Liam Riley uses his deep knowledge of the justice system to advocate for working people when they need someone in their corner. A defense attorney who represents union members and their families in criminal matters and investigations, he is committed to ensuring that his clients’ voices are heard and their rights protected.
Dedicating his legal practice to fighting for civil rights and standing with the most vulnerable, Liam started his career as a trial attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Later, he worked as a civil rights and defense attorney, where he represented those who are often at risk of having their rights violated, including indigent defendants and clients with severe mental health issues.
Liam also served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, where he held the position of Chief of the Major Trials Unit. He oversaw the prosecutions of felony matters in the Philadelphia courts and led initiatives that focused on improving the system. He also oversaw the office’s COVID-19 prison reduction efforts, developing processes with the First Judicial District to conduct detention and release hearings during the pandemic court closure. In addition to these reforms, Liam built a process to enable victims of human trafficking to remove convictions and fines from their criminal records.
A trusted advisor to working families, Liam fights for fair treatment for those in danger and draws on his insight to secure the best possible outcomes for the union members he represents.
AWAY FROM WORK
“In my spare time I enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, Irish literature, trying new restaurants, and spending time at the beach.”
EMPLOYMENT
Willig, Williams & Davidson, Associate, 2024-Present
Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Chief of the Major Trials Unit, 2018-2024
Krasner and Long, LLC, Associate, 2015-2018
Defender Association of Philadelphia, Assistant Defender, 2008-2015