Three Lawyers From Robinson+Cole’s New York Office Recognized by Super Lawyers®

Robinson+Cole lawyers Lawrence Klein and Virginia K. Trunkes were named to the New York Metro Super Lawyers® list for 2020. In addition, Ian T. Clarke-Fisher was recognized as a “Rising Star.” They are joined by 47 Robinson+Cole lawyers named Super Lawyers® and 29 recognized as “Rising Stars” in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2020. Read more in the press release.

47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

Dan Brody Presented with Impact Award by UConn School of Law Alumni Association

Business Litigation Group lawyer Dan A. Brody was among the recipients presented with the 2020 Graduates of the Last Decade Impact Award by the University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Law Alumni Association during its virtual Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on October 13, 2020. The award is presented to a few attorneys each year who graduated from UConn School of Law within the past decade, and whose careers have already had a substantial and positive impact within the legal community and beyond. Read more in the press release.

Jeff White Receives Ambassador Award from Connecticut District Export Council

Robinson+Cole Manufacturing Industry Team Chair Jeffrey J. White is among six business leaders to receive the Connecticut District Export Council (CTDEC) 2020 Ambassador Award. The Ambassador Award is given in recognition and appreciation of outstanding contributions and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic in service to the region’s exporters and manufacturers.

Jeff is currently serving on the CTDEC for the 2020-2022 term, as appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and has been noted as one of the most active DEC members this year, supporting the activities of the office and continually sharing his expertise with companies in Connecticut and nationwide. Appointment to the DEC is based upon an individual’s international trade leadership in the local community, ability to influence the local environment for exporting, knowledge of day-to-day international operations, interest in export development, and willingness and ability to devote time to Council activities. Read more in the press release. 

Robinson+Cole Recognized in Benchmark Litigation

Robinson+Cole was again ranked as a “highly recommended” firm in Connecticut in the 2021 edition of Benchmark Litigation – the definitive guide to the world's leading litigation law firms and lawyers. The firm also received a “recommended” ranking in the area of labor & employment.

The following Robinson+Cole lawyers earned the “Local Litigation Stars” honor: Wystan M. Ackerman, Bradford S. Babbitt, Patrick W. Begos,  Joseph L. Clasen, Gerald P. Dwyer Jr., Edward J. Heath, Linda L. Morkan, Rhonda J. Tobin, Theodore J. Tucci, and James A. Wade. This past August, Ms. Tobin was also named one of Benchmark Litigation's Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2020 for the sixth consecutive year. She was also the only female litigator chosen in the state of Connecticut for 2020. In addition, Stephen W. Aronson, Rachel V. Kushel and Matthew T. Miklave, received the “Labor & Employment Star – Northeast” recognition from the third edition of Benchmark Labor & Employment. Read more in the press release.

Five Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized During Connecticut Legal Awards

The Connecticut Law Tribune recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Frank F. Coulom Jr., John L. Cordani, Taylor A. Shea, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Dan A. Brody during the publication’s annual Connecticut Legal Awards on September 30, 2020. Hosted virtually this year, the awards honor those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Connecticut - whether in shaping the law, achieving outsized results for their clients, being an outstanding jurist or assisting those in need of legal services.

Frank F. Coulom Jr. was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lawyer “who has left a lasting imprint on the legal community of Connecticut.” John L. Cordani received the Distinguished Leader Award for achieving “impressive results in 2019 and demonstrating clear leadership skills that helped achieve those results.” Taylor A. Shea, Jonathan H. Schaefer and Dan A. Brody were all recognized as “New Leaders in the Law,” a distinction that spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity. Read more in the press release.

Eric Daniels Honored by National Conference for Community and Justice

Robinson+Cole lawyer Eric D. Daniels and his wife Patricia J. Campanella Daniels were among the honorees recognized during the 2020 Human Relations Awards Banquet, hosted by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), on September 24, 2020. The annual banquet includes the presentation of awards to individuals in the community who have distinguished themselves by treating others with open-mindedness and respect, showing leadership by example, and demonstrating diligence in their fight for human rights and equality. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Welcomes Matthew Mazzola as Partner in Managed Care + Employee Benefit Litigation Group

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the addition of Matthew P. Mazzola as a partner in the firm’s Managed Care + Employee Benefit Litigation Group. Matthew focuses his practice in the areas of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and managed care litigation; life, health, and disability benefit litigation; and related insurance coverage issues. He has spent much of his career litigating complicated life, health, and disability insurance related claims and disputes. Matthew is resident in the firm’s New York office. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Continues Facilitation of Statewide COVID-19 Small Business Virtual Legal Clinic

As small businesses continue to confront the challenges presented by COVID-19, Robinson+Cole and the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) have announced that they will continue to facilitate the Connecticut COVID-19 Small Business Virtual Legal Clinic and provide pro bono services throughout the fall to members of Connecticut’s small business community affected by the pandemic. Read more in the press release.

Those interested in learning more about the Connecticut COVID-19 Small Business Virtual Legal Clinic, including registration for small business as well as attorney volunteers, please visit https://www.ctbar.org/home/coronavirus-response/covid-19-small-business-virtual-legal-clinic. 

Robinson+Cole Among 2021 Best 50 Law Firms to Work For

Robinson+Cole was among the law firms listed in the 2021 Best 50 Law Firms to Work For category as part of Vault’s Law Firm Quality of Life Rankings. The results of the rankings are derived from Vault’s Annual Associate Survey in which nearly 20,000 associates rated and commented on various aspects of their work lives. Robinson+Cole came in at #48 in its first year of participating in the survey.

Vault’s Law Firm Quality of Life Rankings include 15 subcategories. In addition to ranking in the 2021 Best 50 Law Firms to Work For category, Robinson+Cole received top 10 recognition in the Integrations of Laterals & Clerks category and the #22 designation in the Business Outlook category. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Receives Mansfield Rule 3.0 Diversity and Inclusion Certification

Robinson+Cole has achieved Mansfield 3.0 Diversity and Inclusion Certification after completing a year-long process, that began in July 2019, developed to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership positions.

“Our participation in the Mansfield Rule 3.0 reinforces Robinson+Cole’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where the diverse backgrounds of all of our lawyers and other professionals are respected and each individual is empowered to succeed,” said Robinson+Cole Managing Partner, Stephen E. Goldman. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Expands Construction Practice

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the addition of Frederick E. Hedberg as a partner in the firm’s Construction Law Group. Mr. Hedberg has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney handling complex construction and commercial matters. He also has more than 10 years of experience as a licensed civil and structural engineer which gives him an in-depth understanding of all phases of a construction project. Mr. Hedberg is resident in the firm’s Hartford office. Read more in the press release.

61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

61 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021. Of the 61 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 46 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Michael R. Enright in Litigation – Bankruptcy, Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction, Virginia E. McGarrity in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law. Michael S. Giaimo was also named a Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law.

The inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

Litigation Section Co-chair Rhonda J. Tobin has been named one of Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2020. In this national list published on August 13, 2020, Ms. Tobin is the only female litigator chosen in the state of Connecticut. This is the sixth consecutive year she has received the distinction. Read more in the press release.

Alicia Selman Honored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as an “Up and Coming Lawyer”

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Alicia R. Selman was honored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” during the publication’s annual Excellence in the Law event on July 22, 2020, which was hosted virtually this year. Up and Coming Lawyers are described as the rising stars of the legal community—Massachusetts attorneys who have been members of the bar for ten years or less, but who have already distinguished themselves despite their relatively junior status. Honorees were featured in a special "Excellence in the Law 2020" section published on July 17, 2020. Read more about the recognition in the press release and view Alicia's profile.

Niel Franzese Authors Article on HVAC Upgrades Resulting from COVID-19 Pandemic

Construction Law Group member Niel P. Franzese authored the article “Impacts of the COVID Pandemic on Design and Construction: HVAC Upgrades” published in High Profile magazine on October 27, 2020. The article acknowledges the heightened focus of improvements to the design and construction of new and existing facilities, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with one example being HVAC systems. The piece goes on to include the list of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for creating safe and healthy work and business spaces. Read the full article.

Kathryn Rattigan Authors Follow-up Article on MA Automobile Open Data Platform Vote Published on Westlaw Today

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Kathryn M. Rattigan authored the article “A deeper dive into the privacy + cybersecurity concerns about Massachusetts' ballot question 1” republished on Westlaw Today on October 22, 2020. The piece is a follow-up to an article on the same topic republished on August 26, 2020. Both pieces were originally published as posts on R+C’s Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Insider blog and examine a Massachusetts ballot question that would require a standardized, open data platform for vehicles equipped with telematics systems. The recent article focuses on the notion that the ballot question stands to close a loophole in the "Right to Repair" law that was first passed in 2013 and exempts manufacturers from sharing data transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle to the manufacturer. Read the full article.

Les Levinson Quoted in Article on In-Home Care M&A Market Published in Home Health Care News

Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted extensively in the article “M&A Experts ‘Can’t Recall a Time When Demand Has Been Higher’ in Sizzling In-Home Care Market” published in Home Health Care News on October 20, 2020. The article shares insight from several industry leaders on how M&A activity across home health, hospice and in-home care has started to “heat up” again after being relatively stagnant beginning in March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As transaction parties have begun to understand better some of the COVID-19 related factors and issues and their impact on deals, valuations have stabilized and in some cases increased. We expect to see a continuing surge of deals as both PE and strategic players seek to add bolt-on transactions in their markets and additional platforms where available,” said Les. Read the full article.

Earl Phillips and Jon Schaefer Co-author Recycling Today Article on Business Disruption Clauses

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyers Earl W. Phillips Jr. and Jonathan H. Schaefer co-authored the article “Contractually preparing for business disruptions,” published in the October 2020 issue of Recycling Today. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the article offers insight to those in the recycling industry on avoiding potential risks or ambiguity created by “form” clauses in contracts. “Before evaluating any contract, it can be valuable to understand whether and to what extent you could benefit or be harmed by the clarity or ambiguity of the contract’s terms.” The piece goes on to emphasize common elements, select terms, and careful review. Read the full article.

Natalie Ramsey and Jamie Edmonson Represent Saadia Group LLC in Significant Retail Transaction

On October 1, 2020, Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group co-chair Natalie D. Ramsey and partner Jamie L. Edmonson represented Jack Saadia, CEO and Saadia Group LLC in closing the purchase of RTW Retailwinds, Inc., an online specialty apparel retail platform for celebrity and consumer brands, including New York & Company and Fashion to Figure brands. The sale was previously approved by the Bankruptcy Court on September 4, 2020. Read more about the transaction in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Co-Author Article on Contractual Considerations for Italian Companies Doing Business in the U.S.

Business Litigation Group Chair Edward J. Heath, Manufacturing Industry Practice Chair Jeffrey J. White and Business Transactions Group member Anna Jinhua Wang co-authored the article “Contractual Considerations for Italian Companies Doing Business in the United States in The COVID-19 Era,” published in the July 2020 issue of the Italy – Connecticut Journal of International and Comparative Business Law. The publication is intended to inform, educate, engage and connect lawyers in Rome and Connecticut by creating a forum for members in both legal communities to share ideas, connect with each other, and share professional experiences. As noted in the introduction, the “Journal is part of a novel collaboration between the Order of Business Lawyers of Rome, which is the largest in Europe, and the Hartford County Bar Association, which is the oldest in the United States of America.”

As the world continues to adjust to the “new normal” of the COVID-19 era, Italian companies doing business in the United States, or those planning to do so, also are adjusting to new norms in contractual relations with U.S.-based companies. The article authored by Ed, Jeff, and Anna looks at certain critical areas of U.S. contractual law that have gained attention as a result of the pandemic and also offers a high-level comparison of some common business structures that may be used by Italian companies to conduct their U.S. operations. One area of focus is force majeure, which is contained in many U.S. contracts and serves as an avenue for delaying obligated performance due to certain unanticipated events. Another area of attention focuses on the law of price gouging and examines whether companies can raise their prices to account for supply chain disruptions or other events. Read the complete article.

Jon Schaefer, Earl Phillips and Matt Miklave Co-author Article Published in Scrap Magazine

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyers Jonathan H. Schaefer and Earl W. Phillips Jr., along with Labor + Employment Group lawyer Matthew T. Miklave co-authored the article “COVID-19, Employment and Health” published in the September/October 2020 issue of Scrap, the bimonthly magazine of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. Published in the “Of Counsel” column, the article focuses on employee testing rules and the first coronavirus-specific state OSHA regulations. Read the full article.

Michele Maresca Authors Article on Government Programs Available to Aid Distressed CRE Firms Published on GlobeSt.com

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Michele L. Maresca authored the article “What Congress Is Offering Distressed CRE Firms During the Pandemic” published on GlobeSt.com on September 30, 2020. As the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, many commercial real estate owners are facing unprecedented financial hardship and potential loan defaults. This article explores two programs that could help real estate owners and borrowers as they grapple with the financial effects of COVID-19. Read the article.

Linn Freedman Quoted in SHRM Article on Temperature Screenings

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team Chair Linn F. Freedman was quoted in the article “Temperature Screenings: Review State Laws” published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on August 31, 2020. The article focuses on temperature checks being implemented by employers, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how state laws vary greatly when it comes to the screening requirements. For those employers voluntarily conducting temperature screenings without a state mandate, there are a number of other issues—including privacy and record-keeping requirements and questions about who should be screened and whether to screen onsite or allow self-screening at home. “Rather than assuming that the temperature screening is personnel information that must be retained for long periods, HR should carefully consider the minimum amount of time that the company needs to store the information, how the company will collect and store it, and how the information will be destroyed, said Linn Freedman, an attorney with Robinson+Cole in Providence, R.I. Companies should not keep the information longer than needed, as this increases liability risks, she said.” Read the full article.

Construction Law Group Members Appointed to Serve on CT Bar Assoc. Construction Law Section Executive Committee

Construction Law Group lawyers Dennis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner, Frederick E. Hedberg, and Martin A. Onorato have all been reappointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Construction Law Section for the 2020-2021 term. Specifically, Fred resumes his role as Legislative Liaison, serving as the primary contact between the Section and the CBA's Legislative Policy and Review Committee as it pertains to relevant legislation affecting the area of construction law, and Marty will continue to serve as Treasurer. The Construction Law Section aims to bring together CBA members practicing construction law to discuss current issues affecting that practice area, educate the membership on legal issues impacting these rapidly developing topics, and to foster productive relationships between the attorneys and members of the construction industry.

Kathryn Rattigan Featured in Intellectual Property Magazine Podcast on Autonomous Ships

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Kathryn M. Rattigan was among the panelists featured in the IPM (Intellectual Property Magazine) Podcast “Setting Sail for Autonomous Ships” posted to the publication’s website on September 3, 2020. The discussion focused on the rise of autonomous ships and how artificial intelligence could change the maritime industry forever. Panelists outlined the challenges AI-controlled ships face being brought to market, whether autonomous ships face an easier ride than their land or air-based contemporaries in terms of development and implementation, and what cybersecurity issues could impact this game-changing innovation. Listen to the podcast.

Linn Freedman Quoted in SHRM Article on Increase in ”Vishing” Attacks

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team Chair Linn F. Freedman was quoted in the article “‘Vishing’ Attacks on Remote Workers on the Rise” published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on September 3, 2020. The article focuses on a recent alert issued by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warning employers about an ongoing voice-phishing ("vishing") campaign targeting remote workers. A form of social engineering done over the telephone to trick victims into giving up their account credentials to gain access to private information, vishing attacks have increased as employees working from home are more vulnerable. “That's because remote workers are more isolated and distracted, said Linn Freedman, a partner in the Providence, R.I., office of Robinson & Cole.” “Attackers know this and are banking on the fact that workers are distracted. It is just harder to focus. As a result, they may not be as vigilant and may be more susceptible to these attacks." Read the full article. Linn also authored two posts on the topic of vishing published on the Data Privacy +Cybersecurity Insider blog.

Denis O’Malley Appointed to Executive Committee of Connecticut Bar Assoc. Media and the Law Section

Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Denis J. O’Malley has been appointed to serve as the Education Liaison of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Media and the Law Section for the 2020-2021 term. A Section Executive Committee role, the Education Liaison focuses on developing continuing legal education (CLE) and training programs for the section. Denis recently moderated a panel discussion during the CBA’s webinar, "Media Relations for Lawyers" on June 29, 2020, and prior to entering law school, spent several years as a journalist, primarily covering police, emergency services, and courts for daily newspapers in Scranton, PA; Bridgeport, CT; and Danbury, CT. The Media and the Law Section aims to provide a forum for CBA members to discuss and take action on legal issues related to the media, journalism, social media, and entertainment industries.

Kathryn Rattigan Authors Article on Massachusetts Automobile Open Data Platform Vote Published on Westlaw Today

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Kathryn M. Rattigan authored the article “Massachusetts Ballot Question Poses Privacy Concerns” republished on Westlaw Today on August 26, 2020. Originally published as a post on R+C’s Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Insider blog, the article examines Ballot Question 1 in Massachusetts, which if passed in November, “would require car manufacturers that sell cars equipped with telematics systems (i.e., a method of monitoring a vehicle by combining a GPS system with on-board diagnostics to record – and map – exactly where a car is and how fast it’s traveling, etc.) to install a standardized, open data platform beginning with model year 2022.” Kathryn acknowledges that the “proposed open data platform may also present security risks to those providing the information. From loss of confidentiality, to the higher potential for compromising personal information, releasing data inherently puts the data at risk.” Read the full article.

Marty Onorato Is Named to CBC Board of Directors

Congratulations to Construction Group member Marty Onorato, who will serve on the Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) Board of Directors for the 2020-2021 term. Marty is a past President of the CBC and also has served as a member of its Industry Practice and Ways and Means committees. The CBC was founded in 1952 as a networking organization for construction industry firms, owners, engineers, architects, attorneys, contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, and others involved in the industry. Its mission is “to provide a collaborative environment that fosters relationships and contributes to the growth and success of the construction industry.” In addition, CBC Scholarship Fund grants support college-bound students studying in areas of benefit to the construction industry, including architecture, engineering, construction management, and construction technology.

Kate Dion Quoted in Wall Street Journal Article on COVID-19 Health Information Privacy in Higher Education

Education Industry Team Chair Kathleen E. Dion was quoted in the article “Colleges Weigh Transparency Versus Privacy When It Comes to Covid-19 Data,” published in the Wall Street Journal on August 25, 2020. The article examines the “tug of war” between providing information and protecting identities, which creates a patchwork of reporting that some students say puts their health at risk. Kate says that because the law gives universities wide latitude for interpretation, schools disagree on what information is identifiable and who are appropriate parties. As a result, some schools appear to be changing their interpretations of the law as coronavirus cases spread. “’The policy that schools have really needs to take into account that there are individual facts and circumstances to each report of a Covid-19 outbreak,’ she said, pointing to the student population and relationships with local health departments.” Read the article.

J. Tyler Butts Elected Treasurer of Connecticut Bar Assoc. Insurance Law Section

Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts has been elected to serve as the Treasurer of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Insurance Law Section for the 2020-2021 term. Tyler previously served as co-chair of the Section’s Education Committee. Created to meet the professional needs of CBA members who practice in all areas of insurance law, the Insurance Law Section brings together practitioners from a variety of disciplines including litigators (representing both insurers and policyholders), insurance regulatory attorneys, and in-house counsel. The section serves as a forum in which practitioners can exchange information on a variety of topics related to insurance law including, but not limited to life insurance, insurance coverage issues, property & casualty insurance, health and disability insurance, and insurance regulation.

Matt Lawlor Featured in Best Lawyers 2020 New England Article on Affordable Housing Shortage in Boston

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor was included in an interview feature as part of the article “Gimme Shelter” published in the “In the Law” section of Best Lawyers 2020 New England. The article examines what can be done, legally and politically, to combat the affordable housing shortage in Boston and in other desirable cities like it. Matt shares ways in which people can legally fight the housing-affordability crisis, including legal measures that can be taken, and offers insight on the repercussions there may be if the issue is unaddressed. Best Lawyers 2020 New England is one of the regional Best Lawyers supplements containing exclusive coverage of "Lawyers of the Year," news and events, and the current list of recognized lawyers in more than 25 locations in the U.S. Read the article on page 5.

Conor Duffy Appointed to New Haven Legal Assistance Board of Directors

Congratulations to Health Law Group and Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team member Conor Duffy, who was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA), effective September 2020. NHLAA is a nonprofit organization comprising attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries committed to protecting the rights and improving the lives of its clients and their communities. It provides high-quality legal services to individuals and groups unable to engage legal counsel and services due to limited income, age, disability, discrimination or other barriers. Incorporated in 1964, NHLAA was among the first legal services programs to be established, and the federal government has used it as a model for similar programs throughout the country.

Steve Boyajian Quoted in Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly Article on Increase in Bankruptcy Filings Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group lawyer Steven J. Boyajian was quoted extensively in the article " Businesses face crossroad as PPP funds, moratoriums end" published in Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly on August 6, 2020. The article focuses on an increase in COVID-related business for Rhode Island bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys as a result of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) monies running thin, federal and state eviction moratoriums expiring, and uncertainty on the prospects for further assistance. Steve expects to see more bankruptcy filings but acknowledges that “’One of the problems businesses are facing is that science changes every day…, ‘so we are in a situation where there is uncertainty on whether closures will again be imposed. As a business owner, I would hesitate to file bankruptcy because I need certainty to reorganize. I would have a hard time confirming a reorganization plan without knowing when the pandemic will subside or how that will impact revenue.” Read the article.

Choity Khan Authors Article on Presumption for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Connecticut Published in High Profile

Construction Group lawyer Choity R. Khan authored the article “Gov. Lamont Issues Executive Order Creating Rebuttable Presumption for Workers’ Compensation Benefits” published in High Profile magazine on August 14, 2020. Originally posted to the Robinson+Cole Construction Law Zone blog, the article examines Executive Order No. 7JJJ, signed by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont on July 24, 2020, which “creates a rebuttable presumption that all employees who were required to work on site and tested positive for COVID-19 during the first three months of the pandemic contracted the disease while on the job, giving employees a presumptive claim to workers’ compensation coverage.” Read the full article.

Milanna Datlow Authors DRI Article on Coverage Under Private Group Health and Disability Plans as a Result of COVID-19

Managed Care + Employee Benefit Litigation Group member Milanna Datlow authored the article “Coverage Under Private Group Health and Disability Plans: Implications of COVID-19,” published by DRI in the August 2020 issue of For The Defense. The article examines recent federal legislation and directives in response to growing concerns regarding the coverage of and cost sharing for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 under group health plans, and it analyzes possible developments for claims seeking long-term disability benefits after the pandemic. Read the full article.

Conor Duffy and Peter Struzzi Author Article on Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Published in Medical Economics

Health Law Group lawyers Conor O. Duffy and Peter H. Struzzi authored the article “COVID-19 pandemic brings telehealth into U.S. homes” published by Medical Economics on August 13, 2020. The article provides a high-level overview of the systemic changes throughout the nation’s health care system that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights key issues for health care providers to monitor as federal and state governments, physicians and patients continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and considers how the post-COVID-19 health care landscape will look for telehealth services. Read the full article.

Megan Baroni and Jon Schaefer Co-Author Article on the First State COVID-19 OSHA Standard Published in ISHN

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyers Megan E. Baroni and Jonathan H. Schaefer co-authored the article “Virginia issues first COVID-19 OSHA Standard,” published in ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News) on August 5, 2020. Originally posted on R+C’s Manufacturing Law Blog, the piece covers the Commonwealth of Virginia's recent passing of the first COVID-19 OSHA standard, which "codifies, and in some cases exceeds, guidance from OSHA and the Center for Disease Control." The article also acknowledges that "Virginia’s actions may be a signal to the many other 'state-plan' states to do the same." Read the full article.

Alisha Sullivan and Emily Zaklukiewicz Appointed to Key Positions in CBA-YLS Women in the Law Committee

Employee Benefits and Compensation Group member Alisha N. Sullivan and Labor and Employment Group member Emily A. Zaklukiewicz have been appointed to key roles within the Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (CBA-YLS) Women in the Law Committee for the 2020-2021 bar year. Effective July 2020, Emily serves as co-chair of the Committee, while Alisha steps into a new role within the Committee as Director. YLS leadership is encouraging her to mold the position, which functions to lead and guide the Women in the Law Committee co-chairs. Previously, Alisha served as co-chair of the Women in the Law Committee for both the 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 bar years and was even presented with a CBA-YLS Star of the Year Award in recognition of her leadership.

The Young Lawyers Section has as its primary goals the promotion of justice, the encouragement of public service, and the promotion of diversity and education of young lawyers and newly admitted practitioners. The Section serves a valuable social and networking role in fostering connections among young lawyers and assisting them in their transition into the legal practice in Connecticut. It includes all members of the CBA who are 37 years old or younger or who have been admitted to the Bar for less than six full bar years.

The Women in the Law Committee of the Young Lawyers Section monitors the progress and works to enhance the status and opportunities available to women in the legal profession; provides women attorneys in Connecticut an opportunity to share concerns, communicate, and network with one another in a supportive forum; and promotes the participation of the CBA in substantive areas of law and legislation that present issues of particular concern to women in the profession, and to those who seek legal services.