John (J.P.) Riley is dedicated to assisting clients during complex commercial disputes across federal and state courts. J.P. has represented manufacturers in a wide array of matters, including products liability, wrongful death, tortious interference, and breach of contract actions arising out of domestic and international agreements. He has also represented companies dealing with corporate governance disputes and has advised clients regarding federal and state regulatory requirements.
J.P. is valued for his compelling written and oral advocacy and his ability to develop strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel. J.P. also devotes significant time to pro bono work, with a focus on representing immigrants throughout the asylum application process and beyond. J.P. is a member of our Commercial Litigation Practice Group and is based in our San Diego office.
Prior to joining Foley, J.P. served as a Certified Legal Intern at the California Attorney General’s Office, where he successfully argued before the California Courts of Appeal. He also served as a judicial extern for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California and as a law clerk in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, gaining invaluable insights into federal litigation and investigative work.
Before starting his legal career, J.P. was a music teacher at Crawford High School in San Diego, where he continues to support local students on the Crawford High School Law Academy Advisory Board.
Representative Experience
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Represented a global personal-care products manufacturer in an international distribution agreement dispute, securing dismissal of five of seven claims and driving a six-figure settlement on a case initially valued at over $10 million.
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Represented a veteran’s services company in multi-state litigation, achieving a grant of a motion to stay that successfully shielded the client from exposure while preserving strategic defenses.
- Represented an international luxury yacht manufacturer against fraud, warranty, and defect claims.
- Represented a furniture manufacturer in a wrongful death products liability lawsuit.
- Represented life science real estate operator in complex multi-party litigation arising out of tenant and contractor disputes.
Presentations and Publications
- Co-author, “The 2024 U.S. election: A turning point for the NCAA?” Sports Business Journal (February 2025)
- Comment, “Is There Room in the Classroom for the First Amendment? Defining the Doctrine for Teachers’ Classroom Speech”, 61 San Diego L. Rev. 185 (2024)
Affiliations
- Board Member, Crawford Law Academy Advisory Board