Judge Shanon Riley, a state workers' compensation justice, has served the people of New Mexico for more than a decade. She entered legal practice following her graduation from the University of New Mexico School of Law after building pre-professional experience as a law clerk in the Second Judicial District’s Attorney's Clinic. After earning her juris doctor, Judge Shanon Riley became an associate trial attorney within the Second Judicial District, where she prosecuted a variety of criminal cases.

Subsequently named an associate attorney with the Albuquerque firm of Sheehan, Sheehan & Stelzner, PA, Judge Riley expanded her scope of experience to include civil cases. She then returned to serving the state as an analyst for the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, in which position she evaluated potential legislation for law and policy conflict. Later named general counsel to the Department of Military Affairs, she provided employment appeals and mediation services.

After a subsequent tenure as assistant district attorney to the First Judicial District, Judge Riley accepted appointment to the bench for the state Workers' Compensation Administration. Now charged with evaluating the validity of compensation claims and ruling on the claims themselves, she also facilitates conferences and mediation to enable out-of-court settlements.