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Beck Reed Riden LLP is proud to announce that Steve Riden has been named one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s “Go To Lawyers” for Commercial and Consumer Law.

The Massachusetts Go To Lawyers program, launched in 2020, recognizes leaders in the Massachusetts legal community by practice area. The attorneys featured in this special issue were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel from Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for their depth of experience, record of success, and reputation for excellence in their field.

This honor reflects Steve’s commitment to providing strategic, practical counsel to clients ranging from startups to global enterprises, and his dedication to excellence in commercial litigation.

The following biography was included in Steve Riden’s profile in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly:

Years in practice: 26

Best known for:

Representing companies and individuals in complex disputes involving trade secrets and restrictive covenants, including noncompete agreements. I also frequently advise clients on protecting proprietary information and navigating employee transition issues.

Why I chose my practice area:

The work is endlessly interesting because no two matters are ever the same. Disputes involving restrictive covenants are inherently fact intensive and nuanced, and each case presents a unique set of facts and potential arguments. Trade secret protection and misappropriation matters often require a detective’s mindset, which makes the work both challenging and enjoyable. The fast-paced nature of these disputes keeps things exciting. When my partners and I founded Beck Reed Riden 15 years ago, we shared a passion for this kind of work.

Most memorable case:

The occasions when a judge decided to have parties present live testimony rather than ruling on a motion for preliminary injunction based on the papers. These situations compressed written discovery, depositions, witness preparation, and a mini-trial into just a few weeks — requiring total focus and teamwork under significant time pressure.

What makes me a leader in my field:

Showing up for my clients and colleagues prepared, engaged, and committed to doing the best I can.

Outlook for 2026:

Noncompete law remains in constant flux, with states likely continuing to revise their statutes and the FTC signaling aggressive enforcement ahead. Blockbuster trade secret verdicts will continue highlighting the importance of proactive compliance and thoughtful litigation strategies.

Bar involvement/leadership roles:

President of the Boston College Law School Alumni Association (2020); chair and co-chair of the Boston Bar Journal Board of Editors (2020-2022); co-chair of the Boston Bar Association’s Business and Commercial Litigation Section; articles editor for The Federal Lawyer.

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.

Widely regarded as a thought leader in business litigation, Steve frequently writes and speaks on topics such as trade secret protection, noncompete enforcement, and emerging trends in commercial disputes. Steve also serves in leadership roles within the Boston legal community, including past service as President of the Boston College Law School Alumni Association and as Co-Chair of the Boston Bar Journal Board of Editors.

 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.