David Riley
Attorney
David Riley is a trial attorney in the firm’s Memphis office and has over 25 years of litigation experience. Throughout his career, he has represented both individuals and insurance companies in complex legal matters; equipping him with a well-rounded perspective on litigation strategy, claims evaluation, and dispute resolution.
Before joining the firm, David spent more than two decades practicing with a Memphis law firm, where he regularly served as counsel for insurance companies. In that role, he advised adjusters on claim strategy, provided legal opinions on coverage issues, tried many cases to verdict, and presented seminars on claims handling, defense strategy, regulatory compliance, and insurance coverage matters. His experience working closely with insurers gives him valuable insight into how claims are evaluated, defended, and resolved.
David has also built a strong reputation representing individuals in high-stakes litigation against major corporations and industries. He is known for handling challenging and complex cases and for effectively working with expert witnesses to build compelling cases for his clients. Over the course of his career, his work has contributed to the recovery of millions of dollars on behalf of aggrieved individuals and families.
In recognition of his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the legal profession, David was named a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation — an honor awarded to fewer than five percent of attorneys in Tennessee.
David’s interest in the legal profession began early in life. His father served as both a trial and appellate judge, and David spent much of his childhood observing court proceedings and trials. David’s father taught him the value of handling all matters, both legal and personal, with a high level of integrity and a commitment to the values of ethics and respect. His mother was a school teacher; instilling in him the values of discipline, service, and community involvement that continue to guide his life and practice today.
Outside of the office, David enjoys sports, hunting, traveling, working in his yard, and fishing. He especially values spending time with his wife, Mary-Marsha, and their daughter, Savannah. Whether coaching his daughter’s basketball team or spending time outdoors with family and friends, David brings the same dedication and teamwork to his personal life that he brings to his clients and colleagues.
Practice Areas
- Insurance Claims/Coverage
- Personal Injury
- Wrongful Death
- Class Action
- Workers’ Compensation
- Legal Malpractice
- Maritime Law
- FELA
- Business Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Medical Malpractice
- Vaccine Injury
- Land Use and Zoning
Education
- University of Tennessee at Martin, Magna Cum Laude (B.S. Accounting, 1998)
- Alpha Tau Omega fraternity
- The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law (J.D., 2001)
Bar Admissions
- Tennessee Supreme Court (2001)
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee (2001)
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Tennessee Bar Association
- Memphis and Shelby County Bar Association
Honors
- Fellow member of Tennessee Bar Foundation
Community Service
- Active Volunteer and Supporter of Reelfoot Rural Ministry
- Active Volunteer and Supporter of Memphis Child Advocacy Center
- Active Volunteer and Supporter of University of Memphis Campus School Parent Network
- University of Memphis Campus School Volunteer Youth Basketball Coach
- Member of First United Methodist Church
Representative Clients
- Individuals and insurance companies at all stages of litigation in a variety of matters
- Children Health Defense
- Maritime workers in Jones Act cases
- Class members in class actions
- Railroad workers in Federal Employers Liability Act cases
- Transportation companies in personal injury and wrongful death cases
- Lawyers and law firms sued for legal malpractice
- Municipalities on zoning issues
- Individuals and insurance companies on insurance coverage claims
Prior Work Experience
Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle, & Cox, P.C.
Trial attorney and partner