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 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)
November 14, 2025 Foley Viewpoints

Better Late Than Never: IRS Announces 2026 Retirement Plan Cost-of-Living Adjustments

On November 13, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Notice 2025-67, which contains the new dollar limitations for retirement...
October 28, 2025 Honors and Awards

Leigh Riley Named to Employment Law Attorney Powerlist by Wisconsin Law Journal

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Leigh Riley is named to Wisconsin Law Journal's Employment Law Attorney Powerlist.
August 20, 2025 Foley Viewpoints

Tricky Compliance Issues for Companies When an Executive Terminates Employment: Post-Termination Benefit Promises

Executive employment relationships are rarely permanent. When an executive or other senior-level employee terminates employment,...
August 13, 2025 In the News

Leigh Riley on Elevating Partner Development with Foley's PEAK Program - 'We can't stop learning'

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Leigh Riley appeared on the Big Law Life podcast to share how Foley is redefining professional development to meet the needs of the firm's partners and the demands of modern legal practice.
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.
Three people sit around a white desk with computers, a book, and headphones, engaged in work or discussion in a modern law office focused on litigation support.
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.