Leigh C. Riley

Partner

Leigh Riley focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation. In the area of employee benefits, Leigh concentrates on qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) and defined benefit pension plans. In the area of executive compensation, she counsels both private and public companies on establishing and administering all types of executive compensation programs, including stock options, restricted stock, phantom stock arrangements, nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements, and executive employment agreements. Leigh also routinely works on the benefits aspects of mergers and acquisitions, both on the buy- and sell-side.

Leigh is a member of the firm’s Management Committee. She is also a partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice and the Insurance & Reinsurance and Automotive Industry Teams, and she serves as legal counsel to the Firm with respect to its benefit plans. She also is a member of the firm’s Best Self Committee, which provides programs and information to help each individual working at Foley achieve their personal and professional success.

Leigh is the former vice chair of the firm’s Business Law Department and former chair of the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice.

Leigh joined Foley in 1997 after practicing with a Global AmLaw 10 firm.

Awards and Recognition

  • Recognized in Chambers USA for Labor & Employment: Employee Benefits & Compensation (2017-2024)
  • Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2007 – 2023)
  • Named the 2013, 2017, and 2023 “Milwaukee Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers
  • Recognized as one of Wisconsin Law Journal’s “Women in the Law” for her achievement of excellence in employee benefits and executive compensation law, and for her positive influence on other women pursuing legal careers, encouraging women to seek advanced opportunities within the profession (2012)
24 March 2025 Foley Viewpoints

Benefits Basics - When an Employee Dies: A Resource Guide for HR & Benefits Professionals

As a member of your company’s human resources or employee benefits department, one of the most difficult calls you may receive is from a colleague or an employee’s family member notifying you of the death of an employee.
24 March 2025 Foley Viewpoints

Mandatory Roth Catch-up: More than Meets the Eye

In January, the Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations on the catch-up contribution provisions under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
28 February 2025 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Matterport in Acquisition by CoStar Group

Foley & Lardner LLP represented Matterport, the global leader in 3D digital twin technology, in its sale to CoStar Group, a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
20 February 2025 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Kontoor Brands in Acquisition of Helly Hansen

Foley & Lardner LLP represented Kontoor Brands, Inc., a global lifestyle apparel company and owner of the iconic Wrangler and Lee jeans brands, in its definitive agreement to acquire Helly Hansen, a leading global outdoor and workwear brand, for approximately $900 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Kontoor Brands will acquire 100% of Helly Hansen from Canadian Tire Corporation.
21 November 2024 Foley Viewpoints

Defined Benefit Pension Plans’ Annual Funding Notices Will Look Different in 2025

Most SECURE 2.0 articles focus on the changes applicable to defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) plans, and rightly so, since those plans were the most impacted by the law.
01 November 2024 In the News

‘Stepping out ahead of most firms’ - Foley Featured on ‘Legal Speak’ Podcast for Partner Training Program

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Leigh Riley and Chief Talent Officer Jen Patton appeared on the Legal Speak podcast episode, “Leveraging Partner Training To Recruit and Retain,” detailing the inception of Foley’s Partner Excellence Actionable Knowledge (PEAK) program, its roadmap, and insights on how Foley is helping its people succeed at every stage of their careers.