Sectors
A woman with short gray hair, wearing a turquoise blazer, matching necklace, and earrings, stands indoors in a well-lit, modern hallway at a corporate law office.

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 Automotive Industry Teams, and she serves as legal counsel to the firm with respect to its benefit plans. Leigh was a founding 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 (2017-2026)
  • Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the field of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2007 – 2023, 2027)
  • 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)
October 21, 2026 Foley Viewpoints

The $2,500 Question: What Employers Need to Know About Contributing to Trump Accounts

Trump accounts are not just a matter for families; they also give employers a new tax-advantaged benefit to offer to employees. The OBBBA created “Trump accounts,” or tax-advantaged savings accounts for children, and a companion tax break that lets employers contribute up to $2,500 per employee each year to the accounts of employees and their dependents.
June 4, 2026 Press Releases

Foley Achieves Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026

Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to once again be recognized by Chambers & Partners as one of the leading law firms in the country in the 2025 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
May 21, 2026 Deals and Wins

Foley Guides Kontoor Brands in Agreement to Sell Lee® Business to Authentic Brands Group

Foley & Lardner LLP is serving as the legal advisor to Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE: KTB) in its sale of the Lee® business to Authentic Brands Group.
April 20, 2026 Honors and Awards

Leigh Riley and Linda Benfield Named to Wisconsin Law Journal's Women in the Law

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Leigh Riley and retired partner Linda Benfield are named to Wisconsin Law Journal’s 2026 Women in the Law.
April 20, 2026 Deals and Wins

Foley Guides Brady Corporation in Acquisition of Honeywell’s Productivity Solutions and Services Business

Foley & Lardner LLP served as legal advisor to Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC), a world leader in identification solutions, its definitive agreement with Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) to acquire Honeywell’s Productivity Solutions and Services (PSS) business.
February 12, 2026 Honors and Awards

Leigh Riley and Betsy Stone Honored at Law.com's Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce partner Leigh Riley and senior counsel Betsy Stone are shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards.