Chuck Martin Involved in “Fairfield County Lease of the Year”

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Charles F. Martin, III represented FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: FDS) in a commercial real estate lease recognized by NAIOP Connecticut & Suburban New York as “Fairfield County Lease of the Year 2018”. The award was presented during the organization’s annual Night of the Stars Awards Gala held at The Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut on March 7, 2019. Read more in the press release. 

Jeff White Participates in Manufacturing Roundtable Hosted at the White House

Manufacturing Industry Team lawyer Jeffrey J. White was invited to the White House to participate in a manufacturing roundtable on March 14, 2019. The roundtable brought together manufacturing business leaders and government officials to discuss the issues facing both publicly traded and privately held U.S. manufacturing businesses. Issues discussed included the sustained growth of U.S. manufacturing and how manufacturers are successfully using both developments in technology and workforce training to expand into new markets and grow internationally. Read more and view a photo in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Help Reopen New London Harbor Lighthouse

Robinson+Cole lawyers John P. Casey and Evan J. Seeman represented the New London Maritime Society pro bono in litigation that resulted in the New London Harbor Lighthouse being reopened to the public after the City issued a cease and desist order that prohibited public tours. Read more in the press release. 

Barrett Wilson-Murphy Joins Business Transactions Group

The Business Transactions Group welcomes Barrett P. Wilson-Murphy as an associate in the firm’s Boston office. Mr. Wilson-Murphy advises clients on legal matters relating to middle market domestic and international financings and restructuring transactions. Read more in the press release. 

Robinson+Cole Sponsors Hartford Stage’s Production of Detroit ’67

Robinson+Cole made a contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford (BGCH) during a private reception hosted prior to the Hartford Stage performance of Detroit ’67 on February 27, 2019. Robinson+Cole, a longtime supporter of Hartford Stage and a lead sponsor for the production, continued to demonstrate its commitment to community, education, and diversity and inclusion by selecting the BGCH to receive this year’s contribution. Read more and view a photo in the press release.

Leticia Pimentel Joins Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group

The Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group welcomes Leticia C. Pimentel as an associate in the firm's Providence office. Leticia focuses her practice on energy and utility law, assisting clients with the permitting and siting of energy, utility, and other infrastructure projects. Read more in the press release.

Joey Lee Miranda Receives 2019 Client Choice Award

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Joey Lee Miranda has been recognized by Client Choice as the exclusive 2019 winner in the Energy & Natural Resources category for Connecticut. The criteria for the award focuses “on the ability to add real value to clients’ business above and beyond other players in the market.” Uniquely, these awards survey senior corporate counsel only, with this year’s winners chosen from a pool of more than 2,000 individual client assessments. Read more in the press release. 

Robinson+Cole Continues New York Growth with Addition of Intellectual Property Partner

Robinson+Cole welcomes Maria A. Scungio as a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property + Technology Law Group, who will be resident in the firm’s New York City office. Ms. Scungio has more than 20 years of experience managing worldwide trademark portfolios, including counseling, prosecuting, exploiting and enforcing intellectual property rights. Read more in the press release.

Ed Heath Elected President of Greater Hartford Legal Aid

Greater Hartford Legal Aid (GHLA), an organization whose mission is to secure justice for and to protect the rights of the needy residents of Hartford County, has elected Business Litigation Group lawyer Edward J. Heath to president and chair of its board of directors. For 60 years, GHLA has increased access to the courts, advocated for fairness in the application of law, and broken down barriers and improved systems while practicing preventive law. Ed previously served as vice president and has been a member of the board of directors for the last seven years. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Adds National Bankruptcy Team in New York, Philadelphia and Wilmington

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the significant expansion of its bankruptcy capabilities with the addition of five lawyers, including three partners, and the opening of new offices in Wilmington, Delaware and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Natalie D. Ramsey, Mark A. Fink and Davis Lee Wright join Robinson+Cole as partners along with Laurie A. Krepto as counsel, and Katherine M. Fix, as an associate. Read more in the press release.

Alaine Doolan Appointed to Interval House Board of Directors

Interval House, Connecticut’s largest domestic violence intervention and prevention agency, has appointed Business Transactions lawyer Alaine C. Doolan to its Board of Directors for a two-year term. Founded in 1977, Interval House has positively affected the lives of nearly 200,000 women and children who have experienced psychological and physical abuse at the hands of a domestic or intimate partner. Robinson+Cole has a long-standing commitment to Interval House and its mission to provide services to prevent and break the cycle of family and intimate partner abuse, proudly serving as pro bono counsel for the organization for many years. Read more in the press release.

Kendra Berardi Elected Clerk of the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts

The Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts (REBA) has elected Business Litigation Group lawyer Kendra L. Berardi to serve as its clerk for the 2019 term. For more than 150 years, REBA's mission has been to advance the practice of real estate law by creating and sponsoring professional standards, actively participating in the legislative process, creating educational programs and materials, and demonstrating and promoting fair dealing and good fellowship among members of the real estate bar. As clerk, Kendra will be responsible for maintaining the official records of the organization. Read more in the press release.

Chuck Martin Appointed to New Covenant Center Advisory Council

The New Covenant Center (the “Center”), one of the largest soup kitchens and food pantries in the state, has appointed Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Charles F. Martin III to its Advisory Council. Opened in 1978 as a soup kitchen “to help the neediest in greater Stamford meet the most basic need for food in a dignified and respectful environment,” the Center serves 600,000 nutritious meals a year. Read more in the press release.

Peter Knight Speaks at Port Administration & Legal Issues Seminar

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Peter R. Knight was among the panelists who spoke during a program on "Dredging and Environmental Issues" as part of  the 2019 Port Administration & Legal Issues Seminar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from February 12-13, 2019. Presented by the American Association of Port Authorities, the two-day seminar covered the latest trends, challenges, and risk management strategies for port administrators, finance officers, real estate managers, attorneys, and risk managers. Peter's panel discussion focused on environmental issues and impacts associated with port redevelopment, deepening and widening, and dredging issues around the country.

Rachel Kushel Presents to Claim Executives on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Labor and Employment Group lawyer Rachel V. Kushel presented on the many facets of “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” at the monthly meeting of the New England Claim Executives Association (NECEA), held in Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. 

Rachel’s presentation focused on several topics such as sexual harassment education, awareness, training, compliance and prevention.  As part of the educational component, she explained the legal concepts of harassment, discrimination, retaliation and other related elements necessary to analyzing employment claims. Rachel highlighted the value to employers to an improved workplace culture, avoiding situations that can give rise to claims, and to fostering positive employee interactions.   

A detailed Q&A session led to discussions about how these issues relate to a variety of seemingly different industries, the impact of employment practices liability insurance on defending claims, and the evidentiary impact of social medial and electronic devices.
 

Les Levinson Quoted in Part B News Articles on 2018 and 2019 Health Care Predictions

Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in two Part B News articles published on January 7, 2019. The first article, "2019 Predictions: E/M doc changes, ’remote’ consult services will grow slowly in 2019,” saw Les forecast that 2019 will be a robust year for health care mergers and acquisitions. “Multiples have been healthy and all indications are that (these) phenomena will continue well into 2019,” he said. Les predicts that one area of growth to watch is behavioral health, with increasing government payment for services being a spur to investment. “The market here continues to move from what used to be more of a private-pay orientation to interest in government-funded behavioral health programs.” 

Les was also quoted in the article “2018 Predictions: Some came true, some did not, some a mixed bag," which looked back on the actual outcomes of a number of predictions for 2018. Commenting on last year’s prediction that mergers and acquisitions among medical practices would be strong in 2018, Les confirmed that outlook. “2018 has been extremely active across virtually all sectors of the health care M&A space,” he said. “The physician practice area, with dermatology and opthalmology leading the way, hospice and homecare, health care IT and other data and revenue management businesses have been very active areas, with interest from both private equity and strategic-type buyers.”
 

Dan Bryer Presents on the Opioid Crisis at the 2019 CLM Conference

Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Daniel Bryer was a co-presenter on “The Opioid Epidemic: Trending Insurance Coverage Issues” at the 2019 Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida on Friday, March 15, 2019. Robinson+Cole lawyers Jason DePatie and Rhonda Tobin also attended the conference. 

The presentation outlined the factual allegations asserted in more than 2,000 opioid-related lawsuits nationwide and analyzed insurance coverage issues presented by those cases. Specifically, the panel discussed cases analyzing whether the lawsuits implicate “bodily injury” coverage, assert an “occurrence”, and implicate any exclusions. The presentation highlighted Dan’s experience investigating and litigating complex insurance coverage issues. The panel also included the perspectives of a financial services litigation adjustor, a board-certified pharmacist and clinical pharmacy manager, and an insurance coverage litigator whose practice focuses on coverage for healthcare providers ranging from hospitals to small practices and individual doctors. 

CLM is dedicated to meeting the professional development needs of the claims and litigation management industries. The annual industry event attracts some 2,000 participants and features more than 100 collaborative educational sessions as well as networking events. 
 

Greg Varga Elected a Fellow of American College of Coverage Counsel

Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Gregory P. Varga has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel (College). The College is a prestigious international organization of approximately 300 preeminent lawyers who specialize in the fields of insurance coverage counseling and litigation and extracontractual liability litigation. Fellows are drawn from the policyholder and defense bars, as well as academia. 

The mission of the College is to advance the creative, ethical and efficient resolution of insurance coverage and extracontractual disputes; to enhance the civility and quality of the practice of insurance law; to provide peer-reviewed scholarship; and to improve the relationships among the members of the legal profession. The College focuses on educating all sectors involved in the field of insurance law – including the judiciary, legal and insurance professionals, law students and businesses – on cutting edge, emerging, and critical issues such as developing trends in insurance law and bad faith, trial practice and alternative dispute resolution, policy formation and claims handling. 

Before being elected a Fellow of the College, a lawyer undergoes an extensive vetting and peer review process that examines the lawyer’s character, skill and knowledge. Steve Goldman and Rhonda Tobin are also Fellows of the College.

Jim Ray Authors Article on PFAS Litigation

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer James P. Ray authored the article “PFAS Litigation: Just Getting Started?,” featured in the Winter 2019 issue of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Environmental and Energy Litigation, a publication of the ABA Section of Litigation. The article focuses on some of the more significant types and examples of PFAS lawsuits pending or recently settled in courts across the country. Jim describes the proliferation in the second half of the 20th century of materials that contained PFAS, including non-stick pans, waterproof and stain-proof clothing, and improved firefighting foams, and the potential health risks of exposure to even low levels that are now becoming apparent. He cautions that there is no indication that PFAS-related litigation, in which plaintiffs are claiming damages for personal injury, medical monitoring, and loss of property value, is likely to slow down anytime soon.

Joe Barra Authors Article on Pitfalls of the Massachusetts Prompt Pay Act

Construction Group lawyer Joseph A. Barra authored the article “Engineers Beware: The Massachusetts Prompt Pay Act Contains Hidden Pitfalls for the Uninformed,” published in the February 2019 issue of BSCES News, a monthly publication of the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE. The article covers the impact of the recent law “on the way that pay requisitions and change orders are managed on projects that fall within the Act’s orbit.” It examines the Act’s impact on current practice, including setting “specific time limits for the preparation, submission, review, approval and rejection of applications for payment among all project participants.” Further, the Act also holds all project participants to “specific timeframes and protocols for processing, reviewing, approving and rejecting proposed change orders.”

Christine Bromberg and Les Levinson Named to Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards

Tax Group lawyer Christine E. Bromberg and Health Law Group lawyer Leslie J. Levinson have been selected to serve on Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards for 2019. Ms. Bromberg has been re-named to Law360’s Tax Editorial Advisory Board. She has served on the board since 2016. Mr. Levinson has been re-named to Law360’s Health Editorial Advisory Board. He has served on the board since 2015. The purpose of these editorial advisory boards is to get feedback on Law360's coverage and to gain insight from experts in the field on how best to shape future coverage.

Diana Neeves Graduates from Environmental Law Leadership Program

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Diana E. Neeves recently graduated from the New York City Environmental Law Leadership Institute (NYCELLI), a non-profit organized by the New York City Bar Environmental Committee. Participants each year comprise a select class of only 12 young lawyers who have worked at least two years in environmental law, and who have demonstrated a commitment to service, leadership, and advocating for environmental health. The Institute’s alumni have been described as a “Who’s Who” of environmental law in the city.

The course is a year-long program that explores the legal landscape, history, and policies behind the environmental challenges confronting New York City. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion, participants must attend eight class sessions and at least two tours of environmentally significant sites in and around the city, as well as develop and implement a one-year project designed to improve the quality of the city’s environment and the health of its residents.

Jeff White Guest Lectures for Global Compliance Course at UConn School of Business

Manufacturing Industry Group Chair, Jeffrey J. White, presented as a guest lecturer during a course on "Global Compliance and the Organization" at the University of Connecticut School of Business in Hartford, Connecticut on February 20, 2019. The class is offered  to J.D. and MBA students by the UConn School of Law in partnership with the School of Business. It examines the multifaceted nature of compliance from a global perspective, incorporating ethical, legal and cultural challenges and opportunities, as well as how compliance leaders introduce and sustain an ethical culture of integrity. Joined by James Pelletier of the Barnes Group, they presented on the topic of building ethics and compliance programs and engaged students in a Foreign Corrupt Practices Act scenario.

Greg Faulkner Elected to Associated General Contractors of Connecticut Board of Directors

Construction Group lawyer Gregory R. Faulkner has been appointed to the board of directors of the Associated General Contractors of Connecticut (AGCCT), an organization dedicated to providing leadership and services to its members and to the commercial construction industry. Greg will serve two three-year terms alongside board members representing construction industry entities from around the state. Read more in the press release. 

Tyler Butts Participates in CBA Insurance Law Section Programs

Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts moderated a program on “Cyber Coverage Issues” on January 17, 2019 in Milford, Connecticut. In addition, he presented a session entitled “Connecticut Insurance 2018 Year-in-Review” on February 5, 2019 in Hamden, Connecticut. Both programs were hosted by the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Insurance Law Section.

Joel McNabney Presents on Water Damage and Covered-Peril-Created Opening Exclusions at Windstorm Insurance Conference

Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Joel L. McNabney led a panel discussion during the annual Windstorm Insurance Conference at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida on February 1, 2019 and February 2, 2019. Joel’s panel consisted of himself, another Florida-based attorney representing policyholders, a professional engineer, and a certified general contractor, and they discussed the multiple ways in which water can infiltrate a building envelope during a windstorm event as well as the associated coverage implications. Joel and the other attorney analyzed the surface water and covered-peril-created openings exclusions, while the engineer and general contractor explained how they are able to draw conclusions regarding the cause and origin of damage they encounter following a storm. The conference attracted approximately 1300 attendees including attorneys, adjusters, engineers, contractors, and representatives.

Linn Freedman Participates in Cybersecurity Law Webinar

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Linn F. Freedman participated in a webinar with Tracey Scraba, Chief Privacy Officer of Aetna/CVS Health, on "Cybersecurity Law" presented as part of the American Bar Association's Career Choice Series on February 1, 2019. During the webinar, Linn and Tracey gave an overview of their career paths, what a day as a cybersecurity lawyer can look like, and how to break into the field. The Career Choice Series is designed to help lawyers find out what it’s like to work in various practice areas and the best ways to get there. 

Robinson+Cole Supports Annual CBA-YLS Diversity Award Dinner

On February 7, 2019, J. Tyler Butts, Jason H. DePatie, Timothy P. Larsen, Charles F. Modzelewski, Nicole S. Mulé, Je'Quana S. Orr, Ashley R. Paholski, Alisha N. Sullivan, and Abby M. Warren attended the 11th Annual Diversity Award Dinner hosted at Amarante's Sea Cliff in New Haven, Connecticut. Presented by the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section (CBA-YLS), the event honored Asha Rangappa, a CNN Contributor, Senior Lecturer at Yale University, and former FBI agent. Tyler currently serves as the Diversity Director on the CBA-YLS Executive Committee. Robinson+Cole was a proud sponsor of the event. View a photo.

Alaine Doolan and Jackie Scheib Facilitate International Trademark Association Roundtable on Key Developments in Trademark Law

Intellectual Property + Technology Group lawyers Alaine C. Doolan and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib facilitated the International Trademark Association’s roundtable in the Hartford office on February 5, 2019. The roundtable brought together intellectual property practitioners from numerous law firms and in-house legal teams to review important 2018 decisions affecting substantive law and day-to-day trademark practice. The program covered key federal court decisions and precedential Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decisions.

Boston Office Attends Annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit Ball

On Saturday, January 26, 2019, Kendra L. Berardi, Julianna M. Charpentier, Melissa A. Frost, Anna R. Gurevich, Ashley P. Keenan, Michelle M. Labbe, Matthew J. Lawlor, Andrew W. Monthey, Alicia R. Selman, Melissa (Lisa) Thompson, and Derek Valentine, accompanied by their significant others, attended the annual John & Abigail Adams Benefit Ball at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Hosted by the Boston Bar Foundation, the event is the largest of its kind in the Boston area, with 100 percent of the proceeds funding direct grants awarded to local organizations that serve thousands of individuals and families struggling with critical issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, and various forms of injustice. This year’s event raised a record breaking $725,000+ for the work of the Foundation. View a photo from the event.

Robinson+Cole Goes Red for Women in Support of American Heart Association

On February 1, 2019, the firm once again celebrated National Wear Red Day in support of Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Participating lawyers and staff made contributions to AHA in order to wear jeans along with an article of red clothing to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in women. In addition, the Boston and Providence offices showcased their New England spirit by increasing their contributions for each person wearing Patriots attire. Just over $700 was raised in support of the cause. View photos here.

Dan Brody and Ed Heath Present on Government Enforcement in the False Claims Act Context

Government Enforcement and White-Collar Defense Team lawyers Dan A. Brody and Edward J. Heath participated in a panel discussion during the inaugural 2018 Javits-Wagner-O'Day Legal Symposium at the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C. on October 3, 2018. The Symposium centered on issues related to the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, also known as the AbilityOne Program. The AbilityOne Program is a federal program that provides employment opportunities for people who are blind or severely disabled by awarding government contracts for certain goods and services to nonprofit associations that train and employ such workers. In attendance were numerous major national nonprofit associations that contract, usually on a multi-million annual basis, with the federal government. Dan and Ed led a presentation and discussion that focused on practices designed to protect contractors from the various types of government investigations, driven by the U.S. Department of Justice, likely to arise in the federal False Claims Act context.

Jackie Scheib Participates in ABA Cyberspace Law Institute & Winter Working Meeting

Intellectual Property + Technology Group lawyer Jacqueline Pennino Scheib attended the American Bar Association (ABA) Cyberspace Law Institute & Winter Working Meeting held January 25-26, 2019 at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. Presented by the ABA Business Law Section, the Institute included 11 CLE sessions on the latest developments in cyberspace law and 13 Cyberspace Law Subcommittee and Task Force meetings.

Les Levinson Presents on M&A Activity During Home Care 100 Leadership Conference

Health Law Group lawyer Leslie J. Levinson was among the speakers who participated in a panel discussion entitled “8 Essential M&A Questions for 2019” during the Home Care 100 Leadership Conference held January 27-30, 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Presented by Lincoln Healthcare Leadership, the 2019 conference highlighted leading-edge change, opportunity, and innovation in home care and hospice. Les' session focused on M&A activity in home care and included a near-term forecast.

Mike Giaimo Co-chairs MCLE Program on Zoning

Land Use Group lawyer Michael S. Giaimo co-chaired a program entitled “Zoning Demystified – Comprehensive and packed with practical tips” at the MCLE Conference Center in Boston, Massachusetts on January 23, 2019. Presented by MCLE | New England®, the program was offered both in-person and as a recorded webcast. The session focused on the basics of zoning in Massachusetts, including how to review and apply a zoning ordinance or bylaw, how to be effective in practicing before local boards, and what happens in an appeal to the Land Court.

Matt Lawlor Accepted into Greater Boston Chamber Fellowship Program for Advanced Leaders

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Matthew J. Lawlor was recently selected to participate in the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Fellowship (Chamber Fellows) for Advanced Leaders program. The six-month leadership program for senior-level professionals gives Chamber Fellows the opportunity to explore the topic of leadership through a deep dive into a civic issue facing the region’s business community. The theme for the January to June 2019 session is transportation, featuring a curriculum focused on the region’s pressing public transit needs and opportunities. The program will provide an opportunity to learn systems thinking and distributed leadership through classroom sessions with the MIT Sloan School of Management, an experiential project with Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and through a peer cohort of about 25 advanced leaders across industries, who are facing similar challenges at the executive level. Each year, the Chamber Fellows program accepts up to 40 senior executives with 15+ years of management experience from Chamber member organizations, such as Robinson+Cole. 

Robinson+Cole Hosts UConn Law Alumni Association “Breakfast Brief”

The firm hosted a “Breakfast Brief” program in the Hartford office on January 18, 2019. Presented by the University of Connecticut School of Law (UConn Law) Alumni Association, the program is a part of a new morning series that offers networking and education. During the Breakfast Brief, Professor Sara Bronin discussed ways in which UConn Law students and faculty are impacting historic preservation efforts in Hartford through her courses in property, land use, and historic preservation law, and highlighted some upcoming changes that have been proposed in the campus master plan. The Robinson+Cole lawyers who attended their alma mater’s program were Mimi M. Lines, Linda L. Morkan, Denis J. O'Malley, Je'Quana S. Orr, Keisha S. Palmer, Emilee Mooney Scott, and Glenn A. Santoro. Linda currently serves on the board of directors of the UConn Law Alumni Association. View event photos.

Norm Roos Moderates Annual New England Mortgage Expo Panel

Business Transactions Group lawyer Norman H. Roos again served as the moderator and a panelist during the Connecticut Mortgage Bankers Association (CMBA) Legislative Panel session at The New England Mortgage Expo. The Expo, the nation's largest regional mortgage conference, was held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville, Connecticut on January 18, 2019. The session was entitled "CMBA Legislative and Regulatory Update—The CMBA Presents: The Mortgage Industry and 'Climate Change'– How the Changing Political, FinTech and Financial Climate will Impact our Industry -—What Do Mortgage Industry Participants Need to Know—Insights from Our Expert Legal Panel on State, Regional and National Developments." The program covered what is in store for the mortgage industry in 2019, including which federal and state legislative and regulatory priorities will require particular attention in the coming year, examination and enforcement priorities, electronic closings, remote online notarization and other developments that could affect the origination and servicing of residential mortgage loans.

Eric Kogan and Les Levinson Represent Robinson+Cole During Industry Leading Conference

The 37th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference was held in San Francisco, California from January 7 to 10, 2019. According to the event website, the “annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is the largest and most informative healthcare investment symposium in the industry.” The conference is renowned for “bringing together industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators, and members of the investment community.” The event is generally considered by industry, financial, and legal leaders and advisors to kick off the year and set the transactional tone in the broader health care and life sciences industries. Approximately 9,000 total attendees and more than 450 private and public companies participated in this year’s event.
 
Leslie J. Levinson, co-chair of Robinson+Cole’s Transactional Health Law Group, and Eric M. Kogan, chair of Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Group, attended events hosted by participants while in San Francisco during the conference. In addition, they met with firm clients, private equity and other investors, lenders, investment bankers, and industry thought leaders to discuss trends in the health care investment area, exchange insights and experiences, and explore post-acute and other industry opportunities.

Linn Freedman Presents During 45th Annual TIPS Midwinter Symposium

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Linn F. Freedman was among the speakers who participated in a panel discussion on "InsureTech and Big Data" during the "45th Annual TIPS Midwinter Symposium on Insurance and Employee Benefits – Life, Health and Disability, and ERISA: Emerging Issues and Litigation" held January 17-19, 2019. Presented by the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) in Coral Gables, Florida, this year’s program focused on the latest issues and trends in life insurance, health & disability insurance, employee benefits and ERISA, and insurance regulation. Linn's session covered the increasing influence of Big Data on the provision of insurance coverage in life, health and other lines.

Peter Strniste Presents During Commercial Construction & Renovation Summit

Construction Group lawyer Peter E. Strniste, Jr. presented a program on “The Ten Most Negotiated Construction Contract Terms” during the 2019 Commercial Construction & Renovation Summit in Biloxi, Mississippi held January 15-17, 2019. The summit was presented by Commercial Construction & Renovation, a bi-monthly publication that covers design, construction, and facilities operations of the major commercial construction segments. The session reviewed the ten most negotiated contract terms in owner-contractor agreements and subcontracts. Peter examined each of the terms and explained their importance and associated nuances. He also shared negotiating strategies, reviewed how these contract provisions have been applied in real life settings, and how courts have interpreted them.

Kathryn Rattigan Appointed to Stonehill College President’s Advisory Group

Business Litigation Group lawyer Kathryn M. Rattigan has been appointed to the President’s Advisory Group for Stonehill College, located in Easton, Massachusetts. The mission of the group is to complement the work of the College’s president and board of trustees by offering advice, guidance and recommendations on priority areas of the College. This includes, but is not limited to: marketing and branding, campus master planning, strategic planning, alumni engagement, resource development, and athletics. Kathryn received her B.A. from Stonehill College and will be serving a three-year term with the group.

Jeff White Appointed to Serve on State of Connecticut Ebriefs Committee

Appellate Practice Group lawyer Jeffrey J. White has been appointed by Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Robinson to serve on the Electronic Briefs (Ebriefs) Transition and Development Committee. The Committee is co-chaired by Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Gregory D'Auria and Appellate Court Judge Ingrid Moll. Jeff is one of four private practitioner members on the 18-person Committee, which also includes representatives from the Supreme Court, Appellate Court, Office of the Attorney General, and Chief State’s Attorney’s Office. The Committee is charged with transitioning the Appellate Division from its current procedure, which requires the filing of briefs and electronic briefs, to electronic-only briefs.

Keisha Palmer Appointed to NABL Section 103 Editorial Board

Public Finance lawyer Keisha S. Palmer has been appointed Vice Chair II to the National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL) Section 103 Editorial Board. Established in 1979, the NABL promotes the integrity of the municipal market through the education of its members about the laws affecting state and municipal bonds. The Section 103 Editorial Board edits and oversees publication of the Federal Taxation of Municipal Bonds Deskbook materials with Lexis Nexis. Keisha will serve a three-year term on the board.

Robinson+Cole Hosts PLUS Cyber Round Table

The firm hosted a gathering of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) Hartford Chapter in the Hartford office on January 10, 2019. More than 50 people attended the group’s “Cyber Security & Data Privacy Round Table” program. Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Linn F. Freedman was among the speakers who participated in the discussion. PLUS is recognized as the primary source of professional liability educational programs and seminars, networking events, educational products, and information regarding professional liability. Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Stephen O. Clancy coordinated the program and currently serves on the PLUS Hartford Chapter Steering Committee.

Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson and Natale Di Natale Present Workplace Investigations CLE Program

Labor + Employment Group lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson and Natale V. Di Natale presented the program "High-Risk Workplace Investigations" on January 8, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) Health Law Section, the CLE program offered a brief but substantive look at the risky terrain faced by health care employers when conducting a workplace investigation. Britt-Marie served as a panelist while Natale served as the program chair. He is currently a member of the MBA Health Law Section Council.

Brian Wheelin Appointed to Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County’s Stamford Community Board

Junior Achievement  of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC), an organization committed to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy, has appointed Business Litigation Group lawyer Brian J. Wheelin to its Stamford Community Board. JAGFC is among the 109 local JA areas across the nation whose volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12th grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, which  use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential. JAGFC serves more than 22,000 students in 20 Greater Fairfield County towns. 

Robinson+Cole Supports Lawyers for Children America Event

The firm was a silver sponsor of a happy hour event hosted by Lawyers for Children America (LFCA) at the Wadsworth Athenaeum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut on December 13, 2018. LFCA is a leading child advocacy organization, protecting the rights of children who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment by providing the highest level of direct pro bono legal representation. The gathering celebrated the volunteer attorneys who work with LFCA to serve Connecticut’s most vulnerable children. Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Joey Lee Miranda serves on the LFCA board of directors and attended the event.   

Evan Seeman to Lead APA Planning and Law Division

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman has ascended to the role of chair of the American Planning Association's (APA) Planning and Law Division (PLD). Over the past three years, Mr. Seeman has served as the division's president-elect, secretary/treasurer and a member of the Education and Outreach Committee. The PLD is dedicated to educating individuals about the intersection of planning and law, as the legal issues underlying the planning of our cities and communities are important and essential components in the education and training of those who would become professional planners and land use practitioners. The PLD has more than 500 members, including attorneys, planners, municipal officials, students, and others.

Mike Wirvin Contributes to Mills & Reeve Article on “Trade Wars and the Automobile”

International Practice Group Co-chair J. Michael Wirvin contributed to the article “Trade Wars and the Automobile,” published by Mills & Reeve LLP, a British law firm headquartered Cambridge, UK, on December 6, 2018. The update focuses on challenges faced by the U.K. automotive industry, particularly as it relates to Brexit and its possible impact on Britain’s negotiating position in the ongoing automobile tariff saga in the U.S. View the full article.

Linn Freedman Presents Program on the Importance of Employee Cybersecurity Education

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Linn F. Freedman presented a program entitled "Cybersecurity: Anatomy of Three Insider Threat Cases – Why Employee Education Efforts are Critical to Your Business" at the Tech Collective in Providence, Rhode Island on December 7, 2018. Co-sponsored by the Tech Collective and the Pell Center of Salve Regina University, the program featured three distinct case studies and detailed how each company dealt with different insider threats, their cascading effects, and the lessons learned. Linn also stressed the importance of employee engagement and the steps companies can take to address the issues of employee error and intentional misconduct.

Greg Faulkner Presents on Managing Legal Exposures at Construction Institute

Construction Group lawyer Gregory R. Faulkner presented a workshop on "Management of Legal Exposures" on December 12, 2018 at the Construction Institute (CI) in Hartford, Connecticut. The workshop is offered as part of CI's Project Management Certification program. Mr. Faulkner has presented at this workshop for the past several years, and it remains one of CI's most well-attended programs. For the second year, the program was structured to provide a two-hour online session, followed by a two-hour live presentation. Mr. Faulkner addressed how early knowledge of potential issues on a project can help mitigate any associated legal consequences and costs. The workshop reviewed potential legal issues that can arise from missteps; examined case law examples that resulted from construction-related issues; and discussed the importance of considering legal hurdles before making decisions.

Providence Offices Raises Nearly $15,000 During United Way Workforce Campaign

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Peter V. Lacouture, along with Legal Administrative Assistant Brenda L. Vucci, organized the Providence office’s annual United Way Workforce Campaign. The campaign kicked-off with a special luncheon featuring a video presentation by United Way of Rhode Island and an informational address given by Cortney Nicolato, the organization’s new President and CEO. A successful campaign concluded in early December 2018 with almost $15,000 raised from the contributions made by nearly 100 percent of lawyers and staff.

Providence Office Continues its “Spirit of Giving” by Participating in Annual Holiday Food Drive

In addition to the Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive, Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Dana M. Horton organized the Providence office’s participation in the December 2018 Annual Food Drive, benefiting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The annual food drive is an initiative supported by the Defense Counsel of Rhode Island, of which Dana is an active member. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank, an organization that the Providence office has supported many times in the past, is Rhode Island’s largest community food bank, providing resources to families and supporting organizations throughout the state. View a photo of the contribution made to the food drive.

Hartford Office Volunteers for Hands On Hartford’s Annual Holiday Party and Toy Shoppe

Nine Robinson+Cole lawyers and staff members volunteered to participate in Hands On Hartford’s 2018 Holiday Party and Toy Shoppe on December 13, 2018. Hands On Hartford is a social service nonprofit organization that serves Hartford’s neediest residents in the areas of food, housing, and health. The organization’s annual holiday event supported the 150 families it serves by providing parents with a unique opportunity to “shop,” free of charge, for gifts for their children. While parents shop in the “toy room,” kids are the in the “party room,” enjoying music and food, making holiday crafts, visiting with Santa, and more. The firm’s volunteer effort was coordinated by Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Candace M. Cunningham and included Lorraine Andexler, Diana C. D'Angelo, Alaine C. Doolan, Elizabeth C. Figueroa, Denise G. Jaffe, Ashley R. Paholski, Laura A. Rankin, and Michele A. Sexton. The group was assigned to assist with various activity stations, such as arts and crafts, games, food service, gift wrapping, and more. The firm was a proud sponsor of this event.