Robinson Cole LLP
High Contrast Mode

Dana M. Horton is a trial lawyer with more than twenty years of experience representing and advising corporate and insurance company clients in complex commercial disputes, with an emphasis on property and liability insurance coverage, extra-contractual/bad faith claims, large loss property subrogation, and product liability matters. 

Insurance Coverage + Bad Faith Litigation

Dana has counseled and represented clients in numerous high-exposure cases involving a wide variety of insurance lines and issues, including commercial property, business income and extra expense, builder’s risk, excess and surplus lines, and homeowners and automobile coverages. She works with carriers starting at the outset of a claim, providing guidance and advice to ensure compliance with applicable state laws and regulations, and adherence to good faith claims handling practices. She has handled numerous appraisals and references, mediations, arbitrations, and trials, throughout New England at the state, federal and appellate levels. Since April 2020, she has represented clients with regard to numerous substantial claims of loss and damage, allegedly stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Complex Commercial Litigation

Dana has represented corporate clients in general civil litigation and complex commercial matters throughout New England. She has represented and defended hospitals and health care centers in medical malpractice matters. She has assisted corporate clients in breach of contract and related commercial actions and has assisted on complex ERISA disputes, bankruptcy matters, construction and construction defect litigation, unfair trade practices, and a wide range of other business disputes.

Large Loss Property Subrogation, Marine + Products Liability

Working on behalf of some of the world’s largest insurers and reinsurers, Dana has handled countless subrogation claims, including fires, explosions, water damage, roof failures, construction defects, product defects, locomotive accidents, airplane catastrophes, chimney fires, boiler failures, and motor vehicle, yacht and marina claims. She assists her client at the outset of a claim, including investigating the circumstances and causes of each incident in order to maximize recovery effectively and efficiently. She assists with the origin and cause investigation, working with national experts and consultants to determine whether subrogation potential exists and identifying potential responsible parties. Dana has successfully litigated, tried, and resolved large loss subrogation matters throughout New England.

Arbitration + Mediation

In addition to utilizing ADR strategies in her own practice for her clients, Dana serves as both a mediator and arbitrator in Rhode Island, through her participation in the court-annexed arbitration program, the annual Settlement Week program implemented by the Rhode Island Superior Court, and privately.

Pro Bono

Dana assists Perspectives Corporation, a Rhode Island entity that provides residential and vocational opportunities to individuals with disabilities, with the appointment of health care guardians. She frequently coordinates community food and holiday gift drives for our firm’s Providence, Rhode Island office through the various committees and organizations for which she volunteers her time. She is a member of the Human Rights Committee for Perspectives as well.

Upon graduation from law school, Dana completed a one-year judicial clerkship with the State of Connecticut Superior Court. She served as the former co-chair of Robinson+Cole’s Wellbeing Committee. Dana is also the former co-chair and current member of our firm’s Women’s Committee and a former member of our firm’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, + Belonging Committee. She is a strong mentor advocate and assists with training colleagues with respect to the importance of mentoring.

  • New England School of Law (Juris Doctor, magna cum laude)
  • University of Rhode Island (Bachelors)
    • B.A.

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • State of Connecticut
  • State of Maine
  • State of New Hampshire
  • State of Rhode Island
  • State of Vermont
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maine
  • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire
  • U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
  • U.S. District Court, District of Vermont

Received a Band 1 ranking in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the State of Connecticut in the area of Insurance for 2024 and 2025

Recognized as a Legal Services Industry Leader as part of the Providence Business News 2024 Business Women Awards

Named a "Law Firm Mental Health & Well Being Initiative" finalist as part of Corporate Counsel's 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards

Robinson+Cole Wellbeing Award, 2025

Recognized as a 2021 Leader in the Law by Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

Recognized in Rhode Island Monthly's Professional Excellence in Law awards in the area of Insurance from 2020 to 2025

Providence Business Journal, 2010 "40 Under Forty"

Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Litigation-Insurance since 2016, in the areas of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendant for 2022, and in the area of Mediation for 2023

Robinson+Cole Mentor of the Year Award Recipient, 2021

Robinson+Cole Community Service Award Recipient, 2023

New England Law Alumni Association

United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Federal Court Advisory Council (2023 - present)

National Association of Subrogation Professionals

Defense Research Institute

American Bar Association
Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee

Rhode Island Bar Association
Executive Committee (2019 - present)
President-elect (2025 - present)
Treasurer (2024 - 2025)
Secretary (2023 - 2024)
House of Delegates (2009 - present)
Superior Court Bench/Bar Committee (2006 - present)
Chair, Superior Court Bench/Bar Committee (2016 - 2019)
Federal Court Bench/Bar Committee
Leadership Academy Task Force (2024 - present)
Federal Court Local Advisory Council (2022 - present)
Annual Meeting Planning Committee 2009-2011 (2021 - present)
Chair, Annual Meeting Planning Committee (2021 - 2022)

Rhode Island Bar Foundation
Fellow (2017 - present)

Rhode Island Women's Bar Association

Defense Counsel of Rhode Island

Connecticut Bar Association

New London County Bar Association
Board of Directors (2010 - 2014)
President (2013 - 2014)

Massachusetts Bar Association

New Hampshire Bar Association

Vermont Bar Association

Maine State Bar Association

Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel 

American Heart Association
Go Red for Women

Perspectives Corporation
Member, Human Rights Committee

Town of Westerly, Rhode Island
Member and Chairwoman, Board of Assessment Review

Hopkinton and Westerly Recreation Youth Basketball
Former Coach

Ocean Community YMCA
Certified Spinning Instructor (2016 - present)

Springbrook Elementary School
PTO Member and Former President

Westerly High School
Sports Boosters Association (2022 - present)

Westerly Middle School
Current PTO President

Experience


Insurance Coverage Litigation: COVID-19 Claims for Business Income Loss + Damage

Representing insurer in multiple COVID-19-related cases involving claims for business income loss and damage, which are pending in Rhode Island state court and Connecticut federal court. Plaintiffs (large, well-known, and financially strong businesses and organizations) are represented by out-of-state, aggressive counsel trying to convince a Rhode Island Superior Court judge that our client’s commercial policies cover losses allegedly sustained by the pandemic. Working with the client, its in-house legal team, and claims representatives regarding the analysis of the policy language and actual claims and supporting documents submitted by insureds, as well as with the court and our client’s national coordinating counsel.

Read More

Insurance Coverage Litigation: Breach of Contract COVID-19 Litigation

Obtained partial summary judgment in Rhode Island Superior Court with regard to multi-million dollar breach of contract COVID-19 litigation, where the court determined there was no coverage under our client’s all-risk commercial property insurance policy for the loss and damage alleged, and further specifically concluded that COVID-19 does not cause physical loss or damage to property.

Read More

Insurance Coverage Litigation: Medical Office Water Loss

Represented client in a matter that involved a water loss sustained at the plaintiff’s medical office and involved the application of the water loss exclusion and a detailed analysis of applicable coverage and business personal property loss. Obtained summary judgment on both the breach of contract and bad faith claims.

Read More


Publications


March 4, 2022

A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island, 2nd edition 2019

Published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc.

Dana edited/updated Chapter 25 on "Electronic Discovery" as part of this two-volume manual described as a "how to" source for creating a discovery plan, drafting effective interrogatories and requests for production, conducting depositions, and taking on more than two dozen other challenges in modern-day discovery practice. View the guide.

March 4, 2022

A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island, 2nd edition 2019

Published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. (MCLE)

Dana edited/updated Chapter 23 on "Discovery from Out of State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses" as part of this two-volume manual described as a "how to" source for creating a discovery plan, drafting effective interrogatories and requests for production, conducting depositions, and taking on more than two dozen other challenges in modern-day discovery practice. View the guide.

August 12, 2019

Discovery from Out of State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses

A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island, 2019 by MCLE New England

Dana wrote the chapter “Discovery from Out of State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses” in the two-volume set A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island. The 33-chapter manual is described as a go-to resource for experienced litigators and beginning lawyers alike for creating a discovery plan, drafting effective interrogatories and requests for production, conducting depositions, and taking on other challenges in modern-day discovery practice.

March 4, 2022

A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island, 2nd edition 2019

Published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc.

Dana edited/updated Chapter 25 on "Electronic Discovery" as part of this two-volume manual described as a "how to" source for creating a discovery plan, drafting effective interrogatories and requests for production, conducting depositions, and taking on more than two dozen other challenges in modern-day discovery practice. View the guide.

March 4, 2022

A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island, 2nd edition 2019

Published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. (MCLE)

Dana edited/updated Chapter 23 on "Discovery from Out of State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses" as part of this two-volume manual described as a "how to" source for creating a discovery plan, drafting effective interrogatories and requests for production, conducting depositions, and taking on more than two dozen other challenges in modern-day discovery practice. View the guide.

August 12, 2019

Discovery from Out of State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses

A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island, 2019 by MCLE New England

Dana wrote the chapter “Discovery from Out of State and Foreign Nonparty Witnesses” in the two-volume set A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Rhode Island. The 33-chapter manual is described as a go-to resource for experienced litigators and beginning lawyers alike for creating a discovery plan, drafting effective interrogatories and requests for production, conducting depositions, and taking on other challenges in modern-day discovery practice.

Graphic of DEIB Newsletter Background
October 24, 2018

Spectrum Diversity Newsletter

Graphic of DEIB Newsletter Background
July 2018

Spectrum Diversity Newsletter

2009

Tips For A Successful Subrogation Practice

ABA Young Lawyers Division, TIPS Quarterly Web Publication


Graphic of DEIB Newsletter Background
October 24, 2018

Spectrum Diversity Newsletter

Graphic of DEIB Newsletter Background
July 2018

Spectrum Diversity Newsletter

2009

Tips For A Successful Subrogation Practice

ABA Young Lawyers Division, TIPS Quarterly Web Publication

Events


Past

Depositions of Medical Expert Witnesses

Jun 13 2024
Rhode Island Bar Association 2024 Annual Meeting
Past

Providence Business News 2024 Business Women Awards

May 23 2024
Providence Marriott
Past

Depositions of Medical Expert Witnesses

Jun 13 2024
Rhode Island Bar Association 2024 Annual Meeting
Past

Providence Business News 2024 Business Women Awards

May 23 2024
Providence Marriott
Past

Fire Debris Analysis: Science and Litigation in the Ashes

Nov 6 2023
National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) Annual Conference
Past

Beyond Our Borders: Service of Out-Of-State Subpoenas and Depositions in RI State and Federal Court

Jun 14 2019
2019 Rhode Island Bar Association Annual Meeting
Past

A Defense Attorney's Perspective for the Fire Investigator

May 1 2019
Connecticut Fire Academy’s 24th Annual Advanced Fire Investigation School program
Past

Success at a Law Firm and Becoming Partner

Jun 26 2018
Rhode Island Women's Bar Association Success in the World of Law CLE Series
Past

Fire Debris Analysis: Science and Litigation in the Ashes

Nov 6 2023
National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP) Annual Conference
Past

Beyond Our Borders: Service of Out-Of-State Subpoenas and Depositions in RI State and Federal Court

Jun 14 2019
2019 Rhode Island Bar Association Annual Meeting
Past

A Defense Attorney's Perspective for the Fire Investigator

May 1 2019
Connecticut Fire Academy’s 24th Annual Advanced Fire Investigation School program
Past

Success at a Law Firm and Becoming Partner

Jun 26 2018
Rhode Island Women's Bar Association Success in the World of Law CLE Series

News


October 10, 2025

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named Finalists in 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Robinson+Cole partners Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Dana M. Horton and Keisha S. Palmer were selected for recognition at this year's Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, presented by Corporate Counsel in Washington, DC on October 7, 2025. The Awards honor top women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession, in a variety of categories, in recognition of the trailblazers, advocates, and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment to advancing equality. Britt-Marie was named a "Law Firm Thought Leadership" finalist, a category that recognizes women who exemplify the power of leadership to create meaningful change. These individuals are not only exceptional leaders within their organizations but also serve as influential voices in their industries and communities. A nationally recognized employment lawyer, Britt-Marie advises Fortune 500 companies and other industry-leading entities on high-stakes employment matters and investigations. Her thought leadership spans boardroom strategy, executive transitions, and workplace compliance, and she is a sought-after speaker and educator on employment law and workplace investigations. At Robinson+Cole, she serves on the Managing Committee and co-leads the “Women Innovating Now” (WIN) initiative, which fosters meaningful connections among women in business. Her influence extends beyond the firm through board service, university and other teaching roles, and speaking engagements that shape the future of HR and employment law. Dana was named a finalist for "Law Firm Mental Health & Well Being Initiative," which honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of mental health and well-being within their firm or organization. A seasoned insurance litigation attorney with over two decades of experience, Dana has not only excelled in her legal practice but also championed mental health advocacy through her roles on the firm’s Wellbeing Committee. She co-chaired the Committee from 2022-2025, playing a key role in leading the Physical/Nutritional subcommittee and supported the planning and execution of several firmwide challenges and events. She is also a longtime member of the firm's Safety Committee for the Providence office. Her initiatives have promoted education and resources across a wide spectrum of well-being topics, from financial health to emotional resilience. Dana supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative and regularly performs pro bono work, including serving as a member of the Human Rights Committee for Perspectives Corporation, an organization providing services and support to children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities in Rhode Island. In her spare time, she is a certified Spinning instructor at the Ocean Community YMCA in Westerly. Dana is First Aid, CPR and AED certified and recently received her Blended Adult Mental Health First Aid certification. Keisha was selected as a finalist for "Law Firm Ally of the Year,” recognizing those who listen with empathy and seek to understand different perspectives, show up by being present, engaged, and committed to diversity efforts in the firm, and speak up as an advocate to others. As chair of Robinson+Cole’s Public Finance group and partner in charge of the Hartford office, Keisha leads with purpose and vision. She co-founded the firm’s Summer Law Institute—now the Summer Mock Trial Program—to introduce Hartford high school students to legal careers, and she actively mentors attorneys to foster meaningful relationships and professional growth. Her leadership of the Hiring Committee and active involvement in the DEI+B Committee and reflects her dedication to creating pathways for lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds. Recognized by numerous organizations for her trailblazing work and community service, Keisha exemplifies allyship through action, advocacy, and impact.

Corporate Counsel
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named Finalists in 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards teaser
August 26, 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026

Firm receives top listing in Connecticut lawyer count in national peer review survey
78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026 teaser
August 21, 2025

Robinson+Cole Presents 2025 Awards

Robinson+Cole Presents 2025 Awards teaser
October 10, 2025

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named Finalists in 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Robinson+Cole partners Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Dana M. Horton and Keisha S. Palmer were selected for recognition at this year's Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, presented by Corporate Counsel in Washington, DC on October 7, 2025. The Awards honor top women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession, in a variety of categories, in recognition of the trailblazers, advocates, and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment to advancing equality. Britt-Marie was named a "Law Firm Thought Leadership" finalist, a category that recognizes women who exemplify the power of leadership to create meaningful change. These individuals are not only exceptional leaders within their organizations but also serve as influential voices in their industries and communities. A nationally recognized employment lawyer, Britt-Marie advises Fortune 500 companies and other industry-leading entities on high-stakes employment matters and investigations. Her thought leadership spans boardroom strategy, executive transitions, and workplace compliance, and she is a sought-after speaker and educator on employment law and workplace investigations. At Robinson+Cole, she serves on the Managing Committee and co-leads the “Women Innovating Now” (WIN) initiative, which fosters meaningful connections among women in business. Her influence extends beyond the firm through board service, university and other teaching roles, and speaking engagements that shape the future of HR and employment law. Dana was named a finalist for "Law Firm Mental Health & Well Being Initiative," which honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to fostering a culture of mental health and well-being within their firm or organization. A seasoned insurance litigation attorney with over two decades of experience, Dana has not only excelled in her legal practice but also championed mental health advocacy through her roles on the firm’s Wellbeing Committee. She co-chaired the Committee from 2022-2025, playing a key role in leading the Physical/Nutritional subcommittee and supported the planning and execution of several firmwide challenges and events. She is also a longtime member of the firm's Safety Committee for the Providence office. Her initiatives have promoted education and resources across a wide spectrum of well-being topics, from financial health to emotional resilience. Dana supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative and regularly performs pro bono work, including serving as a member of the Human Rights Committee for Perspectives Corporation, an organization providing services and support to children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities in Rhode Island. In her spare time, she is a certified Spinning instructor at the Ocean Community YMCA in Westerly. Dana is First Aid, CPR and AED certified and recently received her Blended Adult Mental Health First Aid certification. Keisha was selected as a finalist for "Law Firm Ally of the Year,” recognizing those who listen with empathy and seek to understand different perspectives, show up by being present, engaged, and committed to diversity efforts in the firm, and speak up as an advocate to others. As chair of Robinson+Cole’s Public Finance group and partner in charge of the Hartford office, Keisha leads with purpose and vision. She co-founded the firm’s Summer Law Institute—now the Summer Mock Trial Program—to introduce Hartford high school students to legal careers, and she actively mentors attorneys to foster meaningful relationships and professional growth. Her leadership of the Hiring Committee and active involvement in the DEI+B Committee and reflects her dedication to creating pathways for lawyers from underrepresented backgrounds. Recognized by numerous organizations for her trailblazing work and community service, Keisha exemplifies allyship through action, advocacy, and impact.

Corporate Counsel
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named Finalists in 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards teaser
August 26, 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026

Firm receives top listing in Connecticut lawyer count in national peer review survey
78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026 teaser
August 21, 2025

Robinson+Cole Presents 2025 Awards

Robinson+Cole Presents 2025 Awards teaser
June 16, 2025

Dana Horton Ascends to RIBA President-Elect During 2025 Annual Meeting

Rhode Island Bar Assocaition
June 9, 2025

Dana Horton and Steve Boyajian Receive 2025 Professional Excellence in Law Awards

Rhode Island Monthly
June 5, 2025

Robinson+Cole Secures 45 Total Rankings in Chambers USA 2025 Guide

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Robinson+Cole Secures 45 Total Rankings in <i>Chambers USA 2025</i> Guide teaser
August 15, 2024

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i>© 2025 teaser
June 18, 2024

Dana Horton Ascends to RIBA Treasurer and Presents Program During 2024 Annual Meeting

Rhode Island Bar Association
June 7, 2024

Dana Horton and Steve Boyajian Receive 2024 Rhode Island Monthly Professional Excellence in Law Awards

Rhode Island Monthly

June 16, 2025

Dana Horton Ascends to RIBA President-Elect During 2025 Annual Meeting

Rhode Island Bar Assocaition
June 9, 2025

Dana Horton and Steve Boyajian Receive 2025 Professional Excellence in Law Awards

Rhode Island Monthly
June 5, 2025

Robinson+Cole Secures 45 Total Rankings in Chambers USA 2025 Guide

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Robinson+Cole Secures 45 Total Rankings in <i>Chambers USA 2025</i> Guide teaser
August 15, 2024

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i>© 2025 teaser
June 18, 2024

Dana Horton Ascends to RIBA Treasurer and Presents Program During 2024 Annual Meeting

Rhode Island Bar Association
June 7, 2024

Dana Horton and Steve Boyajian Receive 2024 Rhode Island Monthly Professional Excellence in Law Awards

Rhode Island Monthly