6/20/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Elected Treasurer of Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford
Individual Clients partner Linda J. McDowell has been elected Treasurer of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford, an association of over two hundred accredited professional attorneys, accountants, financial planners and trust officers. All are dedicated to estate and financial planning for individuals and businesses, and strive to provide a better understanding of the estate and financial planning process for clients and the public.

6/19/08
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Attorney Presents on Green Building
LandLaw Attorney Robert J. Sitkowski recently spoke about “Green Building and Green Development” to members of the Town of Glastonbury Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands Agency and its Town Plan & Zoning Commission. His presentation served as an introduction to emerging green building and green land development techniques. His PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here.

6/18/08
Robinson & Cole Real Estate Partner Elected Vice Chair of CBA
Robinson & Cole Real Estate Partner Edward S. Hill has been elected as Vice Chair of the Connecticut Bar Association Real Property Section for the 2008-2009 year. Previously, Mr. Hill has served as Treasurer and before that for two years as Secretary. The Real Property Section has over 1,000 members and is one of the largest sections of the Connecticut Bar Association.

6/17/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Partner Speaks at Annual Land Use Institute
Dwight H. Merriam recently addressed the Annual Land Use Institute of the Center for American and International Law in Plano, Texas, on " Legal Issues in New Urbanism". He also spoke on "Recent Developments in Inverse Condemnation."

6/16/08
Robinson & Cole Labor & Employment Attorneys Presented at CBA
Labor & Employment partners Ursula L. Haerter and Richard F. Vitarelli recently participated in a Connecticut Bar Association seminar on "Select Developments in Labor Law and Practice." Mr. Vitarelli and counsel for the Communication Workers of America discussed private sector bargaining trends, including the impact of Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Associations (VEBAs) and the Big Three Automakers negotiations with UAW, the Pension Protection Act of 1996 and its impact on pensions and the recent NLRB decision, Dana Corporation, card check recognition, and neutrality agreements. The program also included discussion of developments with respect to employer work rules by the Deputy Associate General Counsel of the NLRB's Division of Advice in Washington and NLRB remedies by the Regional Director and Regional Attorney for Region 34, NLRB. Ms. Haerter served as co-chair and moderator for the program. Rita B. Trivedi assisted with written materials.

6/13/08
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Attorney Speaks at AIA National Convention
LandLaw Attorney Robert J. Sitkowski presented a continuing education seminar at the national convention of the American Institute of Architects, held in Boston on May 16, 2008. Mr. Sitkowski's presentation, “Understanding Design Controls in Local Land Development Codes” focused on the types of land use regulations that impact the design of buildings, with an emphasis on the emerging technique of form-based codes. His PowerPoint presentation can be viewed here.

6/12/08
Robinson & Cole Partners Speak on CT Tax Incentives and Increment Financing
Richard W. Tomeo and David M. Panico recently spoke to a group of 95 municipal economic development officers and planners at Northeast Utilities in Berlin on the subject of Connecticut tax incentives and tax increment financing. The program was presented as part of the Community Builders Institute.

6/11/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed Editorial Board Liaison of ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
Insurance Group attorney Shawna H. Kohl was recently appointed as an Editorial Board Liaison to the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Committee of the American Bar Association for the 2008-09 bar year.

6/10/08
Robinson & Cole Participates in "Dress to Impress" Event
Kate M. Bailey, a Product Liability & Subrogation paralegal in the Boston office, recently modeled with other legal professionals in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's Fashion Show, "Dress to Impress." Proceeds from the event benefited Dress for Success, which provides professional attire to disadvantaged women seeking employment. Please click here for photos.

6/10/08
Robinson & Cole Partners Speak at Connecticut Bar Association Annual Meeting
On June 9, 2008, John Malloy and Kip Dwyer, partners in the Insurance and Reinsurance Practice Group, taught a seminar on property and casualty insurance coverage, claims handling, and litigation at the Connecticut Bar Association's annual meeting. The meeting was held at the Connecticut Convention Center, and was attended by several hundred members of the bar.

6/9/08
Robinson & Cole Tax Partner Speaks at ABA State & Local Tax Committee Meeting
Tax partner Richard W. Tomeo recently participated as a panelist at the American Bar Association State & Local Tax Committee meeting in Washington on the topic of policy issues presented by class actions and other nontraditional claims against vendors for overcollection of sales taxes.

6/6/08
Robinson & Cole Volunteers at Greater Boston Food Bank
On June 4, 2008, members of Robinson & Cole's Boston office volunteered at the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) to inspect, sort, and repack "salvaged" food and grocery products the GBFB receives. These items are then redistributed to more than 600 hunger-relief agencies throughout eastern Massachusetts. This year, the R&C team sorted a total of 4355 pounds of food and made 2680 meals possible for local families. Please click here for photos.

6/5/08
Robinson & Cole Environmental Partner Authors Chapter in Deal Strategies Book
Pamela K. Elkow recently authored "Key Questions in Addressing Environmental Issues in a Transaction" published in Inside the Minds: Environmental Law Deal Strategies. To read chapter, please click here.

6/4/08
Robinson & Cole Business Litigation Attorneys Publish Nationally On Admissibility of ESI
Bradford S. Babbitt and Kori Termine Wisneski, members of Robinson & Cole's Business Litigation Group, recently addressed those obstacles in an article published nationally by the ABA Section of Litigation Commercial & Business Litigation Committee. The article identifies the evidentiary issues that must be resolved for different types of ESI to be admitted under the Rules and discusses different techniques to resolve those issues.

6/3/08
Robinson & Cole Immigration Attorneys Present at WNEC School of Law
Immigration attorneys Joshua S. Mirer and Natalia A. Sharubina recently presented "Basic Immigration Issues for Academic Institutions, Employers, and Students" at Western New England College School of Law.

6/2/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed Vice-Chair of ABA YLD Section Committee
Insurance Group attorney Shawna H. Kohl was recently appointed a vice-chair of the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Committee of the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section for the 2008-09 bar year.

5/30/08
Robinson & Cole Immigration Attorneys Present at CBA Section Meeting
Immigration attorneys Joshua S. Mirer and Natalia A. Sharubina recently presented "A Primer on Business Immigration Issues: What an Employer Should Know When Hiring Non-U.S. Citizens" at the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyers' Section meeting.

5/28/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Receives ABA Award
Business Litigation Counsel Thomas J. Donlon recently received an award as Outstanding Sub-Committee Chair at the recent ABA Section of Litigation Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Mr. Donlon was honored for his work in the past year as Chair of the Programming Sub-Committee of the Appellate Advocacy Committee.

5/27/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorneys Teach High School Students About Real Estate Development
Robinson & Cole Land Use attorneys Michael S. Giaimo and Karl P. Baker recently visited Boston Latin High School, a public high school in the City of Boston, to work with high school seniors as part of an Urban Land Institute program that introduces students to urban planning and real estate development concepts.

5/26/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Speaks at BEACON Alliance Seminar Event
William Sellay made a presentation to medical companies entitled "Legal Issues of Exporting" at a program sponsored by the Biomedical Engineering Alliance and Consortium.

5/23/08
Robinson & Cole Immigration Attorneys Present at CBIA Meeting
Immigration attorneys Joshua S. Mirer and Natalia A. Sharubina recently presented "The Department of Homeland Security: The Controversial 'No Match' Letter Rule Returns" at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) meeting.

5/21/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Serves as Volunteer Lawyer for Citizenship Day 2008
Business Litigation attorney Meghana D. Shah recently served as a volunteer lawyer for Citizenship Day 2008 at Greater Hartford Legal Aid. Citizenship Day is a day-long workshop with sites around the country providing assistance to lawful permanent residents eligible for naturalization. The event brought together attorneys, paralegals, and interpreters to assist lawful permanent residents in the preparation of United States citizenship applications and to provide advice to those with questions about the naturalization process.

5/19/08
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Co-Author Article on Climate Change
Utilities and Environmental attorneys Brian C. Freeman, Kirstin M. Etela, and Jonathan E. Blaine recently co-authored "Climate Change Begets Legal Change" which appeared in the April 2008 Land Use issue of the Connecticut Law Tribune. To read article, please click here.

5/16/08
Robinson & Cole Immigration Attorneys Publish Article in CT Law Tribune
Immigration attorneys Megan R. Naughton and Natalia A. Sharubina recently published an article entitled "Trepidation over Employment Verification" in the April 28, 2008 edition of the Connecticut Law Tribune as part of a special section of the newspaper on Employment & Immigration Law. The article discusses the use of the government's E-Verify system to check workers' employment authorization. Click here to read article.

5/15/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance Attorney Presents at the Property Loss Research Bureau
Insurance Counsel Rebecca Levy-Sachs recently presented workshops at the Property Loss Research Bureau in Boston on "Litigation Holds: How to Protect Your Company". The presentation addressed when and how carriers must respond to suspend document destruction policies when litigation is foreseeable, how to use outside counsel to draft effective litigation hold letters, and how to protect their company (and insureds) to avoid spoliation sanctions for failure to preserve electronically stored information. The 90 minute workshops were very well received.

5/14/08
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner Updates Federal Land Use Law & Litigation Book
LandLaw Partner Brian W. Blaesser recently published with his co-author, Alan Weinstein, the 2008 update of his book Federal Land Use Law & Litigation (Thomson-West).

The 2008 edition continues its emphasis on issues pertaining to litigation and on providing an understanding of the procedural and strategic dimensions of federal land use law. The 2008 edition includes includes two new sections ? on Wetlands and on Air Quality ? as part of the authors' ongoing effort to expand the coverage of the book to cover federal environmental laws which impact land use and local land use regulation. This edition also surveys the lower federal court decisions that have addressed “class of one” equal protection claims since the Supreme Court's decision in the Olech case, and updates lower court decisions involving the establishment clause and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Click here for more information.

5/13/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Serves as Panel Member and Presenter at Omaha by Design
LandLaw Attorney Matthew J. Lawlor recently served as a panel member and presenter for the Omaha By Design Session at the Annual Conference of the American Planning Association, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 27, 2008. Mr. Lawlor spoke regarding legal issues encountered in the firm's efforts (led by LandLaw Partner Brian W. Blaesser) and coordination with local Nebraska municipal attorneys in assisting the City of Omaha with the adoption of major revisions to the municipal zoning and subdivision codes to implement a new city-wide urban design plan. The plan and code amendments can be viewed here.

5/12/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Hosts Center for Spectator Sports Security Management's National Advisory Board Meeting
On May 6, 2008, Real Estate Partner Frank L. Baker III hosted and participated in the third semi-annual National Advisory Board Meeting for the University of Southern Mississippi Center for Spectator Sports Security Management at the Yale Club in New York City. The Center focuses on research, education, and outreach efforts in sport event security. As a founding member of the Advisory Board, and as pro bono counsel to the Board, Mr. Baker provided member security updates affecting the training of managers and security personnel of sports venues across the U.S. To view picture, please click here. For more information, visit Sport Event Security.

5/9/08
Robinson & Cole Participates in AmeriCares HomeFront Day
Attorneys, staff, and family of Robinson & Cole recently volunteered during the 20th Anniversary AmeriCares Homefront Day. The event's mission was to improve lives by assisting home owners, such as senior citizens, single parents, people with disabilities, and low income families, with free home repairs. The team worked on a combination of small and large home improvement projects for one home in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Click here to see pictures.

5/8/08
Robinson & Cole Immigration Attorneys Hold Educational Sessions in Three Cities
Immigration attorneys Megan R. Naughton and Joshua S. Mirer recently served as faculty members on three separate educational sessions on behalf of Sterling Educational Services regarding "Ensuring Compliance When Hiring Foreign Nationals." The three cities were Hartford, Boston, and Melville, New York.

5/7/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Elected Chairman of Board of Fire Commissioners
Litigation partner Michael B. Golden was recently elected chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Greenville Fire Department, located in Scarsdale, New York. Mr. Golden has been a commissioner for 7 1/2 years.

5/6/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Authors Background Check Article
Business Litigation attorney Jennifer R. Rossi recently wrote "A Double-Edged Sword", an article discussing background checks, published in the April 14, 2008 issue of the Hartford Business Journal. To read article, please click here.

5/5/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed Co-Chair of CBA Section Committee
Labor & Employment attorney Rita B. Trivedi was recently appointed a co-chair of the Labor and Employment Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section for the 2008-09 bar year.

5/2/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Presents at US Department of Commerce Event
Bill Sellay recently gave a presentation entitled "How to Grow Your Business Internationally" at a seminar sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. He also received a plaque from the Secretary of Commerce designating him a member of the District Export Council.

5/1/08
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Speak at CBA Seminar
Attorneys Richard F. Vitarelli, Cathryn A. Reynolds, and Nicole A. Bernabo recently participated in the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section seminar "The Art of Negotiation." Mr. Vitarelli and Ms. Reynolds served as panelists, along with former superior court judge Beverly Hodgson, while Ms. Bernabo served as the moderator. The seminar discussed the importance of negotiation in legal practice, why it may break down, and how to operate with skill and finesse in negotiation situations.

4/30/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Participates in UCONN's Online Course
Insurance Partner Barbara A. O'Donnell's article, "The First Wave of Decisions Interpreting Employment Practices Liability Policies," in the American Bar Association's The Brief, will be a topic of discussion during the University of Connecticut School of Law online course on Liability Insurance Pressure Points: Policies, Coverage, and Claims. Additionally, Ms. O'Donnell will participate as a "guest lecturer" and contribute to the online forum discussion where the students discuss the readings.

4/29/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to HSO Board of Directors
Mathew P. Jasinski, of the Business Litigation practice group, was recently elected to the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra, marking its 64th season in 2007-2008, is Connecticut's premier musical organization and is widely recognized as one of America's leading regional orchestras.

4/27/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Was Keynote Speaker At CTAWWA Seminar
Real Estate Litigation & Title Insurance Partner Christopher J. Hug was recently the keynote speaker at the Connecticut Section of the American Water Works Association's "How to Manage Hazardous Cross-Connections" seminar on April 25th, 2008 in Hartford, CT. Mr. Hug discussed "Legal Ramifications of a Backflow Incident."

4/25/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Co-Authors Chapters in History Book
Business Litigation attorney Jeffrey J. White recently co-authored two chapters in "The History of the Connecticut Supreme Court" by Wesley W. Horton. Published by Thomson West, Mr. White coauthored Chapters 6 and 7, which discuss the history of the Supreme Court from the 1860s through 1910.

4/24/08
Robinson & Cole Counsel Joins Connecticut Trust's Board of Trustees
Real Estate attorney Charles E. Janson recently joined the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation's Board of Trustees. Established in 1975 as a non-profit organization by Special Act of the Connecticut General Assembly, the Connecticut Trust's mission is to preserve the character and ensure the vitality of Connecticut's historically significant places. To view announcement in their newsletter, please click here.

4/23/08
Robinson & Cole Partner to Present at REBA Spring Conference
On May 5, 2008, E. Christopher Kehoe will co-present "Legislative Update of Recent & Pending Legislation: Summary & Highlights" at the Real Estate Bar Association (REBA) 2008 Spring Conference. As Chair of REBA's Legislation Committee, Mr. Kehoe will discuss the inner-workings of the Committee as well as recent and pending legislation on the Hill, including former tidelands and c. 91 licenses; regulation of notaries and witness closings; condominium topics; mortgage foreclosures; and the Massachusetts homestead law.

4/22/08
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Succeed in PAIR Project
Attorneys Christopher S. Pitt and Elizabeth C. Sackett, were featured in the March 2008 Political Asylum Immigration Representation (PAIR) newsletter. They successfully represented a Zimbabwean man whose life was threatened by the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU PF). With the help of his attorneys, the client was able to obtain political asylum in the United States.

4/16/08
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner Appointed as ICSC Alliance Co-Chair
LandLaw Partner Brian W. Blaesser has just been appointed as the Maine/Massachusetts/New Hampshire/Rhode Island/Vermont State Alliance Co-Chair - Private by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). As the private sector co-chair of the Alliance Program, Mr. Blaesser will work with his public sector counterpart to organize and participate in programs designed to introduce the shopping center industry to state and local governments, acquaint them with developers and retailers who can bring retail jobs and tax revenue to their communities, and to create long-term alliances between government officials and ICSC members.

4/10/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers
Stephen E. Goldman has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the most widely known legal associations in America. To read press release, please click here.

4/9/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance & Reinsurance Group Attorneys Help Secure Critical Victory in Hurricane Katrina Property Damage Litigation
On April 8, 2008, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a very important decision favorable to the insurance industry in the Hurricane Katrina property insurance litigation. Robinson & Cole Insurance & Reinsurance Group attorneys Stephen E. Goldman and Wystan M. Ackerman have been heavily involved in the Hurricane Katrina litigation since its outset.

4/8/08
Robinson & Cole Partner's Article in REBA News
Land Use Partner Michael S. Giaimo's article, "An Encounter with the SJC's 'Bjorkland' Decision," appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of The Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts (REBA) News which was a supplement to the April 7, 2008 Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This timely article illustrates in simple terms, by means of a hypothetical dialogue between an attorney and his client, how the recent Supreme Judicial Court decision impacts the ongoing debate between property owners and municipalities over the extent to which a property owner may expand an existing single or two family dwelling on a non-conforming lot.

4/7/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Serves as Scoring Judge in Mock Trial Competition
Business Litigation Attorney Kori Termine Wisneski recently served as a scoring judge for a Regional Mock Trial Competition hosted by Quinnipiac University School of Law and the University of Connecticut School of Law at the Middlesex Superior Court in Middletown. Teams from each New England law school participated in the competition in the hopes of winning a spot in a national mock trial competition, which is held each spring in Texas.

4/7/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Partner Speaks at NAIOP Seminar
Land Use Partner Brian W. Blaesser will be a moderator and panelist at the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP)'s half day educational seminar on "How to Develop Affordable Housing Under Chapter 40B" on April 9, 2008 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. Mr. Blaesser will provide an overview on recently promulgated regulatory changes, as well as recent 40B court cases. Through an in-depth case study, developers and consultants who have successfully developed 40B projects (large and small, rental and ownership models) will discuss their experiences and provide valuable tips and strategies for building affordable housing under 40B. For more information, visit http://www.naiopma.org.

4/6/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Leads Networking 101 Event
On April 1, 2008, Nancy M. Cremins introduced "Networking 101: Strategies to Become a Power Chick" to a room of 200 members of the Women's Bar Association. The speed-dating-style event, organized by Ms. Cremins and co-sponsored by the WBA's Business Development Committee and the Law Student Committee, addressed ways to effectively network your way to a better career.

4/3/08
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Co-Author Article for Law Tribune
Edward J. Heath and John M. Tanski recently co-authored "That's Privileged - or Is It?", an article for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Mr. Heath and Mr. Tanski explain that determining whether communications between in-house counsel and their nonlawyer colleagues are protected by Connecticut's attorney-client privilege can prove to be challenging. To read article, please click here.

4/1/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks on Benefits Issues
Attorney Jean Tomasco spoke on "Common Benefit Mistakes (and How to Minimize Risk)" at the recent meeting of the Hartford chapter of W.E.B. (Working in Employee Benefits), a group of benefits professionals.

3/31/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Authors Article for New York State Bar Journal
Litigation Partner Bill Kelleher recently wrote the article, "The New e-Discovery Rules Online - One Year Later," in the Winter 2007 edition of Inside, the newsletter of the Corporate Counsel Section of the New York State Bar Association. The article covers some of the notable cases and developments during the first year of experience under the recent amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on discovery of electronic information.

3/28/08
Robinson & Cole Participates in Earth Hour 2008
Robinson & Cole will participate in the global movement called Earth Hour 2008 and have lights and computers off between the hours of 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Millions of people around the world will join together to make a statement about climate change by turning their lights off for an hour. For more information, please visit Earth Hour 2008's website by clicking here.

3/26/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Partner Speaks at RMLUI Annual Conference
Land Use Partner Dwight Merriam recently addressed the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute's 17 th Annual conference attended by 600 people, in two sessions, one on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and the other on Mansionization. Mr. Merriam has been on RMLUI's five member National Advisory Board since it was founded.

3/25/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Writes Article for Revitalization e-Digest
Land Use Partner Timothy Bates recently authored the article "Promoting mixed-use zones in Euclidean zoning communities" for Revitalization e-Digest. Revitalization e-Digest serves as a central portal for the latest news, trends, legislation, projects, and events related to the business of community renewal and natural resource restoration. Please click here to read article.

3/24/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Discusses Updates from his Labor and Employment Book
On April 16, 2008, Jeffrey L. Hirsch will review important recent developments in labor and employment law in Massachusetts, and discuss where the law is heading in areas such as the Employee Free Choice Act, NLRB, union organizing, and technology's effect on workplace privacy. Mr. Hirsch will discuss updates from his book, Labor and Employment in Massachusetts, published by LexisNexis. The presentation is presented by the Social Law Library and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

3/21/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to the WBA Board
Nancy M. Cremins was recently elected secretary of the Women's Bar Association (WBA) of Massachusetts for the 2008-2009 term. The WBA is one of the oldest and largest women's bar associations in the country. Today, it boasts a membership of more than 1,500 women lawyers, judges and law students across Massachusetts.

3/20/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance Attorney Writes Article for MA Lawyers Weekly
Catherine N. O'Donnell recently published the article "To Disclose Or Not To Disclose: That Is The Question For Policyholders" in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Please click here to read article.

3/19/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Speaks at Fairfield County Bar Association Seminar
Environmental Partner Eric Lukingbeal recently gave a speech on mold called "Toxic Mold Litigation" at a Fairfield County Bar Association seminar in Stamford, Connecticut. Mr. Lukingbeal discussed how most property and liability insurance policies now exclude mold (or limit coverage) and the implications that surround such litigation. He also discussed the current state of the medicine concerning the diseases which mold may cause, the difficulties of proving medical causation, and the overall lack of accepted standards for clean up of mold.

3/18/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Partner Speaks at CLE Conference
Recently, Partner Dwight H. Merriam addressed the 25th National CLE Conference in Vail, first on the "Annual Zoning and Planning Law Report Awards" and then on "Lawyering the Compact and Sustainable Development Project."

3/17/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance Attorney Speaks at FDCC Conference
Rebecca Levy-Sachs recently presented a program at the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel Mid Year Conference's Technology Section meeting. The program discussed the admissibility of ESI and admissibility issues related to digital photography under the Federal Rules of Evidence. Attorney Taylor L. Archambault and Attorney Levy-Sachs prepared two papers which will be published as part of the conference CLE materials.

3/14/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance and Reinsurance Group Attorneys in ABA Newsletter
As editor of the American Bar Association's Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section's Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee Newsletter, Elizabeth C. Sackett provided an introduction to the Winter 2008 issue. Contributing authors include Kate Moran Carter, with an article on "Recent Decisions Addressing Faulty Work as an 'Occurrence' in Construction Defect Coverage Disputes - Still No Consensus" and Catherine O'Donnell who wrote "Massachusetts' Highest Court Weighs in on Excess Insurer Obligations." To see a copy of this issue, please click here.

3/13/08
Robinson & Cole Tax Attorney Speaks at CBIA Business Tax Conference
Jack Shaughnessy recently spoke at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association's Business Tax Conference in Farmington, Connecticut. The topic discussed was "Application of Connecticut Sales and Use Tax to Construction Contractors." Mr. Shaughnessy presented the topic with Paul Greenfield, Chief of the Hartford Regional Office of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

3/12/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance Attorney Speaks at Annual Windstorm Conference
Rebecca Levy-Sachs recently presented two 90-minute workshops at the Annual Windstorm Conference in Jacksonville, Florida entitled "Dollars & Sense - Business Interruption Issues Related to Catastrophes." The conference attracts 1,200-1,400 attendees from the insurance industry each year, and Ms. Levy-Sachs has been invited to present the workshop related to Business Interruption for each of the past three years. This year the Workshop focused on "loss of market" exclusions and "Contingent Business Income" claims.

3/11/08
Robinson & Cole Partner's Article Featured in Banker & Tradesman
Steven P. Perlmutter recently authored the article "In Contracts, Indemnification Provisions Are Full of Details" for the February 25, 2008 issue of Banker & Tradesman, a publication with wide circulation in Massachusetts' business circles. The article discusses how indemnification agreements play a prominent role in the construction litigation arena. Please click here to read article.

3/10/08
Robinson & Cole Utilities Attorney Interviewed By Corporate Connecticut
Attorney David W. Bogan was recently interviewed by Corporate Connecticut in the article "Corporate Energy Q&A: Talking About Our Generations - Connecticut Energy." Please click here to read article.

3/7/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Presents on the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
On March 11, 2008, John R. Bauer will lead a presentation at the Boston Bar Association on "The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: An Overview and Discussion of a Recent First Circuit Case" and discuss its impact on day to day practice. The seminar will also include the implications of a recent first circuit case, EF Cultural Travel BV v. Zefer Corporation and Explorica, Inc. litigated by one of the panelists.

3/6/08
Robinson & Cole Tax Attorney Moderates ABA Panel
Jack Shaughnessy served as moderator of a panel discussing sales tax on services at a recent American Bar Association Tax Section meeting. The panel focused on the unique issues service taxation presents in today's high-tech environment and addressed the recent failed effort in Michigan to include services in the base of the sales tax.

3/5/08
Robinson & Cole "Walks to the Hill" in Boston
On February 28, 2008 Robinson & Cole's Boston attorneys participated in Walk to the Hill for Legal Aid. Massachusetts' civil legal aid programs provide advice and representation to low-income residents with issues including domestic violence, child custody, health care, public benefits and consumer law. Click here for photos.

2/28/08
Robinson & Cole Receives Top Awards from the Legal Marketing Association
Robinson & Cole is proud to be the recipient of three awards from the Legal Marketing Association's New England Chapter's 6th Annual "Your Honor Awards." The "Your Honor Awards" recognize law firms that have demonstrated excellence in marketing and business development. Twenty-two firms, from all six New England states, participated in this year's event. Robinson & Cole received a first place award in the Community Relations category for its "e-Pal Program," third place in the Promotional Materials and Communications/Internal Communication category for "The Source" internal business development and marketing newsletter, as well as Best in Show/76-300 Attorneys for the "e-Pal Program." Please click here for photos.

2/27/08
Robinson & Cole Sponsors Concert at the Garde Arts Center
Robinson & Cole recently sponsored a performance by BeauSoleil & The Subdudes at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Connecticut. Click here to view a photo of Partner Timothy D. Bates on stage welcoming the crowd to the concert.

2/25/08
Robinson & Cole Tax Attorneys Co-Author Article for CT Bar Journal
Jack R. Shaughnessy and Christine E. Bromberg recently co-authored the article "2007 Connecticut Tax Law Developments" for the Connecticut Bar Journal. The article is scheduled for publication in the March issue.

2/22/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Authors Chapter in Environmental Law Book
Pamela K. Elkow recently authored a chapter called "Key Questions for Addressing Environmental Issues in a Transaction" in the book Inside the Minds: Environmental Law Deal Strategies, a nationwide book published by Aspatore Books.

2/21/08
Robinson & Cole Insurance Group Partner Writes for TortSource
Barbara A. O'Donnell, a Robinson & Cole Insurance and Reinsurance Practice Group partner, serves as editor of TortSource, a publication of the Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association. Her recent editorial introduction, "Insurance Coverage Litigation," appeared in the Winter 2008 issue. For more information, please click here.

2/19/08
Robinson & Cole Business Partner Speaks at CVG Venture Capital Forum
Eric J. Dale recently presented to an audience of more than 300 entrepreneurs and investors at the Connecticut Venture Group's Venture Capital Forum. The VC Forum is the premiere Venture Capital event in the State, allowing venture capitalists to showcase their firms and interact with scores of entrepreneurs. The topic of Eric's comments was "Deciphering the Venture Capital Term Sheet".

2/15/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Attorney's Article Featured in Banker & Tradesman
Matthew J. Lawlor recently authored the article "LEED-ND Pilot Rating System Establishes New Building Guidelines" for the February 11th, 2008 issue of Banker & Tradesman. The article discusses the new development project rating system entitled "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Neighborhood Development" or LEED-ND. The system, developed by the US Green Building Council in collaboration with the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council, seeks to rate entire development projects, instead of just buildings, with regard to their environmental sustainability and energy use. Please click here to read article.

2/12/08
Robinson & Cole Honored at the Association for Corporate Growth Awards
Robinson & Cole recently received two awards including "The Most Active Law Firm in 2007" and "The Deal of the Year in 2007" by the Connecticut Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

2/5/08
Robinson & Cole Land Use Partner Gives Back
Land Use Partner, Dwight H. Merriam, recently funded a scholarship for UMass Amherst's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences students in an effort to help them obtain their degrees without accumulating enormous amounts of debt. The Merriam Internship Scholarship, given for the first time last spring, supports summer or semester-long internships in public policy, law, ecological conservation and/or real estate development. Please click here to read full story.

2/4/08
Robinson & Cole Environmental Partners Speak at CTTMA Meeting
Environmental Practice Group Partners Richard M. Fil and Pamela K. Elkow recently spoke at a meeting of the Connecticut Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) in New Haven, Connecticut. Topics discussed included the importance of evaluating environmental matters in turnarounds and bankruptcies to develop strategic options. Options covered included evaluating site conditions and compliance status, working with environmental attorneys and consultants to develop options to minimize costs, and protecting and favorably presenting information. Mr. Fil and Ms. Elkow also explained options for effectively coordinating the evaluation of site multiple locations and practice-specific strategies for negotiating with agencies and adverse parties.

2/1/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Presents at Smaller Business Association of New England Seminar
David B. Wilson, a Robinson & Cole Labor and Employment partner, will present an "Employment Law Update 2008" seminar on February 5, 2008 for the Smaller Business Association of New England's Human Capital Investment Series. The program topics will include: using independent contractors, "family responsibility" discrimination, enforcing (or avoiding) non-compete agreements, pros and cons of arbitration, and employee blogging.

1/30/08
Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to Board of Directors for Prudence Crandall Center
Shawna Harrison Kohl, a Litigation attorney, was recently elected to serve on the board of directors for the Prudence Crandall Center. As a board member, Ms. Kohl will assist in the development and approval of policies, procedures, and regulations to govern the operations of Prudence Crandall Center, as well as monitor the finances, programs and performance of the organization.

1/28/08
Robinson & Cole Labor & Employment Attorney to Speak at CT Bar Association Seminar
Nicole A. Bernabo will be a speaker for the upcoming “Education Litigation: Changes and Challenges” seminar to be held by the Connecticut Bar Association on February 4, 2008. The seminar will provide an overview of recent changes in laws applicable to children enrolled in Connecticut public schools, including who can bring a case and/or complaint against a student, a board of education, or school administration, and which laws apply. Ms. Bernabo will discuss the legal climate, politics, and dynamics surrounding Title IX issues as well as recent cases.

1/23/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Authors "Digest" for Connecticut Lawyer Magazine
Stephen W. Aronson, a member of the firm's Labor & Employment section recently authored the "Professional Discipline Digest" appearing in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of the Connecticut Lawyer magazine. Mr. Aronson has been a member of the Professional Discipline Committee for more than 15 years.

1/18/08
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Volunteer at “Junior Achievement Day”
Robinson & Cole attorneys recently volunteered on behalf of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, Inc. to teach students at Hartford's SAND Elementary School for the first ever “Robinson & Cole/Junior Achievement Day.” This is the first time a law firm has organized a group of this many volunteers to participate in a Junior Achievement program in the Hartford area at one time.

1/17/08
Robinson & Cole Associate Listed as one of the Top 10 Women Corporate Lawyers
Associate Kristen J. Fallon, in the Business section, was nominated and won a spot on Women's Business' list of the Top 10 Corporate Lawyers. The list will be published in the January 2008 issue. Please click here to view article.

1/15/08
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Attorneys Co-Author Article on Mixed Use Development
LandLaw attorneys Brian W. Blaesser and Matthew Lawlor have just published an article entitled “Helping Communities Make Their Regulations Work for Mixed Use.” This two-part article was published in the December 2007 and January 2008 issues of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Retail Law Strategist. The article provides a definition of mixed use development, notes trends in the retail development industry that have led to mixed-use development becoming a major new business platform for retail space construction, identifies the regulatory impediments to developing mixed use projects at the local level, and presents strategies and practice tips for overcoming these impediments. To read Part 1, please click here. To read Part 2, click here.

1/4/08
Robinson & Cole Partner Speaks at UConn Tax program
Partner Richard W. Tomeo, in the Business section, recently spoke to approximately 100 accountants at the University of Connecticut Income Tax School Program. The topic discussed was a Practitioner's Perspective on Developments and Trends in Connecticut Taxation.

1/2/08
Robinson & Cole Immigration Partner Interviewed by CBIA for Article
Partner Megan R. Naughton was recently interviewed by The Journal of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association in the article "New ‘no match' regs are on hold, but you still must Carefully comply with workplace immigration rules". Click here to read article.

12/20/07
Robinson & Cole's 3rd Annual Holiday Card Inspired by Children
Robinson & Cole turned to the sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of the firm's attorneys, lobbyists and staff to design the firm's 2007 holiday card. With 29 entries, four of the illustrations were selected to appear on the firm's holiday card. The winners are:

• John Henry Casey, 5 years old, grandson of Library Assistant Angela Kennedy - Boston office
  
• Madison Kelley, 6 years old, niece of Attorney Carla Moynihan - Boston office
  
• Dylan Smith, 7 years old, son of Attorney Rhonda Tobin - Hartford office
  
• Samantha Kane, 6 years old, daughter of Attorney John Kane - Stamford office

Managing Partner Eric Daniels in Hartford and Partners Pamela Elkow in Stamford and Lawrence Heffernan and Carla Moynihan in Boston recently visited each child's elementary school to acknowledge each winner as well as donate $2,500 to the child's school. Click here for pictures.

12/19/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Receives Jury Verdict on Gross Negligence
Danielle Andrews Long, a Trial & Appellate Advocacy attorney, recently received a plaintiff's jury verdict for an insurance company in a suit against one of its agents. In the case, the Plaintiff sued the defendant title insurance agent and closing attorney for failing to realize a federal tax lien attached to property.

12/18/07
Robinson & Cole LEB Partner Presents at Metro South Chamber of Commerce
On December 6, 2007, Robinson & Cole Labor, Employment & Benefits partner Catherine E. Reuben, together with HR Consultant Jane Callahan, did a presentation on "Human Resources Best Practices" at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce's Business Issues breakfast. Attendees were challenged to test their knowledge with a fun 10-question quiz on a range of employment law issues.

12/17/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Re-Elected to Editorial Board
Caryn L. Daum, a Trial & Appellate Advocacy attorney, was recently re-appointed to serve another term on the Editorial Board of the Massachusetts Law Review, the quarterly comprehensive bar journal of the Massachusetts Bar Association, for the 2007-2008 year.

12/14/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner Testifies on behalf of REBA
On December 4, 2007, R&C LandLaw Partner, Christopher Kehoe, testified before the Massachusetts Judiciary Committee for the House and Senate concerning the Real Estate Bar Association's (REBA) proposed Homestead bill and proposed Notary Public legislation for Massachusetts. Mr. Kehoe led a panel presentation including retired Chief Justice Kilborn from Land Court and other practitioners from Boston.

12/13/07
Robinson & Cole Trial & Appellate Advocacy Lawyers Present on How to Deal with Liability Created by a Company's Salesforce
Robinson & Cole Trial & Appellate Advocacy attorneys John R. Bauer and Nancy M. Cremins presented at a Massachusetts CLE (MCLE) seminar titled "Protect Your Company From Its Salesforce" on December 11, 2007. John Bauer spoke on trade secrets and nonsolicitation agreements as well as fraud and misrepresentation. Nancy Cremins spoke on commercial defamation, product disparagement and false advertising under the Lanham Act.

12/12/07
Robinson & Cole Analyst is Appointed Chairman of Soundwaters Committee
Environmental/Land Use Analyst John M. Anderson, Jr. was recently appointed Chairman of the Soundwaters' Business and Environment Committee. SoundWaters, founded in 1989, is the leading environmental education organization on Long Island Sound. Its mission is to educate children and adults about the wonders and beauty of Long Island Sound and its watershed.

12/11/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner speaks at BuildBoston Conference on Lessons of Smart Growth
Brian W. Blaesser, a partner in Robinson & Cole's LandLaw Section, recently spoke at the Build Boston Conference as part of a panel on “Lessons of Smart Growth - Why Massachusetts is Falling Behind.” Mr. Blaesser addressed state and local regulatory and permitting barriers to mixed use and New Urbanist development patterns, discussed the experience to date with the Smart Growth Overlay District statute in Massachusetts (Chapter 40R) and the implementation of the Permitting/Appeals Reform Act, Chapter 205 of the Acts of 2006 - Legislation which he helped to draft. Mr. Blaesser is the author of Discretionary Land Use Controls: Avoiding Invitations to Abuse of Discretion (Thomson-West: 2007) and “Smart Growth: Legal Assumptions and Market Realities” in the book, Smart Growth: Form and Consequences (Lincoln Institute of Land Policy: 2002).

12/10/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner Elected CRE Chairman for 2008-2009
Frank L. Baker, III was recently elected Chairman of The Counselors of Real Estate for the 2008-2009 year. The CRE, founded in 1953, was established exclusively for real estate advisors who provide intelligent, unbiased, and trusted advice for a client or employer. The organization serves 1,100 members worldwide.

12/7/07
Robinson & Cole Ranked One of Boston's "Next 10" Largest IP Firms
Robinson & Cole was recently ranked in Mass High Tech as one of Boston's "next 10" largest Intellectual Property firm. Ranking is based on the number of New England IP lawyers.

12/6/07
Robinson & Cole Tax Attorneys Participate in Annual State Tax Forum
John R. Shaughnessy, Jr. and Christine E. Bromberg recently spoke at the Connecticut Society of CPA's annual State Tax Forum on the application of Connecticut sales and use tax to construction contracting.

12/5/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected Chair of ABA Committee
Danielle Andrews Long, a Trial & Appellate Advocacy attorney, was recently elected chair of the American Bar Association's Real Estate Litigation Committee's Young Lawyers' Subcommittee.

12/4/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Attorneys Re-Nominated to REBA
Christopher S. Pitt has recently been re-nominated to serve as chair of the Real Estate Bar Association's Title Standards Committee. Arguably REBA's most important committee, the Title Standards Committee proposes the title standards that govern the practice of real estate law in Massachusetts. Christopher Kehoe was recently re-nominated as chair of the Legislative Committee, which is responsible for gaining the passage of various bills proposed by and/or supported by REBA, as well as monitoring and weighing in on legislation of interest to the Real Estate Bar. Both Mr. Pitt and Mr. Kehoe have also been re-nominated as directors of the Real Estate Bar Association.

11/30/07
Robinson & Cole Participates in Annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run
Charles J. Duffy and attorneys Timothy D. Bates, Maria T. Ackley and John P. Casey all ran in the 32nd Annual Tarzan Brown Mystic River Run, a 5.5 miles along the Mystic River in Mystic, Connecticut. More than 700 runners participated this year in a race that celebrates the Southeastern Connecticut community. Please click here to view a picture of the event.

11/29/07
Robinson & Cole Partner Presents at MCHSP Seminar
Peter J. Moser, a Robinson & Cole Labor and Employment partner, recently presented "Hot Topics in Workforce Relations" to an exclusive audience of not-for-profit presidents, CEOs, executive directors, and human resources managers. The program was sponsored by the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers (MCHSP), and addressed timely topics related to labor organizing trends and developments in the Massachusetts human services sector.

11/27/07
Robinson & Cole's Boston Office Held 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Benefit
On November 8, 2007, the women attorneys of the Boston office hosted their 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Benefit. Each year, a select non-profit organization is chosen and all guests are asked to bring an in-kind donation to support the charity. This year, Esperanza Academy, an all-girls, tuition-free school in Lawrence, MA, was the featured organization. Nearly $2000 was raised to help the school provide sufficient resources and meals during their 11-hour school day. In addition to supporting this cause, guests and attorneys enjoyed an evening of sampling select wines and cuisines from regions around the world. Please click here to view photos.

11/26/07
Robinson & Cole Associates Learn to SpeedRead People
Robinson & Cole recently held their 2007 Associates' Retreat at The Boathouse in Hartford. The retreat featured SpeedReading People ®, a revolutionary communication tool which trains professionals to “read” observable clues in others to determine their personality type, which impacts the way in which the person prefers to receive information and make decisions.

11/26/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Participates in WCSU Panel Discussion
Jeffrey J. White recently participated in a panel discussion at Western Connecticut State University, in Danbury, Connecticut. The panel, part of "Banned Books Week" was entitled "A Contested Legacy: The Fitful Development of Freedom of the Press in the Americas."

11/20/07
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present at WESFACCA Program
John Peloso and William Kelleher recently presented at a WESFACCA (Westchester/Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel) program discussing the role of in house counsel and attendant ethical considerations, in light of the "Thompson Memorandum" and it's progeny, as well as ethical and practical considerations in electronic discovery.

11/19/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Presents at a Transportation Conference
On October 4, 2007, Stephen W. Aronson presented a seminar entitled "Employee or Independent Contractor? Managing the Risk" at Truck Conference 2007 sponsored by the Motor Transportation Association of Connecticut. Mr. Aronson discussed growing federal and state legislation, recent court cases, and legal developments in the area of worker misclassification in the transportation industry.

11/16/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Quoted in ABC News Story
Robinson & Cole Labor, Employment & Benefits Partner Catherine E. Reuben was quoted in a October 4, 2007 story on ABC News. The report, "What To Do About the Girl Scout Cookie Pitch: Tips on How to Handle Co-Workers Who Pester You With Fundraising Requests," discussed issues and recommendations regarding office etiquette.

11/15/07
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in WBA Mentoring Program
Robinson & Cole Attorney Danielle Andrews Long participated as a panelist at the Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts mentoring program held at Suffolk Law School in September. Ms. Long answered questions posed by Suffolk Law students about the practice of law and other areas of concern. The panel discussion was moderated by Robinson & Cole Attorney Nancy M. Cremins, who serves as a chair of the WBA Law Student Committee.

11/14/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel Appointed to Advisory Board of Law Clinic at UConn Law School
Amy Span Wergeles, Counsel in the Business Section, has been named to the Advisory Board of the new Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Law Clinic at UConn Law School.

11/12/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Associate to be Appointed to Council of ABA Section
Peter S. Olson will fill a one year term on the Council for the American Bar Association Section of State & Local Government Law for the 2007-2008 year. Mr. Olson has served on the Publications Oversight Board and as Vice-Chair of the Environmental Law Committee and Vice-Chair of the Land Use and Zoning Committee. He has also taken a leadership role along with the Co-Editors of the State & Local Law News to develop and implement a one-year pilot project that aims to convert this Section's newsletter into an electronic format.

11/8/07
Robinson & Cole Contributes to Children's Learning Center of Stamford
Robinson & Cole recently presented a donation for the Children's Learning Center of Stamford to Mayor Dannel Malloy to help support the arts and children's programs in the City of Stamford. The donation was presented at a reception the firm held prior to the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis performance. Click here to view photo.

11/7/07
Robinson & Cole Partner to Participate in the MBA's Solo & Small Firm Conference
On November 8, 2007, Catherine E. Reuben, a Labor, Employment & Benefits partner, will participate as a panelist in the Massachusetts Bar Association's Solo & Small Firm Conference. Cathy will present on the most common employment law mistakes made by lawyers and law firms – and how best to avoid them.

11/6/07
Robinson & Cole Associates Recently Appointed to CBA/YLS Committee
Trial & Appellate Associate Adam T. Boston and Business Associate Brian D. Nichols were recently appointed as Co-Chairs of the Connecticut Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section Health Law Committee.

11/2/07
Robinson & Cole Trial & Appellate Group Lawyer Receives Award from the CBA Young Lawyers Section
Robinson & Cole Trial & Appellate Group lawyer Jeffrey J. White recently received the “Stars of the Year” award from the Connecticut Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section. Mr. White was recognized for his role in organizing the Section's Basic and Advanced Practice Series and for producing a video that celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Section. He was featured with others in the most recent YLS newsletter.

10/31/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Attorney Elected to Board of Directors for the Stamford Symphony Orchestra
Kirstin M. Etela was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Stamford Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Etela will also be serving on the Gala committee, which is the major annual fundraising event for the Orchestra, to be held this year at the Stamford Marriott on November 3, 2007. The Gala is a black-tie event that includes a silent auction, a live performance by the orchestra, cocktails, dinner and dancing.

10/30/07
Robinson & Cole Trial & Appellate Advocacy Attorneys Participate in CLE Seminar
Attorneys Frank F. Coulom, Jr. and Christopher R. Perry recently participated in a CLE seminar entitled “Federal Civil Practice & Procedure” on October 15th, 2007 in New Britain, Connecticut presented by the Young Lawyers Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. This program provided an overview of federal practice in the District of Connecticut, taking attendees through every stage of litigation, from complaint and discovery to motions practice and jury selection to the trial.

10/26/07
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in Second Annual Property Rights Seminar
Attorneys Dwight H. Merriam, Bradford S. Babbitt, Robert J. Sitkowski and David E. Ross recently participated in a CLE seminar entitled “Second Annual Property Rights Seminar: Update on Eminent Domain and Regulatory Takings” on October 10th, 2007 in New Britain, Connecticut presented by the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. This comprehensive, all-day program addressed recent developments in regulatory and eminent domain takings. Sessions included the new Office of Property Rights Ombudsman, legislation, and court rulings.

10/25/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partners Participate in CLE Seminar
Timothy D. Bates, Dwight H. Merriam, and Brian R. Smith recently participated in a CLE seminar entitled “Basic Land Use Law”, on October 3rd, 2007 in New Britain, Connecticut presented by the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. This comprehensive, all-day program covered a broad review of the municipal land use process, including zoning, planning and zoning boards of appeal, and inland wetland issues. This program was intended for practitioners who appear before or represent municipal land use commissions.

10/23/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel Appointed to Advisory Board of CT Lawyer Magazine
Amy Span Wergeles, Counsel in the Business Section, has been named to the Advisory Board of Connecticut Lawyer magazine, the Connecticut Bar Association's monthly publication.

10/18/07
Robinson & Cole Partner Interviewed by CCH as Expert
Partner Bruce B. Barth was interviewed in the CCH Employee Benefits Management's August 2007 Newsletter as an expert on the Massachusetts' Health Care Reform Act. Click here to read the interview.

10/15/07
Robinson & Cole LEB Partner Speaks at Conn-NAHRO Meeting
Richard F. Vitarelli was recently a guest speaker at the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials General Membership Meeting which took place on September 27, 2007 in Wallingford, CT. Mr. Vitarelli's speech, “Retiree Health Benefits: The Current State of the Law for Housing Authority Commissioners and Administrators”, was part of the Conn-NAHRO's Monthly meetings.

10/12/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel to Serve Second Term as Chair of CBA Section
Amy Span Wergeles, Counsel in the Business Section, has been asked to serve a second term as Chair of the Connecticut Bar Association's Intellectual Property Section. Ms. Wergeles is also the former chair and current Executive Committee member of the Technology Law Section of the CBA.

10/11/07
Robinson & Cole Partner Participates in MCLE Panel
On September 24, 2007, Peter J. Moser, a Robinson & Cole Labor and Employment partner, spoke as a panel member as part of a half-day seminar presented by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE). The presentation was entitled "Employment Law for Non-Profit Organizations." Mr. Moser discussed labor law concerns for non-profits. The program was attended by in-house counsel from a variety of local non-profit companies, including hospitals and universities.

10/1/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner Authors 10th Edition of Land Use Book
Brian W. Blaesser, a partner in Robinson & Cole's LandLaw Section recently released the tenth edition of Discretionary Land Use Controls: Avoiding Invitations to Abuse of Discretion. The book provides a step-by-step explanation of how to limit government abuse of discretion in government decision making as well as offers practical litigation tips for dealing with land use regulations in light of key court rulings. The new edition provides an update of the law on variances, special use permits, site plan review, planned unit developments, contract/conditional zoning, development agreements, and design review. It also includes a new section on “Formula Business” ordinances that regulate national retail chain stores and restaurants. For more information about this latest edition of the book, please click here.

9/26/07
Robinson & Cole Health Care Lawyer Appointed to Local Board
Robinson & Cole Health Care lawyer Karen P. Conway was recently appointed to the Connecticut Leadership Board of the American Lung Association of New England. In July of this year, the American Lung Association of Connecticut completed a merger with the other New England states to form the New England chapter. The Leadership Board members serve in an advisory capacity with respect to Connecticut based lung health education programs, research and legislative initiatives and outreach activities.

9/25/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Associate is Appointed to REBA's Continuing Education Committee
Amanda S. Eckhoff, a member of the firm's LandLaw Section, has been appointed to the Continuing Education Committee of the Real Estate Bar Association. The Committee plans and implements the Association's seminars as well as its Annual Meeting. Approximately 500 to 600 REBA members attend each of these programs annually. The programs cover a variety of topics and are designed to attract seasonal real estate professionals as well as attorneys new to the practice of real estate law.

9/24/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Associate is Appointed to REBA's Legislation Committee
Timothy C. Twardowski, a member of the firm's LandLaw Section, has been appointed to the Legislation Committee of the Real Estate Bar Association. The Committee works collaboratively with the Association's Legislative Counsel to gain passage of various bills proposed by and/or supported by REBA, as well as monitoring and weighing in on legislation of interest introduced by others. The Legislation Committee provides both oral and written testimony on a number of bills during legislative sessions. Upon request, REBA often drafts legislative bills for members of the Senate and House on issues relating to real estate.

9/19/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel to Serve on Board of Directors for National Nonprofit Organization
Amy Span Wergeles, Counsel in the Business Section, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Boundless Playgrounds, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to helping communities create barrier-free playgrounds where children, with and without disabilities, can develop essential skills for life as they learn together through play.

9/18/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel Appointed Vice Chair of Publications of ABA Section
Joey Lee Miranda, Counsel in the LandLaw Section, has been appointed Vice Chair of Publications of the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Resources, Gas and Electricity Marketing Committee.

9/17/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed Co-Chair of MBA's Labor & Employment Law Section
Robinson & Cole Labor, Employment & Benefits Partner Catherine E. Reuben was recently appointed co-chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Labor & Employment Law Section. The MBA's Labor & Employment Law Section, one of 15, serves to bring together representatives of employees, employers, labor organizations, the neutral sector, state and federal agencies, arbitrators, and mediators, providing a forum for all segments of the employment bar. Click here to read the press release.

9/14/07
Robinson & Cole Partner Selected to Co-Author LexisNexis Publication
Dwight H. Merriam of the LandLaw Section has been selected to be a co-author of the next edition of the casebook Planning and Control of Land Development published by LexisNexis.

9/13/07
Robinson & Cole Partner and Counsel to Chair Subcommittees of the ABA's Tax Section
Partner Richard W. Tomeo and Counsel John R. Shaughnessy, Jr. have been designated Subcommittee Chairs for the ABA Tax Section's State and Local Tax Committee. Mr. Tomeo will chair the Government Submissions and Legislative Whitepapers Subcommittee, which is an incubator for Tax Section initiatives such as the business activities tax white paper and a model state tax tribunal law. Mr. Shaughnessy will chair the Sales and Use Tax Subcommittee, and be responsible for coordinating the Tax Section's activities in this area and development of sales and use tax programs at Tax Section meetings.

9/11/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Participates in Panel at 2007 ABA Annual Meeting
Thomas J. Donlon, Counsel in Robinson & Cole's Trial and Appellate Group, participated as a member of the panel for the program “Winning Management of Legal Issues Through Trial and Appeal” presented at the recent ABA Annual Meeting in San Francisco. The panel addressed the value of involvement of appellate attorneys during the pre-trial and trial stages of significant litigation from the viewpoints of the appellate court, the corporate client and the practitioner. Mr. Donlon serves as the chair of the programming sub-committee of the ABA Appellate Practice Committee.

9/10/07
Robinson & Cole Partner's Article Featured in the Certified Commercial Investment Member Connecticut Chapter Newsletter
LandLaw partner, Edward S. Hill, recently had his article “Why Careful Due Diligence Matters” featured in the August/September CCIM Connecticut Chapter Newsletter. Click here to read article.

9/7/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel Publishes Article in the National Association of Subrogation Professionals' "Subrogator"
John E. O'Brien, Jr., of Robinson & Cole's Trial & Appellate Advocacy Practice, published an article in the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of Subrogator, a publication from the National Association of Subrogation Professionals. Entitled "Duty to Report a Fire," John's article discussed a settled arson subrogation case based on the theory that the defendant had a duty to report the fire. Click here to read the full article.

9/5/07
Robinson & Cole Real Estate Attorney Quoted in the Boston Globe on Downtown Condo Issues
Robinson & Cole Trial & Appellate Advocacy attorney Clive D. Martin was quoted in the page one article "Boomers fighting at the Ritz: Empty-nesters don't shy from condo battles," in the August 4, 2007 issue of the Boston Globe.

9/4/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Associate To Serve Second Year on ABA Committee
LandLaw Associate, Kirstin M. Etela recently accepted a request to serve for a second year on the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources State and Regional Environmental Cooperation Committee. She will continue as Editor and Vice-Chair of the Committee Newsletter, and will also be serving as a Regional Co-Vice-Chair reviewing and reporting on environmental issues and developments in EPA Region 2, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. Last year Ms. Etela was able to facilitate the committee's return to publishing two newsletters for the year and seeks to continue that trend.

8/29/07
Robinson & Cole LEB Attorneys Present a Labor and Employment Law Update to NECCA
On September 5, 2007, Robinson & Cole attorneys Alida Bogran-Acosta, Jeffrey L. Hirsch, Peter J. Moser, Catherine E. Reuben, and David B. Wilson will lead a workshop, "2007-2008 Labor and Employment Law Update," to members of the New England Corporate Counsel Association, Inc. (NECCA). The panel will discuss such topics as the Supreme Court's Ledbetter decision regarding the time period for bringing claims, the latest in wage and hour class action suits, "family responsibilities" discrimination, pending state and federal legislation that would impact union organizing, non-competition agreements, mandatory arbitration agreements, tax issues with respect to severance and settlement agreements, new posting and EEO reporting requirements, as well as possible trends for 2008.

8/24/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partner Honored as Fellow of AICP
Dwight H. Merriam was recognized as a Fellow of the NY Metro Chapter of the American Institute of Certified Planners for his achievements in professional practice, teaching, mentoring, leadership and public and community service. All Fellows become members of the College of Fellows. Click here for more information.

8/23/07
Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present on Confidentiality Agreements and Trade Secrets
On August 9, 2007, Robinson & Cole attorneys Peter J. Moser and John R. Bauer led a presentation on confidentiality agreements, how to protect trade secrets, and family responsibility discrimination at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts' (AIM) monthly "Human Resources Roundtable." AIM's HR Roundtables allow organizations' representatives to discuss current developments, pending legislation and amendments, concerns, or problems facing professionals in human resources every day.

8/21/07
Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed to the Town of Belmont, Massachusetts Planning Board
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Attorney Carla M. Moynihan was recently appointed to the Planning Board of the Town of Belmont. The Planning Board addresses land use development issues that may affect the future of Belmont, Massachusetts, including re-zoning proposals, new land-use patterns, traffic concerns, and specific development proposals. The Planning Board is also responsible for holding public hearings for all proposed zoning amendments and applications filed under the Design & Site Plan Review Zoning By-Law.

8/17/07
Robinson & Cole LandLaw Associate is Appointed to NYSBA's Young Lawyers Section's Executive Committee
John A. Poakeart, a member of the firm's LandLaw Section, has been appointed to a leadership position on the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section. Specifically, Mr. Poakeart will be a representative of the Ninth Judicial District, which covers Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties. The NYSBA is the nation's largest voluntary statewide association of lawyers.

8/10/07
Robinson & Cole Counsel Publishes Article in the Defense Research Institute's National Magazine
Linda L. Morkan, Chair of R&C's Appellate Practice Group, published an article in the July 2007 issue of For the Defense, the Defense Research Institute's national monthly magazine. Entitled "Visual Rhetoric in the Appellate Brief," Linda's article focuses on techniques for making an appellate brief both visually interesting and easier for the reader to comprehend. The article is one of only five which were selected to comprise the magazine's special "Appellate Advocacy" section. Click here to read the full article.

8/9/07
Robinson & Cole Trial and Appellate Associate Co-chairs Panel Disc