Richard J. Riley

Richard J. Riley is a highly skilled appellate attorney and partner at Marsh | Rickard | Bryan in Birmingham, Alabama. With over 25 years of legal experience, he has built a reputation for excellence in motion practice, appellate matters, post-trial proceedings, and probate law. His work focuses on advocating for individuals and families affected by injury and loss, providing legal support that spans Alabama and the nation.

Riley earned his J.D. cum laude from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1998. He also holds a B.A. in social science, magna cum laude, from Cumberland University in Tennessee. Licensed to practice law in Alabama since 1998, he is also admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.

Throughout his career, Riley has handled hundreds of appeals and crafted thousands of legal briefs, establishing himself as a trusted advocate for his clients. He frequently presents oral arguments before the Alabama Supreme Court, where his ability to blend legal principles with compelling narratives is widely recognized. Riley’s contributions to appellate advocacy earned him the National Civil Justice Institute’s Appellate Advocacy Award in 2021.

Riley is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal challenges and making sure their stories are clearly and powerfully presented in court. As more cases are decided on the strength of written submissions, he focuses on high-impact legal writing and comprehensive briefs that shape outcomes. Collaborating closely with his firm’s trial attorneys, Riley combines in-depth legal research with persuasive storytelling to protect his clients’ rights and pursue meaningful results.

A dedicated member of the Alabama and Birmingham Bar Associations, Riley also serves on the Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure Committee, reflecting his ongoing dedication to advancing the legal profession.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Marsh | Rickard | Bryan
• Member, Alabama Bar Association
• Member, Birmingham Bar Association
• Committee, Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure

Licensed State

• Alabama

Education

• Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Cumberland University
  Bachelor of Arts (B.A)

Awards & Badges