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Partner / Leader, Higher Education / Leader, Title IX
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Boston University, B.A., summa cum laude
Bryant College, M.B.A., with honors
Notre Dame Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
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