McDowell Law fondly remembers Joseph F. Riga, not only as a former partner and remarkable attorney, but as a friend.  His presence in our lives and in our profession will be deeply missed.

In the practice of law, we are reminded daily of the weight of responsibility—advocating for justice, upholding integrity, and standing firmly for those who need a voice. Joe embodied all of these ideals. More than a skilled attorney, he carried a deep sense of duty, compassion, and fairness into every case, every client interaction, and every moment in the courtroom.

Joe was someone who cared for people. He mentored his follow attorneys, coached up new paralegals, and never hesitated to lend a listening ear when work became overwhelming, and reminded us that balance, laughter, and kindness matter as much as hard work. We fondly remember his competitive spirit, his humor, and the camaraderie we shared as colleagues and friends.

Joseph F. Riga graduated cum laude from Boston College Law School where he was senior editor of the Boston College International and Comparative Law Review. He also received an LL.M. in 1997 from New York University School of Law after his clerkship with the Honorable David A. Scholl, then Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Riga’s practice was focused on litigation, commercial and finance law, and bankruptcy law. Mr. Riga published several articles and book chapters including a comprehensive chapter on Section 547 of the Bankruptcy Code appearing in Queenan, Hendel and Hillinger, Chapter 11 Theory and Practice (LRP Publications). One of his articles, State Immunity in Bankruptcy after Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Florida appears in Volume 28, no. 1 of the Seton Hall Law Review.

Joe began his practice with the firm Drinker Biddle & Reath in Philadelphia. He also had been associated with Duane, Morris & Heckscher and Hangley, Aronchick, Segal & Pudlin, of Philadelphia. Mr. Riga was formerly associated with McDowell Law (then McDowell Riga) before he rejoined the firm as of counsel in 2019.

We mourn alongside Colleen, Joe’s wife of 33 years and his children, Kate, Mac (Michael) and Plum (Veronica).

As we reflect on Joe’s life, we will honor his legacy by continuing to practice law with the same commitment to fairness, compassion, and excellence. We will support and mentor one another as Joe always did. We will honor his memory by striving to make a positive difference—in our profession, in our communities, and in the lives of others.

Joe, thank you for the time we had with you, for the lessons you taught us, and for the example you set. You will be deeply missed, but your influence will live on in all of us. Your spirit will never be forgotten.