Peter J. Riley (pictured), the longtime managing partner of Dallas’ Thompson & Knight, died on Saturday from complications due to myeloma, a type of cancer. He was 53. Riley, who had led the 425-lawyer firm since 2001, stepped aside as managing partner last month while fighting the disease to become chairman of the firm, a strategic planning position. “I have some health issues that make it harder for me to work full time,” Riley said at the time. “I suggested that we need somebody to be managing partner in the traditional sense . . . and they created this position for me while I'm dealing with these health issues.” Last year, Riley oversaw the firm’s move to its new headquarters in the Dallas Arts District. Under Riley’s leadership, the firm was recognized for its positive work environment and its efforts to increase diversity among its employees. On a personal note, Riley was the most atypical managing partner of a large Texas firm I’ve ever met. He was also funny, a bit irreverent and unusually candid. He once called me to discuss layoffs at the firm. Managing partners rarely do this; reporters usually have to call them first. He delivered that news with genuine remorse and with the hope that those laid off would find new jobs quickly. A memorial service for Riley is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas at 4124 Oak Lawn Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy located at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.
-- John Council
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