Bankruptcy + Reorganizations
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Bankruptcy + Reorganizations
Businesses confronting the possibility of insolvency face a unique mix of legal, business, financial, and human relations challenges. Robinson+Cole works extensively on insolvency-related matters for debtors, committees and creditors, including banks and other financial institutions, individual lenders, syndicated lending groups, institutional investors, vendors and landlords. Our clients include hedge funds, private equity funds, acquirers of assets from financially distressed companies, real estate and equipment lessors, special servicers, equity holders, and franchisees.
Our restructuring and bankruptcy practice is recognized nationally for our work on behalf of personal injury claimants in complex mass tort bankruptcy cases, where we are recognized as a leader, with deep knowledge in this area that is on the cutting edge of the modern bankruptcy practice. We have extensive, in-depth experience innovating and implementing strategies in theses cases, particularly as counsel to official committees of victims and their constituents, whose rights are imperiled by debtors and their affiliates attempting to use the Bankruptcy Code for abusive ends. Our group was named “Law Firm of the Year” at The M&A Advisor’s 19th Annual Turnaround Awards presented as part of the 2025 Distressed Investing Summit.
As lead counsel to the official committee of Talc Claimants in Imerys Talc America, Inc., we developed a deep understanding of the science and scope of injuries caused by asbestos in talc in connection with the first talc bankruptcy case, filed in February 2019. As Committee counsel in four of the five major “Texas Two-Step” cases – Bestwall (Georgia Pacific), DBMP (CertainTeed), Aldrich Pump (Trane) and Murray Boiler (Trane/Ingersoll-Rand), we have been fighting on multiple fronts to challenge each of their rights to utilize the bankruptcy system.
Among our other successes, we represented the appellants in the ground-breaking decision by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on interpretation of section 524(g) in Combustion Engineering.
In the matter of In re Specialty Products Holding Specialty Products Holding Corp. (Bondex), we represented the Official Committee of Tort Claimants in a chapter 11 joint compound asbestos case involving the establishing of a section 524(g) trust after the asbestos personal injury committee successfully litigated an estimation trial resulting in the Court finding liability in an amount in excess of $1.1 billion.
In addition to our work for committees of personal injury claimants in mass tort cases, we also have extensive experience representing official committees of trade and other creditors. We recently completed representation of the Committee in the large, complex Chapter 11 Mallinckrodt bankruptcy, primarily composed of litigation claimants, including asbestos claimants; we are lead counsel to the post-bankruptcy general unsecured creditors trust. The Committee included financial, tort, trade, and other litigation claimants, with the case culminating in a consensual settlement among the debtors’ primary creditor constituencies.
In In re Nutraquest Systems, Inc., we represented a mixed claimant committee of false advertising class actions and various personal injury claims arising out of the use of ephedra, a dietary supplement, which successfully resolved by settlement, resulting in excess of 95% of the agreed value of all claims being paid.
Our litigation experience in bankruptcy cases is commensurate with our committee representations, and we have successfully tried (and resolved by favorable settlement that received overwhelming creditor support) cases across the country. We have obtained bankruptcy court authority to bring and prosecute fraud and fraudulent conveyance, breach of fiduciary duty, and related claims, including under the Cybergenics standard in the Third Circuit in Nutraquest and Bondex.
Our Services
In addition to our extensive committee work, we provide legal services for all manner of other bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters, including:
- Lead lender, secured creditor, and major vendor representations
- Insolvent asset acquisition advice and representation
- Defense against bankruptcy preferences, fraudulent transfers, subordinations, and other avoidance claims
- Development and negotiation of out-of-court and Chapter 11 workouts and reorganization plans
- Lender liability litigation
We also represent clients on matters arising out of loan participations, intercreditor agreements, lender conduct, executory contracts, license and franchise agreements, distributorship agreements, and commitment letters.
Our Team
Our team members have extensive experience with guiding businesses through pre-bankruptcy planning and bankruptcy filings, to help safeguard their financial interests. We regularly represent clients of all sizes across a range of industries, including retail, travel, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy.
We are invested in employing our legal skills to help you skillfully navigate the complex, interconnected legal issues relating to insolvency and reorganizations. Whatever challenges you are facing, our cross-disciplinary team is here to advise and support you.
Our restructuring and committee credentials, coupled with a familiarity and understanding of the case and the industry, allow us to hit the ground running and to provide the Committee with counsel possessing the necessary skills and experience tailored to the unique aspects of a case.
We have represented clients in notable bankruptcy cases, including Lehman Brothers, Westinghouse, SunEdison, NewPage, Bernie Madoff, Chrysler, Toys “R” Us, RadioShack, Bob’s Stores, Goody’s and Filenes.
We collaborate with lawyers throughout Robinson+Cole’s practice areas when handling complex insolvency matters. To ensure the high-quality advice our clients need, we draw on our firm’s vast experience in many areas of law:
- Finance and financial services
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Private equity
- Hedge funds
- Litigation
- Real estate finance
- Financial regulation
- Tax law
Through our lawyers’ relationships with crisis managers, financial advisors, and other insolvency professionals, we apply our team’s collective skills and diverse legal backgrounds to provide seamless cross-disciplinary representation.
Robinson+Cole can offer the right legal team for your case, featuring experienced professionals including, bankruptcy partners who have represented committees and various committee constituents to successful results in numerous cases, as well as highly qualified litigators and corporate transactions attorneys.
Whichever bankruptcy, restructuring or reorganization issues your business is facing, Robinson+Cole’s top-tier Bankruptcy + Reorganizations practice group attorneys provide you with unwavering legal support – in or out of court.
People
Experience
Debtor Representation: Successful Chapter 11 Reorganization for West Virginia Hospital System
Represented a West Virginia hospital system through a successful Chapter 11 reorganization, saving over 1,000 jobs and enabling the hospital to continue to provide essential care to West Virginians. *
*Attorney Balasko was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.
Read More
Debtor Representation: Chapter 11 Sale of Virginia Home Manufacturer
Represented a Virginia manufactured home manufacturer through Chapter 11 sale process.*
*Attorney Balasko was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.
Read More
Debtor Representation: Representation of Retail Store in Chapter 11 Sale + Structured Dismissal
Represented a Virginia second-hand retail store through a Chapter 11 sale process and structured dismissal.*
*Attorney Balasko was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.
Read More
Publications
March 2026
Honest, but Still Unfortunate? Ninth Circuit Defines Authority of Social Security Administration to Recoup Overpayments Following Chapter 7 Discharge
ABI Journal
The article highlights a notable Ninth Circuit decision where it ruled that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not get a free pass to claw back overpayments just because the payment came from a benefits program, like Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. In this particular case, the court ruled that recoupment was impermissible given that the overpayment arose from the SSA’s own error, the debtor already received a no-asset Chapter 7 discharge, and there was no evidence of malfeasance by the debtor.
February 27, 2026
Appeals Courts Say Fraud Debts Can Survive Small Business Bankruptcies
West Virginia Banker, Pub. 17, Issue 1
View the article.
February 2026
Venue Transfer: Types of Jurisdiction and the Applicability of 28 U.S.C. § 1412
ABI Journal
In this article, Andrew and Annecca discuss a practical reality concerning bankruptcy venue transfer motions under 28 U.S.C. § 1412—while uniformity is the law’s desired result, outcomes have substantially varied due to judicial discretion and jurisdictional analysis. The blurred boundary between a strict ‘arising under’ requirement and an analysis of ‘core’ matters means districts ostensibly applying the same test might reach seemingly conflicting decisions. Andrew and Annecca highlight how this lack of predictability complicates strategic planning, but that there is an inherent flexibility of the ‘core’ and ‘related to’ tests which provides significant opportunities for creative legal arguments in court. Read the article.
March 2026
Honest, but Still Unfortunate? Ninth Circuit Defines Authority of Social Security Administration to Recoup Overpayments Following Chapter 7 Discharge
ABI Journal
The article highlights a notable Ninth Circuit decision where it ruled that the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not get a free pass to claw back overpayments just because the payment came from a benefits program, like Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. In this particular case, the court ruled that recoupment was impermissible given that the overpayment arose from the SSA’s own error, the debtor already received a no-asset Chapter 7 discharge, and there was no evidence of malfeasance by the debtor.
February 27, 2026
Appeals Courts Say Fraud Debts Can Survive Small Business Bankruptcies
West Virginia Banker, Pub. 17, Issue 1
View the article.
February 2026
Venue Transfer: Types of Jurisdiction and the Applicability of 28 U.S.C. § 1412
ABI Journal
In this article, Andrew and Annecca discuss a practical reality concerning bankruptcy venue transfer motions under 28 U.S.C. § 1412—while uniformity is the law’s desired result, outcomes have substantially varied due to judicial discretion and jurisdictional analysis. The blurred boundary between a strict ‘arising under’ requirement and an analysis of ‘core’ matters means districts ostensibly applying the same test might reach seemingly conflicting decisions. Andrew and Annecca highlight how this lack of predictability complicates strategic planning, but that there is an inherent flexibility of the ‘core’ and ‘related to’ tests which provides significant opportunities for creative legal arguments in court. Read the article.
November 13, 2025
Law and Practice – USA
2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide Chapters
An overview of the U.S. insolvency framework, addressing core principles, creditor rights, restructurings, and cross-border issues.
November 13, 2025
USA – Delaware Trends and Developments
2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide Chapters
An analysis of recent Delaware bankruptcy developments, including third-party releases and emerging trends following the Supreme Court’s Purdue decision.
November 2025
Rejection Damages and the Ongoing Battle over What Constitutes a "Noncontingent Liquidated Debt"
American Bankruptcy Institute Law Journal
View the article.
2025
Navigating a Post-Purdue World: Third Party Releases in Section 363 Sales
Bankruptcy Law News, Volume XXV, No. 43
August 16, 2024
Longstanding Debate: Touhy Regulations vs. the FRCP
ABI Journal
In this article, Annecca and Rick discuss how legal practitioners can navigate the disconnect between Touhy regulations and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) relating to subpoena response by agency employees and liberal discovery procedures. “When evaluating this tension…practitioners should be cognizant of controlling the case law,” Annecca and Rick write. “In certain circumstances, discovery on a nongovernmental agency may provide a creative path for those parties seeking documents otherwise protected by a Touhy regulation.” Read the article.
August 6, 2024
Legal Update: DOJ Issues Final Guidance on New Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program, Placing Premium on Prompt and Detailed Investigations of Internal Whistleblower Reports
November 13, 2025
Law and Practice – USA
2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide Chapters
An overview of the U.S. insolvency framework, addressing core principles, creditor rights, restructurings, and cross-border issues.
November 13, 2025
USA – Delaware Trends and Developments
2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide Chapters
An analysis of recent Delaware bankruptcy developments, including third-party releases and emerging trends following the Supreme Court’s Purdue decision.
November 2025
Rejection Damages and the Ongoing Battle over What Constitutes a "Noncontingent Liquidated Debt"
American Bankruptcy Institute Law Journal
View the article.
2025
Navigating a Post-Purdue World: Third Party Releases in Section 363 Sales
Bankruptcy Law News, Volume XXV, No. 43
August 16, 2024
Longstanding Debate: Touhy Regulations vs. the FRCP
ABI Journal
In this article, Annecca and Rick discuss how legal practitioners can navigate the disconnect between Touhy regulations and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (FRCP) relating to subpoena response by agency employees and liberal discovery procedures. “When evaluating this tension…practitioners should be cognizant of controlling the case law,” Annecca and Rick write. “In certain circumstances, discovery on a nongovernmental agency may provide a creative path for those parties seeking documents otherwise protected by a Touhy regulation.” Read the article.
August 6, 2024
Legal Update: DOJ Issues Final Guidance on New Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program, Placing Premium on Prompt and Detailed Investigations of Internal Whistleblower Reports
News
June 12, 2026
Steven Boyajian Selected for the 2026 Victoria M. Almeida Servant Leader Award
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group partner Steven Boyajian was named the 2026 Victoria M. Almeida Servant Leader Awardee at the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Annual Bar Awards Luncheon, on June 12, 2026. Steven’s recognition reflects his dedication to the principles and values of servant leadership and his efforts to guide and support others in advancing greater justice for all. Robinson+Cole is also pleased to be a sponsor of the meeting.
Rhode Island Bar Association
June 4, 2026
Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings
Chambers & Partners
June 3, 2026
Robinson+Cole Expands National Platform with Four Lateral Partners
Strategic hires deepen the firm’s restructuring and business litigation capabilities and further support clients in complex, high stakes matters
June 12, 2026
Steven Boyajian Selected for the 2026 Victoria M. Almeida Servant Leader Award
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group partner Steven Boyajian was named the 2026 Victoria M. Almeida Servant Leader Awardee at the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Annual Bar Awards Luncheon, on June 12, 2026. Steven’s recognition reflects his dedication to the principles and values of servant leadership and his efforts to guide and support others in advancing greater justice for all. Robinson+Cole is also pleased to be a sponsor of the meeting.
Rhode Island Bar Association
June 4, 2026
Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings
Chambers & Partners
June 3, 2026
Robinson+Cole Expands National Platform with Four Lateral Partners
Strategic hires deepen the firm’s restructuring and business litigation capabilities and further support clients in complex, high stakes matters
May 29, 2026
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Guides Food52 Through Successful Chapter 11 Case
May 20, 2026
Katherine Fix Named a “NextGen” Leader in 2026 Legends and Leaders Issue
ABF Journal
May 13, 2026
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Earns Multiple Recognitions at 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards
Global M&A Network
March 31, 2026
Bankruptcy + Reorganization Group Wins “Ch. 11 Reorganization of the Year” & “Restructuring of the Year”
The M&A Advisor
March 27, 2026
Mark Fink + Richard Willi Author Article Detailing the Social Security Administration Recouping Overpayments
ABI Journal
March 20, 2026
Natalie Ramsey Once Again Selected to 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring List
Lawdragon
May 29, 2026
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Guides Food52 Through Successful Chapter 11 Case
May 20, 2026
Katherine Fix Named a “NextGen” Leader in 2026 Legends and Leaders Issue
ABF Journal
May 13, 2026
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Earns Multiple Recognitions at 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards
Global M&A Network
March 31, 2026
Bankruptcy + Reorganization Group Wins “Ch. 11 Reorganization of the Year” & “Restructuring of the Year”
The M&A Advisor
March 27, 2026
Mark Fink + Richard Willi Author Article Detailing the Social Security Administration Recouping Overpayments
ABI Journal
March 20, 2026
Natalie Ramsey Once Again Selected to 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring List
Lawdragon
Events
Past
Annual Bar Awards Luncheon
Jun 12 2026
Rhode Island Bar Association 2026 Annual Meeting
Past
Sink or Swim: Retail Industry in 2026
Jun 11 2026
Ocean Casino Resort
Past
Annual Bar Awards Luncheon
Jun 12 2026
Rhode Island Bar Association 2026 Annual Meeting
Past
Sink or Swim: Retail Industry in 2026
Jun 11 2026
Ocean Casino Resort
Past
2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards
Jun 11 2026
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Past
Bankruptcy Sales: From Rocky Roads to Detours and Deals – 2026 New York City Bankruptcy Conference
May 21 2026
ABI 2026 New York Bankruptcy Conference
Past
The Global M&A Network’s 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards
May 12 2026
Metropolitan Club
Past
Understanding Bankruptcy: How to Make Sense of Corporate Reorganizations
May 9 2026
Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing 2026 Annual Conference
Past
2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards
Jun 11 2026
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Past
Bankruptcy Sales: From Rocky Roads to Detours and Deals – 2026 New York City Bankruptcy Conference
May 21 2026
ABI 2026 New York Bankruptcy Conference
Past
The Global M&A Network’s 18th Annual Turnaround Atlas Awards
May 12 2026
Metropolitan Club
Past
Understanding Bankruptcy: How to Make Sense of Corporate Reorganizations
May 9 2026
Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing 2026 Annual Conference
Firm Highlights
News
Robinson+Cole Expands Philadelphia Office at Landmark Liberty Place
News
Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards
News
Kate Dion and Natale DiNatale Examine the Legal Questions Raised By Sorsby Injunction
Education industry team chair Kathleen Dion and Labor Relations group chair Natale DiNatale discussed the potential ramifications on the NCAA and college athletes in the article, “NCAA to appeal Brendan Sorsby injunction. What it means and how it can win,” published in USA Today, June 8, 2026. Kate pointed out that the injunction is a temporary measure. “This decision is only a preliminary ruling and is subject to appeal. Unless it is overturned, the injunction preserves Sorsby’s opportunity to compete this fall while the underlying case proceeds and allows him to continue preparing for a potential NFL career. For the NCAA, the ruling raises questions about the extent to which courts may review and potentially limit the enforcement of eligibility and competitive-integrity rules in individual cases.” She continued, “It is also important to recognize that this is one state trial court decision, not a final decision on the merits, and thus its precedential value may be limited. While the court found that Sorsby demonstrated a probable right to the relief that he seeks on his breach of contract and other claims, which is a necessary element for obtaining a temporary injunction — the order does not appear to provide a detailed explanation of the court’s reasoning on that issue. As a result, many of the legal questions raised by the case are likely to remain the subject of further litigation and possible appellate review.” Discussing the foundation of the claim, Natale said, “The underlying dispute looks like a claim that the NCAA failed to accommodate a disability (e.g. an ADA claim based on a gambling addiction). But, it was brought as a breach of contract claim. A contract claim can be brought and maybe kept, in state court, which is likely a friendlier forum for this athlete.” Read the article.
News
Robinson+Cole Expands National Platform with Four Lateral Partners
Robinson+Cole announced the addition of four lateral partners—J. Zachary Balasko, Eric Del Pozo, Brya M. Keilson and Victor R. Salgado, accelerating the firm’s continued investment in the growth of its national bankruptcy and business litigation capabilities. Balasko and Keilson join the firm’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group in Washington, DC, and Wilmington, DE, respectively, while Del Pozo and Salgado join the Business Litigation group in Hartford, CT, and Washington, DC. These strategic hires enhance the firm’s ability to serve clients navigating complex, high‑stakes bankruptcy, restructuring, government enforcement, and related litigation matters nationwide and expand the firm’s depth and reach across key markets. “These additions meaningfully reinforce the depth and versatility of our business litigation and restructuring platform and reflect a deliberate approach to strengthening these areas in ways that directly benefit our clients,” said J. Michael Wirvin, the firm’s Managing Partner. “Eric, Zak, Brya, and Victor each bring sophisticated experience and sound judgment that enhance our ability to advise clients through some of their most critical and challenging matters. Their arrival reflects our continued focus on building cohesive, multi-disciplinary teams with capabilities that extend across multiple markets.” J. Zachary Balasko joins the firm as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner based in Washington, DC. His practice focuses on complex Chapter 11 cases and bankruptcy‑related litigation across the country, representing debtors, secured creditors, creditors’ committees, and governmental entities. Balasko brings substantial experience from both private practice and prior service with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he handled major insolvency matters involving federal interests. Eric Del Pozo joins Robinson+Cole’s Hartford, CT office as a Business Litigation partner focusing on complex commercial litigation and appellate matters, representing businesses and public entities in regulated industries in high-stakes and sophisticated disputes. Del Pozo brings experience from senior roles in government and private practice, where he has represented clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Brya Keilson joins Robinson+Cole as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner in the firm’s Wilmington, DE office, one of the nation’s leading venues for complex bankruptcy proceeding . She represents debtors, creditors, committees, trustees, and other parties in interest in sophisticated Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. Keilson is widely experienced in contested bankruptcy matters and frequently advises clients on both strategic and practical considerations throughout the restructuring process. Victor Salgado joins Robinson+Cole as a Business Litigation partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office. He brings significant experience from both government and private practice, including eight years as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, where he handled high‑profile and complex cases focusing on public corruption as well as crimes involving financial institutions. Salgado will also work closely with the firm’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group on contested matters arising in complex restructurings and related litigation. In addition, Destiney Parker-Thompson joins the firm as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations associate in the Wilmington office. Parker‑Thompson focuses her practice on bankruptcy, restructuring, and related litigation matters, drawing on experience representing debtors, creditors, and financial institutions in complex Chapter 11 cases. She previously served as a judicial law clerk to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, bringing valuable insight to sophisticated restructuring matters. Robinson+Cole’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group has recently been recognized for its role in several of the most complex and precedent‑setting restructuring matters in the country, earning multiple national honors for its work in high‑profile Chapter 11 cases and related litigation. The group has guided stakeholders through landmark proceedings—including award‑recognized reorganizations, a first‑of‑its‑kind bankruptcy confirmed with a Section 524(g) injunction, and other transformative restructurings—reflecting the team’s ability to deliver strategic, results‑driven counsel in matters with significant legal and financial implications.
News
Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research
Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200 firm to adopt the platform—the firm has continued to expand its AI capabilities as part of a broader strategy focused on secure deployment, ethical use, and seamless integration into daily legal work. The integration enables Robinson+Cole attorneys to conduct complex, multi‑step legal research and receive verifiable, citation‑backed responses grounded in trusted Thomson Reuters content. By embedding Deep Research into Newcode.ai, Robinson+Cole continues to build on its deliberate, governance‑first approach to AI adoption while delivering meaningful, practice‑ready innovation for its lawyers and clients. “Innovation at Robinson+Cole is grounded in client service, security, and practicality,” said J. Michael Wirvin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “By incorporating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, we are providing our lawyers with advanced research capabilities in a secure environment fully controlled by the firm that aligns with our standards for data governance, accuracy, and responsible AI use. This integration reflects our continued focus on adopting technology thoughtfully to support our attorneys and deliver value to our clients.” The addition of Deep Research allows attorneys to: Perform sophisticated legal research using agentic workflows that mirror real‑world legal reasoning Receive structured, verifiable responses grounded in Thomson Reuters data Streamline research processes while maintaining rigorous quality and accuracy standards Work entirely within Robinson+Cole’s firm‑controlled AI environment “Our integration of the Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research API with Newcode represents a defining moment in our AI strategy,” said Chief Data Officer Jim Merrifield. "We are incredibly proud to be the first firm to bring this capability to life—unlocking the power of trusted legal data directly within the workflows our lawyers and business professionals rely on every day. This is exactly how we maximize our technology investments: by connecting best-in-class data sources through APIs into a unified platform, so the technology meets our people where they work, enhances their judgment, and accelerates better outcomes for our clients.” Robinson+Cole’s AI program is guided by firmwide policies, mandatory training, and ongoing oversight to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. The firm’s approach emphasizes measured adoption, strong information governance, and alignment with client expectations, rather than one‑off experimentation. This latest enhancement underscores Robinson+Cole’s commitment to remaining forward‑thinking in its use of technology, while ensuring that innovation serves the firm’s clients, lawyers, and long‑term strategic goals.
News
Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings
News
Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair
Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.
Event
2026 Power of Place Summit
Robinson+Cole is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2026 Power of Place Summit, hosted by Grow Smart RI. The event marks the largest and most diverse gathering of community changemakers in Rhode Island to advance long-term change and revitalize Rhode Island neighborhoods, improve lives, and safeguard the state’s beauty, magic, and soul. Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications group partner George Watson serves on Grow Smart RI’s Board of Directors. For more information, click here.
News
Julianna Charpentier Recognized as an “Up & Coming Lawyer”
News
Robinson+Cole’s People-First Culture Recognized in Vault’s 2027 Rankings
News
Robinson+Cole Expands Philadelphia Office at Landmark Liberty Place
News
Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards
News
Kate Dion and Natale DiNatale Examine the Legal Questions Raised By Sorsby Injunction
Education industry team chair Kathleen Dion and Labor Relations group chair Natale DiNatale discussed the potential ramifications on the NCAA and college athletes in the article, “NCAA to appeal Brendan Sorsby injunction. What it means and how it can win,” published in USA Today, June 8, 2026. Kate pointed out that the injunction is a temporary measure. “This decision is only a preliminary ruling and is subject to appeal. Unless it is overturned, the injunction preserves Sorsby’s opportunity to compete this fall while the underlying case proceeds and allows him to continue preparing for a potential NFL career. For the NCAA, the ruling raises questions about the extent to which courts may review and potentially limit the enforcement of eligibility and competitive-integrity rules in individual cases.” She continued, “It is also important to recognize that this is one state trial court decision, not a final decision on the merits, and thus its precedential value may be limited. While the court found that Sorsby demonstrated a probable right to the relief that he seeks on his breach of contract and other claims, which is a necessary element for obtaining a temporary injunction — the order does not appear to provide a detailed explanation of the court’s reasoning on that issue. As a result, many of the legal questions raised by the case are likely to remain the subject of further litigation and possible appellate review.” Discussing the foundation of the claim, Natale said, “The underlying dispute looks like a claim that the NCAA failed to accommodate a disability (e.g. an ADA claim based on a gambling addiction). But, it was brought as a breach of contract claim. A contract claim can be brought and maybe kept, in state court, which is likely a friendlier forum for this athlete.” Read the article.
News
Robinson+Cole Expands National Platform with Four Lateral Partners
Robinson+Cole announced the addition of four lateral partners—J. Zachary Balasko, Eric Del Pozo, Brya M. Keilson and Victor R. Salgado, accelerating the firm’s continued investment in the growth of its national bankruptcy and business litigation capabilities. Balasko and Keilson join the firm’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group in Washington, DC, and Wilmington, DE, respectively, while Del Pozo and Salgado join the Business Litigation group in Hartford, CT, and Washington, DC. These strategic hires enhance the firm’s ability to serve clients navigating complex, high‑stakes bankruptcy, restructuring, government enforcement, and related litigation matters nationwide and expand the firm’s depth and reach across key markets. “These additions meaningfully reinforce the depth and versatility of our business litigation and restructuring platform and reflect a deliberate approach to strengthening these areas in ways that directly benefit our clients,” said J. Michael Wirvin, the firm’s Managing Partner. “Eric, Zak, Brya, and Victor each bring sophisticated experience and sound judgment that enhance our ability to advise clients through some of their most critical and challenging matters. Their arrival reflects our continued focus on building cohesive, multi-disciplinary teams with capabilities that extend across multiple markets.” J. Zachary Balasko joins the firm as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner based in Washington, DC. His practice focuses on complex Chapter 11 cases and bankruptcy‑related litigation across the country, representing debtors, secured creditors, creditors’ committees, and governmental entities. Balasko brings substantial experience from both private practice and prior service with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he handled major insolvency matters involving federal interests. Eric Del Pozo joins Robinson+Cole’s Hartford, CT office as a Business Litigation partner focusing on complex commercial litigation and appellate matters, representing businesses and public entities in regulated industries in high-stakes and sophisticated disputes. Del Pozo brings experience from senior roles in government and private practice, where he has represented clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Brya Keilson joins Robinson+Cole as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner in the firm’s Wilmington, DE office, one of the nation’s leading venues for complex bankruptcy proceeding . She represents debtors, creditors, committees, trustees, and other parties in interest in sophisticated Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. Keilson is widely experienced in contested bankruptcy matters and frequently advises clients on both strategic and practical considerations throughout the restructuring process. Victor Salgado joins Robinson+Cole as a Business Litigation partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office. He brings significant experience from both government and private practice, including eight years as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, where he handled high‑profile and complex cases focusing on public corruption as well as crimes involving financial institutions. Salgado will also work closely with the firm’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group on contested matters arising in complex restructurings and related litigation. In addition, Destiney Parker-Thompson joins the firm as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations associate in the Wilmington office. Parker‑Thompson focuses her practice on bankruptcy, restructuring, and related litigation matters, drawing on experience representing debtors, creditors, and financial institutions in complex Chapter 11 cases. She previously served as a judicial law clerk to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, bringing valuable insight to sophisticated restructuring matters. Robinson+Cole’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group has recently been recognized for its role in several of the most complex and precedent‑setting restructuring matters in the country, earning multiple national honors for its work in high‑profile Chapter 11 cases and related litigation. The group has guided stakeholders through landmark proceedings—including award‑recognized reorganizations, a first‑of‑its‑kind bankruptcy confirmed with a Section 524(g) injunction, and other transformative restructurings—reflecting the team’s ability to deliver strategic, results‑driven counsel in matters with significant legal and financial implications.
News
Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research
Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200 firm to adopt the platform—the firm has continued to expand its AI capabilities as part of a broader strategy focused on secure deployment, ethical use, and seamless integration into daily legal work. The integration enables Robinson+Cole attorneys to conduct complex, multi‑step legal research and receive verifiable, citation‑backed responses grounded in trusted Thomson Reuters content. By embedding Deep Research into Newcode.ai, Robinson+Cole continues to build on its deliberate, governance‑first approach to AI adoption while delivering meaningful, practice‑ready innovation for its lawyers and clients. “Innovation at Robinson+Cole is grounded in client service, security, and practicality,” said J. Michael Wirvin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “By incorporating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, we are providing our lawyers with advanced research capabilities in a secure environment fully controlled by the firm that aligns with our standards for data governance, accuracy, and responsible AI use. This integration reflects our continued focus on adopting technology thoughtfully to support our attorneys and deliver value to our clients.” The addition of Deep Research allows attorneys to: Perform sophisticated legal research using agentic workflows that mirror real‑world legal reasoning Receive structured, verifiable responses grounded in Thomson Reuters data Streamline research processes while maintaining rigorous quality and accuracy standards Work entirely within Robinson+Cole’s firm‑controlled AI environment “Our integration of the Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research API with Newcode represents a defining moment in our AI strategy,” said Chief Data Officer Jim Merrifield. "We are incredibly proud to be the first firm to bring this capability to life—unlocking the power of trusted legal data directly within the workflows our lawyers and business professionals rely on every day. This is exactly how we maximize our technology investments: by connecting best-in-class data sources through APIs into a unified platform, so the technology meets our people where they work, enhances their judgment, and accelerates better outcomes for our clients.” Robinson+Cole’s AI program is guided by firmwide policies, mandatory training, and ongoing oversight to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. The firm’s approach emphasizes measured adoption, strong information governance, and alignment with client expectations, rather than one‑off experimentation. This latest enhancement underscores Robinson+Cole’s commitment to remaining forward‑thinking in its use of technology, while ensuring that innovation serves the firm’s clients, lawyers, and long‑term strategic goals.
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Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings
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Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair
Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.
Event
2026 Power of Place Summit
Robinson+Cole is pleased to be a sponsor of the 2026 Power of Place Summit, hosted by Grow Smart RI. The event marks the largest and most diverse gathering of community changemakers in Rhode Island to advance long-term change and revitalize Rhode Island neighborhoods, improve lives, and safeguard the state’s beauty, magic, and soul. Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications group partner George Watson serves on Grow Smart RI’s Board of Directors. For more information, click here.
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Julianna Charpentier Recognized as an “Up & Coming Lawyer”
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Robinson+Cole’s People-First Culture Recognized in Vault’s 2027 Rankings
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Robinson+Cole Expands Philadelphia Office at Landmark Liberty Place
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Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards
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Kate Dion and Natale DiNatale Examine the Legal Questions Raised By Sorsby Injunction
Education industry team chair Kathleen Dion and Labor Relations group chair Natale DiNatale discussed the potential ramifications on the NCAA and college athletes in the article, “NCAA to appeal Brendan Sorsby injunction. What it means and how it can win,” published in USA Today, June 8, 2026. Kate pointed out that the injunction is a temporary measure. “This decision is only a preliminary ruling and is subject to appeal. Unless it is overturned, the injunction preserves Sorsby’s opportunity to compete this fall while the underlying case proceeds and allows him to continue preparing for a potential NFL career. For the NCAA, the ruling raises questions about the extent to which courts may review and potentially limit the enforcement of eligibility and competitive-integrity rules in individual cases.” She continued, “It is also important to recognize that this is one state trial court decision, not a final decision on the merits, and thus its precedential value may be limited. While the court found that Sorsby demonstrated a probable right to the relief that he seeks on his breach of contract and other claims, which is a necessary element for obtaining a temporary injunction — the order does not appear to provide a detailed explanation of the court’s reasoning on that issue. As a result, many of the legal questions raised by the case are likely to remain the subject of further litigation and possible appellate review.” Discussing the foundation of the claim, Natale said, “The underlying dispute looks like a claim that the NCAA failed to accommodate a disability (e.g. an ADA claim based on a gambling addiction). But, it was brought as a breach of contract claim. A contract claim can be brought and maybe kept, in state court, which is likely a friendlier forum for this athlete.” Read the article.
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Robinson+Cole Expands National Platform with Four Lateral Partners
Robinson+Cole announced the addition of four lateral partners—J. Zachary Balasko, Eric Del Pozo, Brya M. Keilson and Victor R. Salgado, accelerating the firm’s continued investment in the growth of its national bankruptcy and business litigation capabilities. Balasko and Keilson join the firm’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group in Washington, DC, and Wilmington, DE, respectively, while Del Pozo and Salgado join the Business Litigation group in Hartford, CT, and Washington, DC. These strategic hires enhance the firm’s ability to serve clients navigating complex, high‑stakes bankruptcy, restructuring, government enforcement, and related litigation matters nationwide and expand the firm’s depth and reach across key markets. “These additions meaningfully reinforce the depth and versatility of our business litigation and restructuring platform and reflect a deliberate approach to strengthening these areas in ways that directly benefit our clients,” said J. Michael Wirvin, the firm’s Managing Partner. “Eric, Zak, Brya, and Victor each bring sophisticated experience and sound judgment that enhance our ability to advise clients through some of their most critical and challenging matters. Their arrival reflects our continued focus on building cohesive, multi-disciplinary teams with capabilities that extend across multiple markets.” J. Zachary Balasko joins the firm as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner based in Washington, DC. His practice focuses on complex Chapter 11 cases and bankruptcy‑related litigation across the country, representing debtors, secured creditors, creditors’ committees, and governmental entities. Balasko brings substantial experience from both private practice and prior service with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he handled major insolvency matters involving federal interests. Eric Del Pozo joins Robinson+Cole’s Hartford, CT office as a Business Litigation partner focusing on complex commercial litigation and appellate matters, representing businesses and public entities in regulated industries in high-stakes and sophisticated disputes. Del Pozo brings experience from senior roles in government and private practice, where he has represented clients at both the trial and appellate levels. Brya Keilson joins Robinson+Cole as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations partner in the firm’s Wilmington, DE office, one of the nation’s leading venues for complex bankruptcy proceeding . She represents debtors, creditors, committees, trustees, and other parties in interest in sophisticated Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 cases. Keilson is widely experienced in contested bankruptcy matters and frequently advises clients on both strategic and practical considerations throughout the restructuring process. Victor Salgado joins Robinson+Cole as a Business Litigation partner in the firm’s Washington, DC office. He brings significant experience from both government and private practice, including eight years as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, where he handled high‑profile and complex cases focusing on public corruption as well as crimes involving financial institutions. Salgado will also work closely with the firm’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group on contested matters arising in complex restructurings and related litigation. In addition, Destiney Parker-Thompson joins the firm as a Bankruptcy + Reorganizations associate in the Wilmington office. Parker‑Thompson focuses her practice on bankruptcy, restructuring, and related litigation matters, drawing on experience representing debtors, creditors, and financial institutions in complex Chapter 11 cases. She previously served as a judicial law clerk to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, bringing valuable insight to sophisticated restructuring matters. Robinson+Cole’s Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group has recently been recognized for its role in several of the most complex and precedent‑setting restructuring matters in the country, earning multiple national honors for its work in high‑profile Chapter 11 cases and related litigation. The group has guided stakeholders through landmark proceedings—including award‑recognized reorganizations, a first‑of‑its‑kind bankruptcy confirmed with a Section 524(g) injunction, and other transformative restructurings—reflecting the team’s ability to deliver strategic, results‑driven counsel in matters with significant legal and financial implications.
News
Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research
Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200 firm to adopt the platform—the firm has continued to expand its AI capabilities as part of a broader strategy focused on secure deployment, ethical use, and seamless integration into daily legal work. The integration enables Robinson+Cole attorneys to conduct complex, multi‑step legal research and receive verifiable, citation‑backed responses grounded in trusted Thomson Reuters content. By embedding Deep Research into Newcode.ai, Robinson+Cole continues to build on its deliberate, governance‑first approach to AI adoption while delivering meaningful, practice‑ready innovation for its lawyers and clients. “Innovation at Robinson+Cole is grounded in client service, security, and practicality,” said J. Michael Wirvin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “By incorporating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, we are providing our lawyers with advanced research capabilities in a secure environment fully controlled by the firm that aligns with our standards for data governance, accuracy, and responsible AI use. This integration reflects our continued focus on adopting technology thoughtfully to support our attorneys and deliver value to our clients.” The addition of Deep Research allows attorneys to: Perform sophisticated legal research using agentic workflows that mirror real‑world legal reasoning Receive structured, verifiable responses grounded in Thomson Reuters data Streamline research processes while maintaining rigorous quality and accuracy standards Work entirely within Robinson+Cole’s firm‑controlled AI environment “Our integration of the Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research API with Newcode represents a defining moment in our AI strategy,” said Chief Data Officer Jim Merrifield. "We are incredibly proud to be the first firm to bring this capability to life—unlocking the power of trusted legal data directly within the workflows our lawyers and business professionals rely on every day. This is exactly how we maximize our technology investments: by connecting best-in-class data sources through APIs into a unified platform, so the technology meets our people where they work, enhances their judgment, and accelerates better outcomes for our clients.” Robinson+Cole’s AI program is guided by firmwide policies, mandatory training, and ongoing oversight to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. The firm’s approach emphasizes measured adoption, strong information governance, and alignment with client expectations, rather than one‑off experimentation. This latest enhancement underscores Robinson+Cole’s commitment to remaining forward‑thinking in its use of technology, while ensuring that innovation serves the firm’s clients, lawyers, and long‑term strategic goals.
News
Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings