BK

Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley, ADR Attorney in San Francisco, California

focused on ADR, Business, and Litigation

San Francisco, CA

Trusted adr attorney serving San Francisco.

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Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Litigation.

Based in
San Francisco, CALIFORNIA
Experience
attorney
Known for
ADR · Business · Litigation
  • Handles ADR, Business, and Litigation matters from San Francisco, CALIFORNIA.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration (2026).

About Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley: Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Litigation.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley

Benjamin concentrates on adr, business, litigation, and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case Benjamin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in San Francisco, California

Benjamin takes adr matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.

Business cases in San Francisco, California

Benjamin takes business matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Francisco, California

Benjamin takes litigation matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.

Patent cases in San Francisco, California

Benjamin takes patent matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Benjamin agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley — Attorney of California adr experience

Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley is an attorney based in San Francisco, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Litigation.

Ben Riley is a Principal of the firm and serves on its Executive Committee. He has tried nearly 30 cases to verdict including jury trials, court trials, and complex arbitrations. His practice focuses on Intellectual Property Litigation, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and license disputes. He also has an active practice in Business Litigation, including class action defense, defense of “consumer claims” under the Lanham Act and unfair competition statutes, accounting issues, and real property litigation.

Mr. Riley also represents companies in connection with director and officer, securities, fiduciary duty, and internal investigation issues, and obtained a defense verdict in a six-week securities class action jury trial. Finally, Mr. Riley represents private clients and charities in Trust and Estate Litigation.

Mr. Riley is ranked by Chambers as among the top 13 California attorneys in Intellectual Property Litigation: Trademark, Copyright & Trade Secrets. Chambers writes: “Benjamin Riley is ‘very organized, writes beautifully and is great in front of judges,’ report sources, further noting: ‘He's very bright, quick to grasp technical and legal issues, and he's very efficient.’ He is an experienced practitioner skilled in handling a broad range of contentious IP matters. He is particularly highlighted for his expertise in trade secret disputes.”

Mr. Riley has lectured and published extensively as to Intellectual Property, Business Litigation, Trust & Estate Litigation, and trial practice skills. He is an expert in commercial arbitration law and procedure and regularly handles important cases before the world’s leading arbitration forums. He also has an active practice as a Mediator for the Northern District of California and for private litigants.

Working with Benjamin on a adr matter

Ben Riley is a Principal of the firm and serves on its Executive Committee. He has tried nearly 30 cases to verdict including jury trials, court trials, and complex arbitrations. His practice focuses on Intellectual Property Litigation, including patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks and license disputes. He also has an active practice in Business Litigation, including class action…

Who Benjamin represents

Benjamin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and litigation matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of California Berkeley

    J.D. · 1983

  • Dartmouth College

    — · 1979

Jurisdictions

Benjamin's state bar admissions

  • California, The Stat

    ACTIVE

Benjamin studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley and — in Dartmouth College.

Law school and academic background

Benjamin completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley and — in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Benjamin runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley

Benjamin has received 24 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Communications Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Class Action Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Intellectual Property Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Patent Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trade Secret Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trademark, Copyright and Technology Licensing Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trust And Estate Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — California Lawyer of the Year.

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Antitrust Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).

Locations

Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley's office in San Francisco

Benjamin's primary office is at 1100 Sansome Street, San Francisco, California, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1100 Sansome Street

San Francisco, California 94111

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley

Benjamin has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Benjamin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Benjamin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Benjamin's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Benjamin will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Benjamin

Benjamin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Benjamin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Benjamin's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Benjamin K. "Ben" Riley

  • How much does it cost to hire Benjamin for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Benjamin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Benjamin offer a free consultation?

    Benjamin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Benjamin's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Benjamin's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in California typically take?

    Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Benjamin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Benjamin take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    Benjamin is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Benjamin will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Benjamin?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Benjamin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Benjamin accepting new adr clients right now?

    Benjamin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

Benjamin handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Benjamin's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.