The Riano Group, LLC is headed by Christopher R. Riano, Esq., an Attorney-at-law licensed to practice in New York.  A nationally distinguished Attorney, consultant, speaker, and scholar in Constitutional Law, Mr. Riano dedicates his consulting practice to working for elite and high-profile clients around the world, including institutions of higher education.  Mr. Riano’s unique experience, tenacious leadership, and pioneering approach gives exceptional people exceptional counsel.

Mr. Riano began his formal career as an independent consultant for various federal government agencies across the United States.  Mr. Riano traveled extensively in order to assist with a range of national security projects.  Mr. Riano worked with different organizations including the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security.  Mr. Riano was the youngest person to ever have the honor of serving the nation in this capacity.

Mr. Riano attended college at Columbia University in the City of New York. During his time at Columbia, he was very active in university governance.  His leadership roles included University Senator, Chairman of the University Senate’s Structure and Operations Committee, Chairman of the Election Commission, Commissioner of Elections for the School of General Studies, and finally Chairman of the Student Affairs Committee.  As the Chairman of Student Affairs, Mr. Riano was frequently featured in the national news media for his commentary and insight on the most controversial topics in higher education.  For his dedication and leadership, Mr. Riano received the 2007 GS Spirit Award and was the Head Senior Marshall for Commencement in 2007.  He also received the 2007 Dean’s Citation, which noted that Mr. Riano was the most influential student leader at the university in the past decade.  In 2008, Mr. Riano was awarded one of only two Amelia Earhart Distinguished Alumni Awards ever given by the students of the School of General Studies at Columbia University.

After graduation, Mr. Riano enrolled in Washington and Lee University’s School of Law.  During his time at Washington and Lee, he did extensive work in the field of Constitutional Law, studying under the guidance of Dean Rodney Smolla (Currently the President of Furman University). Under Dean Smolla’s tutelage Mr. Riano completed several independent research projects, completed two practicum seminars in Higher Education Law (including one with the practice group of a major private law firm), and worked as the legal intern for the American Association of University Professors at their national headquarters in Washington, DC.  In total, almost a third of Mr. Riano’s formal legal education was in Constitutional or Higher Education Law.  Mr. Riano also was certified as a Rule 16 Student State’s Attorney in Rockville, MD, where Mr. Riano worked as a prosecutor in District and Circuit Court, and was a legal intern for a Judge on Maryland’s highest appellate Court, the Maryland Court of Appeals.

Upon Mr. Riano’s graduation from Washington and Lee School of Law, he was awarded the Randall P. Bezanson Faculty Award for the Most Outstanding Contribution to Diversity at Washington and Lee School of Law.  Following graduation, Mr. Riano completed a one year judicial clerkship in Baltimore City, Maryland.

Mr. Riano serves as the inaugural Chairman of the Board of Visitors for the Student Affairs Committee of the Columbia University Senate, and serves as Co-Chairman of the Recent Alumni Leadership Committee.  He is an active member of the Columbia Alumni Association and the Columbia Club in New York City.

Mr. Riano also serves as a member of the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York City Bar Association.  Currently he serves as an appointee to the Special Committee on LGBT People and the Law for the New York State Bar Association.