About Rachel M. Riley

Rachel Riley is an experienced trial lawyer who handles complex, high-stakes litigation, restructuring-related disputes and government investigations. She has tried multiple cases in federal court and handled dispositive motions in state and federal courts. Rachel has secured acquittals in federal court on multiple counts of fraud and has successfully prevented indictments, obtained dismissals and achieved favorable sentences for her clients. She has also briefed and argued matters before federal appellate courts.

Rachel's restructuring practice includes internal and independent investigations and contested matters arising in Chapter 11 cases. It also includes disputes involving complex financial transactions, intercompany relationships, asset sales, fiduciary duties and allegations of financial misconduct. Her broader litigation and investigations experience encompasses securities and healthcare fraud, embezzlement, public corruption and other economic crimes. She regularly represents clients before the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other state and federal agencies.

Courtroom experience and business fluency drive her approach

Rachel combines substantial courtroom experience with a practical understanding of her clients’ businesses and the financial transactions underlying their disputes. Her extensive experience in federal investigations and criminal proceedings gives her insight into how the government evaluates evidence, develops cases and assesses potential resolutions. During a special assignment as an Assistant District Attorney with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Rachel tried numerous cases to verdict, gaining firsthand experience as a prosecutor.

Whether representing a client in a restructuring dispute, complex litigation or a government investigation, Rachel works to understand the client’s business, the relevant financial relationships and the broader commercial consequences of the matter. That perspective enables her to develop effective litigation strategies, assess risk and help clients address potential problems before they become larger disputes.

Practice Focus

  • Litigation
  • White collar and internal investigations
  • Healthcare
  • Restructuring

Representative Experience

  • Second-chaired a federal healthcare fraud case alleging Anti-Kickback violations and violations of the Controlled Substance Act. Obtained acquittal for the client, a physician, on seven counts.
  • Represented a marketer in a $400 million healthcare fraud scheme, obtaining a favorable sentence for the client.
  • Represented insurance business owner during a multiple-week federal bribery trial.
  • Drafted and successfully argued a motion to suppress in a federal case that was featured on the front page of the Dallas Morning News. Obtained the dismissal of two counts for the client and his immediate release from jail. *
  • First chair of bench trial in breach of contract dispute. Secured win.  *
  • Represented client charged via complaint with theft at the state level. Obtained a no-bill from the grand jury.  *
  • First chaired multiple misdemeanor criminal trials at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. *
  • Represented key witness charged with conspiracy in a large-scale public corruption case. Obtained sentence of probation.  *
  • Represented large retailer in conducting an internal investigation regarding a matter under FINRA’s jurisdiction.  *
  • Represented large financial services company in conducting an internal investigation regarding a matter under the SEC’s jurisdiction. Also advised in defense of a shareholder class-action lawsuit alleging securities law violations.  *
  • Represented individual charged with criminal violations of the FDCA for the promotion and sale of synthetic marijuana.  *
  • Represented dietary supplement company owner under investigation for alleged criminal FDCA violations.  *
  • Represented executive in alleged healthcare fraud scheme.  *
  • Represented professional athlete in alleged criminal tax evasion scheme.  *
  • Represented federally insured financial institution in relation to a cybersecurity breach and the compromise of personally identifiable information. *
  • Represented industrial gas company in internal investigation regarding a special inquiry issued by the US Department of Energy Inspector General in conjunction with the Defense Contract Audit Agency concerning the alleged misuse of government contract funds.  *
* Experience prior to Katten

News

Presentations and Events

Practices
Education
  • Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, JD, cum laude
  • Texas Tech University, BS, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
  • Texas
Court Admissions
  • US District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • US District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • US District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • US District Court, Western District of Texas
Professional & Community Involvement
  • Peter J. Riley Foundation, Director
  • Women's White Collar Defense Association
  • Dallas Bar Association, Criminal Defense and Securities Section Member
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Best Lawyers in America
    Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2027
    Ones to Watch
    Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2021–2026
  • Chambers USA
    Litigation: White: Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2025-2026
  • D Magazine
    Best Lawyers in Dallas, 2024-2026
    Best Lawyers in Dallas Under 40, 2023–2026
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2026
  • Super Lawyers
    Top Women Rising Stars, Texas, Criminal Defense; White Collar, 2020–2021
  • Super Lawyers Rising Stars
    Texas, 2018–2025
  • Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Pro Bono Service Award
    2025
Award Methodologies