Steven M. Richard

/In the news

• Trump’s DEI crackdown meets a roadblock thanks to Clarence Thomas

  This article includes commentary from Providence Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Zach Cunha on how a recent opinion by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas could have unwittingly undercut the DOJ’s ability to use the False Claims Act to prosecute cases such as those involving DEI investigations in higher education. The article also links to a recent client alert Zach co-authored with GIWC partners Adam Tarosky of Washington, DC and Tina Sciocchetti of Albany, Providence Construction & Real Estate Litigation partner and leader of the firm’s Higher Education team Steven Richard, Los Angeles Complex Disputes partner Jonah Retzinger, and Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor.

  June 10, 2025
• Bloomberg Law

  Brown University escapes graduate student’s Title IX lawsuit

  This article mentions NP for representing Brown University in its defeat of a graduate student’s Title IX lawsuit alleging the school failed to adequately respond to her allegations of sexual assault by another student. The judge’s order states that the university followed its standard procedure when it received the Title IX complaint and promptly initiated a no-contact order and investigation. The NP team is led by Providence Construction & Real Estate Litigation partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX practices.

  March 17, 2025
• The Law & Education Podcast

  The initial days under the new administration

  Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education & Title IX practices, joined this podcast to discuss the initial days under the new administration and the changes most relevant to the education space, including presidential directives, agency policies, and legal challenges.

  March 13, 2025
• The Title IX and Civil Rights Podcast

  Title IX litigation with Steven Richard

  Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX practices, joined this podcast to discuss the past, present, and future of Title IX litigation.

  Feb 12, 2025
• University Business

  ‘Compliance U’: Colleges and universities are facing new legal complexities

  This article covers a recent symposium on the increasing litigation and compliance involved in colleges and universities. Providence Construction & Real Estate Litigation partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX practices, is quoted in the coverage discussing the challenges of advising clients in higher education and litigating Title IX.

  Jan 30, 2025
• Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

  Lawyers burning the midnight oil studying Title IX revisions

  This article covers the amended Title IX regulations recently released by the US Department of Education. Providence Construction & Real Estate Litigation partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX practices, is quoted in the coverage discussing the amendments and how he is helping schools prepare for compliance.

  May 10, 2024
• Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

  First Circuit revives Title IX hostile environment suit

  Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of the firm’s Higher Education and Title IX teams, is quoted in this article covering the First Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the mother of a heterosexual charter student who alleged her son was subjected to homophobic harassment by classmates is entitled to a jury trial on her Title IX claim that school officials knew about it but failed to take reasonable action. Steven discusses learnings from Wills v Brown, with the article noting that he represented the prevailing defendant in that case.

  Oct 27, 2023
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Law graduate’s discrimination claims tossed

  This article covers a US District Court judge’s order dismissing a Roger Williams University Law School graduate’s racial discrimination case against the school. The article mentions Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of the firm’s Title IX and Higher Education teams, for representing the school in the case.

  March 10, 2023
• Providence Business News

  Schools, attorneys divided on Biden’s proposed sweeping Title IX changes

  This article covering reaction to the Biden administration’s proposed Title IX changes quotes Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of the firm’s Title IX and Higher Education teams. Steven comments on the political and judicial logjam the proposed changes could create, due to the back-and-forth nature of regulations as administrations have changed in recent years.

  Aug 19, 2022
• Times Higher Education

  US Supreme Court set to rule on campus sexual assault

  Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX teams, is quoted throughout this article on the possibility of the Supreme Court addressing Title IX student-on-student liability by clarifying the standard by which an educational institution should consider an act of harassment or assault to have occurred, and defining what corresponding action it then must take.
  May 19, 2022
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Gender discrimination claims vs RISD dismissed

  This article discusses a judge’s dismissal of hostile work environment and disparate treatment claims against the Rhode Island School of Design, finding that the plaintiff’s lawsuit failed to put forth plausible allegations of gender-based discrimination. Providence partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education and Title IX teams, and department attorney Caitlyn Smith, both of the Construction & Real Estate Litigation group, are representing RISD in the case.
  May 19, 2022
• The Business Journals

  Remember the flurry of tuition-refund lawsuits? Here's what you need to know.

  In this Q&A feature, Providence Complex Disputes partner Steven Richard, leader of NP’s Higher Education team, discusses the state of lawsuits arguing that institutions owe students refunds for moving operations and instruction online, noting some of the variables that could come into play over the next year.
  Feb 3, 2022
• Rhode Island Bar Journal

  Transgender student rights under Title IX – the still-evolving and shifting landscape

  Providence partner and leader of the Higher Education and Title IX teams Steven Richard and department attorney Caitlyn Horbert, both of the Complex Commercial Disputes practice, contributed this article on a much-debated and evolving Title IX question of whether discrimination against a transgender student in an education program or activity constitutes discrimination “on the basis of sex” subject to the statute’s protections.
  Jan 10, 2022
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Conditions on affordable housing project vacated

  This article mentions Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard for representing the Rhode Island State Housing Appeals Board (SHAB), following a Superior Court judge’s ruling that concurred with the SHAB’s decision to overturn conditions imposed by the town of Hopkinton when approving a developer’s application. The SHAB had asserted the town’s conditions did not adequately weigh the local need for affordable housing.
  Sep 17, 2021
• The Brown Daily Herald

  US District Court of RI continues operations during pandemic

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard is quoted in this article on virtual legal proceedings in Rhode Island during the pandemic, noting he has seen a greater degree of collegiality among attorneys and more willingness to work together with opposing counsel.
  Feb 18, 2021
• Inside Higher Ed

  Hold off or proceed?

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard says the lack of a fixed time frame for the completion of Title IX investigations has created uncertainty for colleges and universities during this public health crisis.
  March 26, 2020
• Providence Business News

  Read fine print on cyberthreat coverage

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard is quoted in this article about how more Rhode Island businesses are purchasing insurance to protect against the fallout from potential data breaches.
  Sep 26, 2019
• American Lawyer “Litigation Daily”

  How Nixon Peabody’s Brian Kelly Crushed the SEC

  Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable District Court decision for NP’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios.
  June 13, 2019
• The Boston Globe

  Sailing coach caught in maelstrom

  In the following coverage, Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable District Court decision for NP’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios.
  June 13, 2019
• The Bond Buyer

  Banker Cannava claims victory over SEC in 38 Studios case

  In the following coverage, Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable district court decision for Nixon Peabody’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios. The team on this matter also included partners Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, Stephen LaRose and Steven Richard, associate Charles Dell’Anno and paralegal Kanda Faye.
  June 12, 2019
• The Providence Journal

  Judge clears banker in 38 Studios case

  In the following coverage, Boston Government Investigations and White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly is quoted regarding the favorable District Court decision for NP’s client, a Wells Fargo banker cleared of charges related to his role in the bond transaction for 38 Studios. The NP team on this matter also included partners Kathleen Ceglarski Burns, Stephen LaRose and Steven Richard, associate Charles Dell’Anno and paralegal Kanda Faye.
  June 12, 2019
• Providence Business News

  Is a ransomware attack a reportable data breach?

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard authored this column about ransomware attacks and how businesses should respond, including considering whether the ransomware attack is reportable or subject to notification requirements.
  April 26, 2019
• Bond Buyer

  Wells Fargo’s Cannava asks court to end 38 Studios case

  Boston Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Brian Kelly and Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard are quoted in this story on their representation of a Wells Fargo banker involved in Rhode Island’s bond placement with 38 Studios.
  April 2, 2019
• Law360

  Brown reaches $3.5M deal to close book on ERISA suit

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steve Richard and San Francisco Labor and Employment counsel Chuck Dyke are mentioned in this article for their representation of Brown University in a matter involving employee retirement savings accounts.
  March 12, 2019
• Law360

  Clarifying student due process rights at 6th Circuit

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard wrote this article analyzing a 6th Circuit court ruling that found a student accused of sexual assault on a college campus was deprived of his due process rights.
  Sep 13, 2018
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Continuing violation doctrine' can defeat Title IX limitations defense

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard is mentioned in this article for his representation of Brown University in a Title IX case.
  Sep 13, 2018
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Federal bar lauds adoption of ‘Kelvey’ depo standards

  Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard is quoted in this article about a District Court ruling that affirms the Kelvey rules of conduct for depositions, which are already standard among many attorneys in federal court.
  Aug 16, 2018
• Providence Business News

  Leaving a Trace at Work With Your Biometric Data

  Providence commercial litigation partner-elect Steven Richard wrote this column on how biometric data are replacing time cards and passwords as ways for employers to monitor their employees’ activities on the clock.
  May 24, 2018
• Law360

  Law360 names attorneys who moved up the firm ranks in Q1

  In this roundup of promotions to partner and firm management positions, 14 attorneys from Nixon Peabody are highlighted. The 11 attorneys promoted to partner are Ellie Altshuler, Mark Beaudoin, Erik Birkeneder, Hannah Bornstein, Chris Browning, Barry Carrigan, Keri McWilliams, Matt Mullen, Steven Richard, Charles Tamuleviz and Alison Torbitt. In addition, Kenneth C. Lind was promoted to leader of the firms’ public finance practice group, Justin Thompson was promoted to office managing partner in LA, and Aaron Yowell was promoted to chief innovation officer.

  May 7, 2018
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Revisiting Title IX process could benefit all lawyers say

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard provides commentary in this article about the Trump administration’s Title IX guidance document.
  Oct 5, 2017
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  Unaffiliated student can’t bring Title IX damages suit vs. Brown

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted in this article for representing Providence College in a Title IX lawsuit.
  Sep 14, 2017
• Rochester Business Journal

  10th Circuit rules university is not liable in alleged rape case

  Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk and Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard contributed this column about a Title IX lawsuit in which the plaintiff alleged deliberate indifference to her complaint by the university.
  July 28, 2017
• WJAR-TV (Providence NBC affiliate)

  What businesses need to know about the Internet of things

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard is interviewed in this television segment about what steps companies can take to better secure their data and be less vulnerable to hacking.
  July 13, 2017
• Providence Business News

  Is your business ready for the Internet of Things?

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steve Richard contributed this article on how businesses can leverage the Internet of Things.
  June 23, 2017
• SHRM

  California court denies employer’s request to unmask author of anonymous post

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steve Richard contributed this article about a company’s efforts to remove a former employee’s anonymous online post which the company believed revealed company trade secrets.
  March 28, 2017
• Providence Business News

  Cyberthreats looming

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard authored this column about the types of evolving cyber threats facing businesses and consumers.
  March 17, 2017
• Health Information Compliance Alert

  Ransomware is Rampant & Your Risk Analysis Might Save You

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted in this article focused on the results of a new study highlighting a new trend toward specialized data breach insurance policies.
  June 1, 2016
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  VW ‘clean diesel' suit sent back to state court

  Commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted throughout this article about how two Providence lawyers paved the way for plaintiffs’ attorneys across the country to keep consumer lawsuits relating to the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal in state court and out of federal multidistrict litigation in California, by suing local dealerships rather than the manufacturer.
  March 24, 2016
• WJAR-TV (Providence NBC affiliate)

  Should Apple Release its Data to the FBI?

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steven Richard is interviewed in a segment about the battle between Apple and the FBI about the potential access to user data.
  Feb 26, 2016
• Providence Business News

  Cyber Resolutions for 2016

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard authored this column discussing steps organizations can take to promote a data secure environment.
  Feb 8, 2016
• Bloomberg BNA Social Media Law & Policy Report

  Shaq Must Defend Lawsuit After Posting Insulting Tweet

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted in this article about how the right of publicity affects social media use.
  Jan 20, 2016
• WJAR-TV

  Business Lunch: Data Privacy

  In this live, in-studio segment, Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard, a member of our Data Privacy & Cybersecurity team, discusses key data privacy and security issues.
  Nov 19, 2015
• Providence Business News

  Safe Data Starts at Top

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard, a member of our Data Privacy & Cybersecurity team, authored this column discussing how data security poses a paramount strategic concern and why proactive leadership at the highest organizational levels is required.
  Nov 2, 2015
• Law360

  Call Me Unconstitutional: Hang-Up for SC's Robocall Law

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steve Richard authored this column discussing developments in and results of a court decision regarding a political consultant’s First Amendment challenge to South Carolina’s anti-robocall statute.
  Sep 16, 2015
• Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

  New Identity Theft Protection Law Receiving Mixed Reviews

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted in this article discussing the Identity Theft Protection Act, which governs the steps businesses and other entities must take to prevent the theft of personal information like Social Security and credit card numbers.
  Aug 31, 2015
• Privacy & Security Law Report

  Are Private Institution Security Department Records Subject to Disclosure Under Public Records Acts?

  This column discusses two decisions that demonstrate the competing considerations in determining whether private institutions’ campus security departments equate to public acts subject to public records laws. Mike Cooney, Chris Thomas, Steven Richard and Kacey Houston Walker authored the piece.
  Aug 1, 2015
• Providence Business News

  Commentary: Identity-theft law stronger

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard authored this guest column discussing the Rhode Island Identity Theft Protection Act of 2015.
  July 6, 2015
• Wall Street Journal

  Laws Try to Resolve Employer-Employee Social Media Conflicts

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted in this article discussing how state laws on social media are impacting employer-employee relations in the absence of an overarching federal law.
  May 28, 2015
• Law360

  Social Media Class Notices Gain Traction but Carry Risks

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard is quoted in this article discussing the use of social media—including LinkedIn and Twitter—for class notices.
  April 24, 2015
• ABA Pretrial Practice & Discovery

  Domestic Transaction Test Applied to Private Action under CEA

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard discusses the Second Circuit decision leaving open the door for governmental enforcement of the Commodities Exchange Act’s antifraud provisions.
  March 2, 2015
• Law360

  Use Social Media for Legal Service Only as a Last Resort

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steve Richard and associate Britt Killian authored this column discussing when there is the possibility of being served via social media.
  Oct 27, 2014
• Law360

  Take Extra Steps When Social Media Page Is Evidence

  Partner and Commercial Litigation practice group co-leader Jon Sablone, Providence counsel Steven Richard and Rochester associate Kevin Saunders authored this column discussing the foundational prerequisites to authenticate and admit website evidence that must be developed before presentation at trial.
  Oct 10, 2014
• Providence Business News

  Courts Weigh Scope of Attorney-Client Privilege

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard authored this column discussing the protection of the attorney-client privilege in internal investigations.
  Sep 29, 2014
• Law360

  Unmasking and Suing the Anonymous Social Media Speaker

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard authored this column discussing the issue of a social media user’s anonymity.
  Sep 19, 2014
• DRI Trials and Tribulations Newsletter

  Can a Deponent Huddle with Counsel During a Deposition Time-Out?

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steven Richard authored this column discussing divergent court rulings and whether a deponent may confer with counsel during a deposition break and whether the content of the communication is discoverable.
  July 3, 2014
• Federal Bar Association's Side Bar

  Will Remote Trial Testimony Become More Accepted In Civil Trials With Enhanced Technology?

  Providence commercial litigation counsel Steve Richard authored this piece discussing use of remote trial testimony in civil cases under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 43(a).
  June 20, 2014
• For the Defense

  What Links in an E-Mail Chain Must Be Disclosed

  Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steve Richard discusses privilege issues arising out of e-mail communications.
  April 1, 2014
• Providence Business News

  Take Care in Picking Where to Litigate

  The importance of litigation forum selection is discussed in this column authored by Providence Commercial Litigation counsel Steve Richard.
  Jan 6, 2014