Steven Richard is a highly experienced trial and appellate lawyer who handles complex commercial, higher education, privacy and employment cases throughout the federal and state courts of New England. He is especially active in the Rhode Island Federal District Court, where he has served as the chair of its Local Rules Committee. Steve is also a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys. He is the co-editor of Nixon Peabody’s Privacy Partner Blog.
I handle a broad array of commercial, higher education, privacy and civil rights cases, using more than 20 years of pretrial and courtroom experience to help clients achieve practical and cost-effective solutions. I also have extensive experience in higher education law, handling a wide array of matters for colleges and universities.
I represent diverse institutional clients, including financial service organizations and governmental bodies, in trials, arbitration, appeals and other dispute resolution procedures. With my Masters in Business Education, I understand clients’ business needs and operations and use such knowledge to develop comprehensive litigation strategies. Also, I have a deep understanding of cybersecurity and electronic discovery, and I frequently write and present on the topics.
I represent institutions of higher education in matters relating to student discipline, civil rights claims, tenure issues and copyright matters. My practice has included both the development of proper policies on campuses and litigation of cases on behalf of colleges and universities.
I represent employers in matters involving claims under federal and state employment statutes, as well as constitutional and contract claims. I have successfully defended employers before juries in cases raising claims under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
I also devote my practice to the pro bono representation of our veterans, including successfully presenting claims for benefits relating to PTSD claims and exposure to Agent Orange.
Title IX compliance issues will remain a subject of national concern and debate in Higher Education Law. In judicial and administrative proceedings, complaints are increasingly challenging institutional policies and procedures to prevent and remediate alleged sexual discrimination in education. Educational institutions will face vexing issues as they apply evolving interpretations of the law to the particular realities of their campuses.
Inside Higher Ed | March 26, 2020
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.
Providence Business News | September 26, 2019
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.
The Boston Globe | June 13, 2019
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.
American Lawyer “Litigation Daily” | June 13, 2019
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 Bond Buyer | June 12, 2019
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.
The Providence Journal | June 12, 2019
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.
Providence Business News | April 26, 2019
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.
Bond Buyer | April 01, 2019
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.
Law360 | March 12, 2019
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.
Law360 | September 12, 2018
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.
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly | September 12, 2018
Providence Complex Commercial Disputes partner Steven Richard is mentioned in this article for his representation of Brown University in a Title IX case.
Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly | August 15, 2018
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.
Providence Business News | May 24, 2018
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.
Law360 | May 06, 2018
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.
Notre Dame Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
Bryant College, M.B.A., with honors
Boston University, B.A., summa cum laude
Rhode Island
Massachusetts
Connecticut
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
Steven was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021 in the fields of Commercial Litigation and Privacy and Data Security Law. Steven has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2016.
Steven was also recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2020 for Litigation: General Commercial (Rhode Island).
Steven was recognized as a “Rhode Island Super Lawyer” in Business Litigation based on a peer-review survey by Thomson Reuters (2008-2017).
Steven is a member of the American Bar Association and the Local Rules Committee of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, where he has served as chair. He is active in the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Federal Court Bench/Bar Committee and Superior Court Bench/Bar Committee. He is also a member of the Bryant University Board of Trustees.
