Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys Named to 2024 Best Lawyers in America List

Beck Reed Riden LLP is pleased to announce that four of its lawyers have been named to the 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers. In addition, Russell Beck was named the 2024 Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year” in Employment Law – Management in Boston, and Trade Secrets Law in Boston.

Russell Beck, Stephen Riden, Nicole Daly, and Bob Shea were named to the 2024 Best Lawyers in America list in the following categories:

  • Russell Beck: Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Trade Secrets Law
  • Steve Riden: Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Labor and Employment
  • Nicole Daly: Employment Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment
  • Bob Shea: Employment Law – Management

Best Lawyers accolades recognize the top 5% of legal talent in private practice throughout the United States.

Best Lawyers has published their list for more than 40 years. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 65 countries.

Best Lawyers Award BadgeLawyers on the Best Lawyers in America ® list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. For the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, more than 13.7 million votes were analyzed to identify the top legal talent, as identified by their peers.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers List Names Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys

2022 Top Lawyers Winner - Boston MagazineBoston Magazine has included four Beck Reed Riden LLP attorneys in the publication’s “Top Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top law professionals in Greater Boston.

Published as part of the magazine’s December 2022 issue, the 2022 “Top Lawyers” list includes the following Beck Reed Riden LLP attorneys:

Boston Magazine’s editorial team researched and selected lawyers based on peer nominations and credentials. The complete list is available here.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Russell Beck, Steve Riden, and Bob Shea Named Top 100 Lawyers

Super Lawyers Magazine has selected Russell BeckStephen Riden, and Bob Shea as three of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts.

Russell Beck is a business and intellectual property litigator, nationally recognized for his trade secrets and noncompete experience. Russell has more than thirty years of experience as a complex business and intellectual property litigator, representing corporate and individual clients throughout the country. Russell has also been named one of the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts.

Steve Riden is a commercial litigator who represents corporate and individual clients in a wide array of disputes across the country. Steve has extensive experience litigating business disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, unfair competition, trade secrets, and noncompete agreements.

Robert Shea advises and represents clients in all areas of labor and employment law. He devotes a significant portion of his practice to alternative dispute resolution, both as an advocate and a neutral.

The selection of the top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts is based on a process of peer review following a survey of lawyers from the region. The Super Lawyers selection process is described in detail here.

 is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers in America List

Beck Reed Riden LLP is pleased to announce that four of its lawyers have been named to the 2023 Edition of Best Lawyers, and one of its lawyers was included in Best Lawyers: Ones to WatchIn addition, Russell Beck was named the 2023 Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation – Labor and Employment in Boston, and Trade Secrets Law in Boston.

Russell Beck, Stephen Riden, Nicole Daly, and Bob Shea were named to the 2023 Best Lawyers in America list in the following categories:

  • Russell Beck, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Trade Secrets Law
  • Steve RidenCommercial Litigation
  • Nicole DalyEmployment Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment
  • Bob Shea, Employment Law – Management

In addition, Jillian Carson was included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the areas of Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Labor and Employment.

Best Lawyers has published their list for over three decades. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 65 countries.

Best Lawyers Award BadgeLawyers on the Best Lawyers in America ® list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. For the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, more than 12.2 million votes were analyzed to identify the top legal talent, as identified by their peers.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Penalties for Delayed Payment to Involuntarily Terminated Employees

Massachusetts employers can be liable for treble wages and benefits for any delay in paying terminated employees their final pay. In Reuter v. City of Methuen, No. SJC-13121 (Mass. Apr. 4, 2022), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) ruled that an employer who fails to make a final payment of earned wages and other benefits to an involuntarily terminated employee on their last day, as required by the Massachusetts Wage Act, must pay three times the amount of wages and benefits owed.

he ruling is a significant departure from how Massachusetts courts previously interpreted that requirement. Previously, relying on lower court rulings, many, if not most, Massachusetts employers believed that an employer making a late final payment would be on the hook for only three times the interest on the late-paid wages, not triple the wages and benefits. Many employers also believed they had a defense to treble damages if they paid the earned wages and benefits before the employee filed a complaint in court. The Reuter decision changes these long-held beliefs dramatically.

A three-week paycheck delay, then a lawsuit.

In Reuter, the city of Methuen terminated an employee after she was convicted of larceny in 2013. At the time she was fired, she had accrued $8,952.15 in unused vacation time. The city paid her that amount three weeks later. Then, one year later, the employee’s attorney sent a demand for $23,872.40: triple the amount of late vacation pay, plus attorneys’ fees, minus the amount already paid. In response, the city paid $185.42: triple the interest accrued at 12 percent for the three weeks the city delayed paying the accrued vacation pay.

The employee sued to recover triple the amount of late wages.

Court awards fired employee triple the amount of her late wages.

The trial judge held the employee was only entitled to treble the interest, accrued at 12 percent, for the three-week delay in receiving her vacation pay, plus attorneys’ fees. The defendant appealed the award of attorneys’ fees and the employee cross-appealed, again seeking triple the amount of late wages and benefits. The SJC transferred the appeal on its own motion.

The SJC ultimately remanded the case to the Superior Court, requiring the court to award the employee treble wages. On remand, the Superior Court must also award the employee’s attorneys’ fees.

The Reuter decision provides guidance to employers.

In reaching this decision, the SJC relied heavily on the rationale that a terminated employee lacks advance warning of the end of their employment. The legislature intended such employees to be paid in full on their last day to minimize disruption in their ability to maintain their standard of living.

The SJC recognized that its decision in Reuter puts employers in a challenging position when terminating an employee suddenly, such as for illegal or other misconduct, since the amount owed to them might not be readily apparent. In these instances, the SJC proposed that short-term suspension might be necessary instead of immediate termination: “[t]his may mean that employees who, like the plaintiff, have engaged in illegal or otherwise harmful conduct may have to be suspended rather than terminated for a short period of time until the employer can comply with § 148.”

Finally, note that the impact of this ruling also extends to employers’ final pay obligations for employees who voluntarily terminate their employment. In the case of voluntary terminations, the Massachusetts Wage Act requires that employees be paid their final pay no later than at the time of the employer’s next scheduled payroll. Employers who fail to pay those employees all owed wages by that time face potential damages for treble the amount of the final pay.

If you have any questions about the Massachusetts Wage Act, or need assistance with an employee termination or other workforce restructuring, Beck Reed Riden LLP’s employment attorneys are available to assist.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

 

 

Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers List Includes Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys

Boston Magazine Top Lawyers Window DecalsBoston Magazine has included four Beck Reed Riden LLP attorneys in the publication’s first-ever “Top Lawyers” list, which recognizes the top law professionals in Greater Boston.

Published as part of the magazine’s December 2021 issue, the 2021 “Top Lawyers” list includes the following Beck Reed Riden LLP attorneys:

Boston Magazine’s editorial team researched and selected lawyers based on peer nominations and credentials. The complete list is available here.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

U.S. News Includes Beck Reed Riden LLP in 2022 Best Law Firms Ranking

Beck Reed Riden LLP has again received national recognition in U.S News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” publication for 2022.

For the fourth time, Beck Reed Riden LLP received a national ranking in addition to several regional rankings. Specifically, U.S. News & World Report designated Beck Reed Riden LLP as a Tier 3 firm nationally in the category of Litigation – Labor & Employment.

The complete list of Beck Reed Riden LLP’s rankings is as follows:

National rankings:

Tier 3 in Litigation – Labor & Employment

Regional rankings: Boston

Tier 1 in Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 in Employment Law – Management
Tier 1 in Litigation – Labor & Employment

The 2022 rankings are based on peer reviews and client input. To be eligible for a ranking, a firm must have a lawyer listed in The Best Lawyers in America.

Russell Beck was named Boston’s Lawyer of the Year in Litigation – Labor and Employment. Nicole Daly, Stephen Riden, and Bob Shea were also selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022. In addition, Hannah Joseph was included in the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Ranked firms, presented in tiers, are listed on a national and/or metropolitan scale. Receiving a tier designation reflects the high level of respect a firm has earned among other leading lawyers and clients in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. The “Best Law Firms” rankings can be seen in their entirety by visiting bestlawfirms.usnews.com.

Best Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America® are registered trademarks of BL Rankings, LLC d/b/a Best Lawyers and Co., LLC.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys Named Super Lawyers

Russell Beck, Stephen Riden, Bob Shea, and Nicole Gage have been recognized as Super Lawyers by the 2021 issue of Massachusetts Super Lawyers Magazine. In addition, Nicole Daly, Hannah Joseph, Jillian Carson, and Kyle Vieira have been recognized as Rising Stars by the Magazine.

Super Lawyers Magazine has selected Russell Beck as one of the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts for 2021.

Stephen Riden and Bob Shea were selected as two of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts.

The title of Super Lawyer is given to 5% of the lawyers in the Commonwealth while the Rising Star designation recognizes 2.5% of lawyers under 40.  The Super Lawyers selection process is described in detail here.

Beck Reed Riden LLPis Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers in America List

Beck Reed Riden LLP is pleased to announce that four of its lawyers have been named to the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers, and one of its lawyers was included in Best Lawyers: Ones to WatchIn addition, Russell Beck was named Lawyer of the Year in the category of LitigationLabor and Employment.

Russell Beck, Stephen Riden, Nicole Daly, and Bob Shea were named to the 2022 Best Lawyers in America list in the following categories:

  • Russell Beck, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Trade Secrets Law
  • Steve RidenCommercial Litigation
  • Nicole DalyEmployment Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment
  • Bob Shea, Employment Law – Management

In addition, Hannah Joseph was included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Law – Management, and Litigation – Intellectual Property.

Best Lawyers has published their list for over three decades. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 65 countries.

Best Lawyers Award BadgeLawyers on the Best Lawyers in America ® list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. For the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, more than 10.8 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in more than 66,000 leading lawyers being included in the new edition.

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

Beck Reed Riden LLP Attorneys Named Super Lawyers

Russell Beck, Stephen ReedStephen Riden, and Bob Shea have been recognized as Super Lawyers by the 2020 issue of Massachusetts Super Lawyers Magazine. In addition, Nicole Daly, Hannah Joseph, and Jillian Carson have been recognized as Rising Stars by the Magazine.

Super Lawyers Magazine has selected Russell Beck as one of the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts for 2020.

Stephen Reed and Stephen Riden were selected as two of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts.

The title of Super Lawyer is given to 5% of the lawyers in the Commonwealth while the Rising Star designation recognizes 2.5% of lawyers under 40.  The Super Lawyers selection process is described in detail here.

Beck Reed Riden LLPis Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and employment.

We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.

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