Christopher A. Chris Riley
Litigation - Banking and Finance
Litigation - Banking and Finance
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As co-leader of the firm’s Financial Services Litigation Team, Chris Riley has been at the forefront of financial services litigation for many years. He represents financial institutions and financial services providers in a wide assortment of commercial and consumer disputes, including litigation, enforcement, and compliance matters.Chris is a trial lawyer who has represented clients in a wide assortment of litigation in state and federal courts across the country. Those clients include national, regional, and community banks; mortgage banks and servicers; RMBS, CMBS, and other corporate trustees; mortgage loan servicers and master servicers; commercial lenders; payment card issuers and payment solutions providers; and other commercial and consumer finance companies. This work has involved trials, appeals, arbitrations, and pre-litigation counseling matters involving a mix of commercial, consumer, and real-estate-related disputes, as well as individual and class actions. Chris also has experience representing clients before state and federal regulatory agencies. In addition to his financial services practice, Chris has frequently represented a variety of Fortune 500 companies in diverse commercial litigation matters. As co-leader of the firm’s Financial Services Litigation Team, Chris Riley has been at the forefront of financial services litigation for many years. He represents financial institutions and financial services providers in a wide assortment of commercial and consumer disputes, including litigation, enforcement, and compliance matters. Chris is a trial lawyer who has represented clients in a wide assortment of litigation in state and federal courts across the country. Those clients include national, regional, and community banks; mortgage banks and servicers; RMBS, CMBS, and other corporate trustees; mortgage loan servicers and master servicers; commercial lenders; payment card issuers and payment solutions providers; and other commercial and consumer finance companies. This work has involved trials, appeals, arbitrations, and pre-litigation counseling matters involving a mix of commercial, consumer, and real-estate-related disputes, as well as individual and class actions. Chris also has experience representing clients before state and federal regulatory agencies. In addition to his financial services practice, Chris has frequently represented a variety of Fortune 500 companies in diverse commercial litigation matters.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2020
Anna Reyes
Our company faced a high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional dispute with a counterparty that threatened significant financial exposure and reputational harm. We were referred to Chris Riley at Alston & Bird, and it was the best decision we could have made. From our first meeting, his deep command of the intricate regulatory landscape and litigation tactics specific to financial services was immediately apparent. His 27 years of experience, particularly his leadership of the firm's Financial Services Litigation Team, translated into a strategic advantage we felt at every stage. Chris and his team constructed a defense that was not only legally sound but also commercially pragmatic, anticipating the other side's moves with remarkable foresight. The recognition he has received in banking and finance litigation is clearly well-earned. What truly set him apart, however, was his ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear business advice for our executive team. He was always accessible, prepared, and projected a calm, confident demeanor that was reassuring during a stressful period. The matter was resolved favorably, avoiding protracted litigation and securing a settlement that protected our interests entirely. For any financial institution navigating litigation, Chris Riley is the attorney you want in your corner.