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)
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.
17 October 2024 In the News

Foley's PEAK Training Program Highlighted in The American Lawyer for Investment in Ongoing Attorney Development

Foley & Lardner LLP's PEAK (Partner Excellence Actionable Knowledge) training program is highlighted in The American Lawyer article, "As Partnerships Evolve, Law Firms See Ongoing Partner Training as Recruiting and Retention Tool."
15 October 2024 Deals and Wins

Foley Advises HonorHealth in Acquisition of Steward Health Care Facilities

Foley & Lardner LLP represented HonorHealth, a nonprofit health care system serving over five million people in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, in its acquisition of multiple health care facilities from Arizona-based Steward Health Care.
01 October 2024 Deals and Wins

Foley Advises SkinCure Oncology in Investment from H.I.G. Capital

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to SkinCure Oncology, the world leader in providing a comprehensive model for the delivery of Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (Image-Guided SRT) in its recapitalization by an affiliate of leading global alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital.
27 August 2024 Foley Viewpoints

Unlocking the Power of Equity-Based Incentive Compensation: An Overview of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)

This article is the third in our series on equity-based compensation intended to assist employers with answering a common question: What type of equity compensation award is best for our company and our employees?
25 July 2024 Manufacturing Industry Advisor

Unlocking the Power of Equity-Based Incentive Compensation: Basics of Nonqualified Stock Options and Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights for Employers in the Manufacturing Industry

This article is the second in our series on equity-based compensation intended to assist employers with answering a common question: What type of equity compensation award is best for our company and our employees?