Riley Palmer

Riley represents those who have experienced discrimination—whether at work, in public accommodation, or elsewhere. She has obtained favorable outcomes at the Minnesota Supreme Court and Minnesota Court of Appeals and has litigated civil rights cases to trial in Minnesota state and federal courts.

Riley is a member of the litigation team that secured a landmark victory for transgender Minnesotans in Cooper v. USA Powerlifting. There, the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously held that the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination against transgender people in sports. The case also gave the Court occasion to comment on an issue of first impression and to reaffirm bedrock principles of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. She also recently third-chaired a jury trial that resulted in a $375,000 verdict in her client’s favor on a disability discrimination claim and a total judgment of more than $1.65 million, and succesfully defended the judgment on appeal.

Riley embraces an empathetic, client-centered approach to help her clients navigate what can often be some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Prior to joining the firm, Riley clerked for Alaska Superior Court Judge Amy Mead; interned with Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Dallet; and served as a Managing Editor of the Wisconsin Law Review, as a clinical student in the school’s Eviction Defense Clinic, and as co-president of the Queer Law Students Association. Riley graduated cum laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Throughout her career, Riley has held various retail and customer service positions, and worked in local government, in rural civil legal aid, and at a prominent New York law firm.

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.