizational skills and client-centered care, Jazmin consistently demonstrates professionalism and integrity in every aspect of her work. Her approach combines strategic problem-solving with empathy. Outside the office, Jazmin enjoys trying new restaurants and spend most of her time with her daughter and husband.
Brianna Hernandez
Case Manager
Brianna is a committed and dependable Case Manager at The Defense Firm. Her interest in criminal law started long before she joined the team, and it continues to guide the care and attention she brings to every case. Prior to working at the firm, Brianna spent seven years with a respected company, where she developed strong customer-service skills such as patience, effective communication, and the ability to understand and respond to people’s needs. These skills now play a major role in her success, helping her build trust with clients and support them through stressful situations.
Brianna is also bilingual in English and Spanish, allowing her to assist a broader community and ensure clients feel heard and understood in the language they are most comfortable with. Each day, she strives to make a positive impact—not only for the firm, but for every individual who turns to The Defense Firm for support. Outside of work, Brianna enjoys spending time with her dog, being with her loved ones, and going shopping.
Jon Scott
INVESTIGATOR
Jon Scott is a retired Police Sergeant Detective specializing in homicides, burglary, larceny, fraud, and sex crimes. He was dedicated to serving the community for over 30 years. He started his career in 1988 by joining the United States Marine Corps and commanding Marines in combat Operations as a Captain. Jon then joined the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department as a police officer in 1993. In 1997, Jon became a Police Detective, conducting countless interviews, interrogations, and crime scene investigations. He spent the last 12 years of his career as a Homicide Detective Sergeant while working at LVMPD.
His responsibilities during this assignment were the management and investigation of Homicides and Officer Involved Shootings.
Jon’s expertise and experience allow him to pick apart flaws in the case, making sure that no stone is left unturned. Jon adds great value to The Defense Firm in making sure that each person is able to get the best defense possible.
Phil DePalma
INVESTIGATOR
Phil DePalma is a retired career law enforcement Officer and Detective with twenty-seven total years of distinguished service. During his years of service as a Police Officer, Phil gained valuable knowledge and experience conducting intense investigations involving Homicides, Sexual Assaults, Violent Crimes, Child and Elderly Abuse, Exploitations, Missing Persons, Narcotics, and more. His tenure also included extensive knowledge and experience working internal theft and embezzlement as well as Force Investigations involving Police use of force. With approximately six years of uniformed patrol and 21 years of investigative experience, Phil is extremely knowledgeable with not only Police tactics and procedures, but is more than proficient in crime scene investigations, search warrants, cell phone technology, interviews and interrogations, surveillance, and more.
Working high profile cases involving sexual assaults and homicides, Phil gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience with report writing, documentation, and court testimony. Phil’s solve rate in homicide was documented among the best.
The Defense Firm is privileged to have Phil work with us on many cases to help defend our client’s rights. Phil goes through every case with a fined tuned comb so that nothing in your case is missed. His distinguished background aids in our ability to get the best possible outcome for your case.