James P. Riley graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from the University of Buffalo, where he was a member of Phi Eta Sigma honorary fraternity. He received his Bachelor of Laws degree from Duke University where he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. He has served as Treasurer of the Federal Communications Bar Association and served two terms as chairman of its Legislative Committee. He most recently served as co-chair of its Mass Media Practice Committee.

Riley is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association and the Federal Communications Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in New York State, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia.