EP 84: The Driven Crowd — Whalen Law Partner Ryne Sandel on Passion, Persistence, and Purpose in the Law
Whalen Law Office partner Ryne Sandel was recently featured on The Driven Crowd podcast hosted by Scott Snellings of Snellings Law. In Episode 84, “The Driven Crowd ft. Ryne Sandel,” Ryne opens up about his journey into criminal defense, the habits that sustain his success, and how passion, structure, and community service fuel his work both in and out of the courtroom.
Raised across multiple states before settling in Texas, Ryne’s diverse background shaped his worldview and appreciation for discipline and authenticity. In this episode, he shares how studying psychology, sociology, and philosophy guided him toward law, and how those roots in human behavior continue to influence his advocacy today.
The discussion explores:
- Why choosing a major you love — especially one emphasizing writing — leads to greater success in law school.
- How networking and mentorship are vital to entering competitive legal fields.
- The necessity of business development for lawyers and how Ryne built a sustainable approach through time-blocking and structured to-do lists.
- The importance of setting boundaries to create meaningful work-life balance.
- His ongoing 13-year commitment to Extra Life, raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through gaming.
Ryne also reflects on the books that shape his mindset: The Four Agreements, The Courage to Be Disliked, and the Stormlight Archive fantasy series, which he credits for keeping him grounded and inspired.
The full episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms — listen here: https://www.thedrivencrowd.com/1945495/episodes/18041968-the-driven-crowd-episode-84-ft-ryne-sandel
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge or needs trusted defense counsel, Whalen Law Office can help. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
About Ryne T. Sandel
Ryne Sandel is a partner at Whalen Law Office and a top-ranked Texas criminal defense attorney. Known for his trial advocacy and practical counseling, Ryne approaches each case with a balance of determination, empathy, and strategic focus — protecting both clients’ liberty and long-term well-being.
Author Bio
James P. Whalen
James P. Whalen is the managing attorney and founder of Whalen Law Office, a Texas criminal defense firm offering personalized legal representation for various federal criminal charges. With a commitment to providing comfort and guidance during challenging times, Mr. Whalen serves as both an attorney and counselor to his clients, helping them navigate their cases while striving to restore normalcy to their lives.
In an inherently unbalanced criminal justice system, Mr. Whalen takes on cases with unwavering dedication. With decades of legal experience, he offers representation across various criminal charges, including white-collar crimes, violent crimes, drug charges, and more. Mr. Whalen’s numerous accolades, including Super Lawyer recognition and board certification in Criminal Appellate Law and Criminal Law, reflect his unwavering commitment to ethical and high-quality legal representation.