Community Highlights: Meet Whitnie Riden of The Riden Law Firm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitnie Riden.

Hi Whitnie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went to Georgia State University for undergrad, where I majored in Journalism with a Media Management Minor. I always knew I wanted to be an attorney, primarily in the sports and entertainment industry. So, I wanted to focus undergrad on that area since I knew law school would give me the tools necessary to navigate the legal space, the foundation on the sports and media space started in undergrad. During that time, I interned and worked for various law firms, sports agencies, radio networks, sport professional teams, etc. to network.

I went to Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. While in law school, I met my now husband and law partner, Maurice “Reece” Riden, II and we shared our future goals and aspirations. I shared with him how I wanted to tap into the sports field, specifically collegiately now, to be at the forefront of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). He was a collegiate athlete, and he helped connect me with his former college Athletic Director whom helped secure me a internship with NCAA and Emmanuel College. I was able to work on legislation at the NCAA on NIL and college athletes getting paid, and also assist with state legislation in Georgia on high school athletes receiving payment.

My husband and I always knew we wanted to open a law firm together at some point in our life, so we made sure we helped each other along the way. he went to Emmanuel College for undergrad and Atlanta John Marshall for law school. my husband passed the bar in 2019 and I passed the bar in 2021.

Fast forward, after we each respectively worked for other law firms, we finally had the opportunity to open our law firm together – The Riden Law Firm. My husband is a strong part of my story! I serve as the Managing Partner and my husband is Partner. We focus primarily on personal injury, sports and entertainment law, intellectual property and estate planning.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is smooth, but the struggles and obstacles are what makes it worth it. A primary obstacle would certainly be age, and just being younger attorneys in a profession where people equate your age to work experience (I.e. an older attorney is better). However, age doesn’t necessary reflect quality of service. You can be younger but maybe have a better legal strategy or vice versa. Regardless of age, every attorney went to law school and passed the same bar.

It builds character, and I think the beauty of the struggle is younger or more “seasoned”, everyone can learn from one another.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Riden Law Firm?
Our firm is husband and wife led. I serve as the Founder/Managing Partner, whereas my husband is the Partner. Our firm is a boutique legal practice committed to delivering tailored, high-impact legal solutions for creatives, entrepreneurs, families, and professionals.

Our expertise spans from Personal Injury, Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment, Estate Planning, and Business Law matters. From assisting a client in a motor vehicle accident, to negotiating a contract with a professional sports team or brand deal, we have you covered.

Our firm takes pride in our clientele and getting to know them. You’re not just another client for us. We treat clients like family, and we will be there biggest advocate in all areas.

Brand wise, I think continuity is very Important and staying true to our core values. We are the same no matter what. We can empathize because we are also human. We listen deeply, plan carefully, and act proactively. With that, most clients return for additional services or refer our firm to others, and we are very appreciative.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Self-Aware Leader – John C. Maxwell
Buy Back Your Time – Dan Martell
The Science of Happiness Podcast

Otherwise, a huge resource is exercise and family time. As simple as that sounds, I think people sometimes forget to shut off work and just your body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Going on daily walks is a great resource to just reset and recharge each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ridenlawfirm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridenlaw/
• Facebook: The Riden Law Firm

Image Credits
Naturally Posh Photography