About Riley & Dunlap, P.C.

Missouri civil litigation law firm with a lot to offer

Based in Callaway County's county seat of Fulton, the preeminent law firm of Riley & Dunlap, P.C. traces its history to 1927, offering government, corporate and individual clients experienced legal representation. The firm serves clients throughout the state with an emphasis on businesses and individuals in Callaway, Boone, Audrain, Montgomery and Cole counties, including those seeking representation as part of the firm's active practice at the state capital.

The firm is Callaway County's oldest and largest law firm, and the only firm honored with the AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating^SM by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest ranking awarded from Martindale-Hubbell and determined by industry peers.

Skilled Fulton lawyers

The firm's diverse experience fosters a broad practice prepared to assist corporate, family and individual clients in most areas of the law, so readers are welcome to contact the law firm for skilled legal representation by one of Riley & Dunlap, P.C.'s qualified and experienced attorneys:

An established history in the community

The firm traces its history to 1917, when W.B. Whitlow began practicing law in Fulton after graduating from Westminster College and then the University of Missouri law school. Whitlow's father owned and operated a large farm, which is now a major portion of the south part of the City of Fulton. Throughout the next four decades, W.B. Whitlow had an active civil practice, including being retained by the federal government during the Depression to examine and, if necessary, close failing banks.

In 1957, Whitlow's son, Bill Whitlow, formed the firm that would later become Whitlow & Riley and is now Riley & Dunlap. Bill Whitlow served as legal secretary for Governor Phil M. Donnelly, was city counselor for the City of Fulton and served two terms as Prosecuting Attorney. Whitlow continues to serve the public and represented charitable organizations until his retirement in 1986.

Charles W. Riley joined the firm in 1964 and practiced law for more than 40 years. Riley expanded the scope of the firm's practice to include sophisticated estate planning and real estate work for clients across the state — a practice the firm proudly follows to this day. Riley was chair of the Missouri Bar Property Law Committee. He was elected president of the Callaway County Bar Association in 1969 and held that position continuously for more than 20 years; he was also a founding member of the Mid-Missouri Legal Aid and served as its president for more than ten years. He served on the Missouri Bar's Board of Governors from 1984 to 1986. Riley's accomplishments have been recognized by his election as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and a Life-Fellow of the American Bar Association Foundation.

Current members and reach

Tom Dunlap, whose family first moved to Callaway County in 1819 (and whose relative helped named the town of Fulton), joined the firm in 1975 and is the senior principal shareholder.

Tom Riley joined the firm in 1998, after graduating from Washington and Lee Law School and serving one year as law clerk to the Honorable Ann Covington on the Missouri Supreme Court and now is a principal shareholder.

Joe D. Holt is Of Counsel with the firm after serving as majority floor leader in the State House of Representatives and former judge for the Circuit Court of Callaway County, Missouri.

Gene Hamilton, former presiding judge of the 13th Circuit Court, has also joined Riley & Dunlap, P.C. in an Of Counsel capacity. 

Throughout its history, Riley & Dunlap, P.C. has provided comprehensive transactional and litigation representation to municipalities, governmental officials and agencies, large and small businesses, and individuals throughout Missouri. Riley & Dunlap, P.C. also has a proud tradition of civic service to charitable and civic organizations, which continues to this day. Learn more about the firm's community involvement.

Trust experience. Trust results. Trust Riley & Dunlap, P.C.

Located in historic downtown Fulton, the law firm of Riley & Dunlap, P.C. is across the street from the Callaway County Courthouse, 30 minutes from both Columbia, Mo., and Jefferson City, Mo. The firm provides legal counsel to individuals, families, companies and governmental entities in the following areas:

Call the firm at 877.487.3060 or contact Riley & Dunlap, P.C. online for experienced legal representation.