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 (2017-2025)
  • 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)
July 10, 2025 Events

Mandatory Roth Catch-up

Join Foley’s upcoming webinar on mandatory Roth catch-up contributions effective January 1, 2026. Learn how the new rules impact high earners, what guidance exists, and practical tips for plan compliance.
June 20, 2025 Foley Viewpoints

Benefits Basics – When an Employee Becomes Disabled: A Resource Guide for HR & Benefits Professionals

Explore key considerations and plan-by-plan guidance for HR and benefits professionals navigating compensation and benefits issues when an employee becomes disabled.
June 20, 2025 Foley Viewpoints

Tricky Compliance Issues for Companies When an Executive Terminates Employment: 409A Applicability to Severance

Understand the key differences between Section 409A exempt and compliant severance benefits, and how each impacts tax treatment, flexibility, and compliance obligations when executives terminate employment.
June 5, 2025 Deals and Wins

Foley Represents Mayville Engineering Company in Acquisition of Accu-Fab

Foley & Lardner LLP represented Mayville Engineering Company (MEC), a provider of design, prototyping, and manufacturing solutions, in its definitive agreement to acquire Accu-Fab, LLC (Accu-Fab) from Tide Rock for $140.5 million. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
June 5, 2025 Press Releases

Foley Secures Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2025

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 27, 2025 Events

The RIF Roadmap: Tools and Tactics for a Smooth and Compliant Transition

Join us for an insightful discussion on proactive workforce planning in today's dynamic economic and regulatory landscape.