Robinson Cole LLP
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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, 2025, and 2026

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 2026

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.

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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.

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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.

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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


June 4, 2026

Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings

In the latest edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Robinson+Cole achieved significant recognition, securing rankings across multiple practice areas and regions, including a distinguished Nationwide ranking, underscoring the firm’s breadth of capabilities and national reputation. Chambers & Partners has ranked 33 Robinson+Cole lawyers and 13 of its practices, with two newly-ranked lawyers. Twelve lawyers earned Band 1 designations, with two ascending to Band 1 from the previous year, alongside seven Band 1-ranked practices. In addition to being ranked Nationwide in Privacy & Data Security, Linn F. Freedman was also listed in the Chambers Global 2026 ranking guide in the area of Privacy & Data Security – USA for the fifth consecutive year. The rankings, based on extensive client feedback and independent research, reflect a year of strategic growth and high-profile client work, reinforcing the firm’s reputation as an industry leader in various markets.  Chambers USA 2026 recognized the following Robinson+Cole lawyers (denoting Band 1 ranking with a 1): Linn F. Freedman, Privacy & Data Security, Nationwide Brya M. Keilson, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Delaware Natalie D. Ramsey, (Star Individual) Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Delaware and Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Rachel Jaffe Mauceri, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Dennis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner1, Frederick E. Hedberg, and Martin A. Onorato, Construction, Connecticut Matthew J. Guanci, Jr. and Eric M. Kogan, Corporate/M&A, Connecticut Kenneth C. Baldwin1 and Joey Lee Miranda1, Energy & Natural Resources, Connecticut Megan E. Baroni, Robert S. Melvin, Earl W. Phillips, Jr. (Senior Statespeople), James P. Ray, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Emilee Mooney Scott, Environment, Connecticut Lisa M. Boyle1, Healthcare, Connecticut Wystan M. Ackerman1, Dana M. Horton1, Daniel F. Sullivan1, and Gregory P. Varga1, Insurance, Connecticut John L. Cordani1 and Jaqueline Pennino Scheib1, Intellectual Property, Connecticut Stephen W. Aronson, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Natale V. DiNatale, and Virginia E. McGarrity, Labor & Employment, Connecticut Jeffrey J. White, Litigation: General Commercial, Connecticut Garry C. Berman1, Steven L. Elbaum1, and Charles F. Martin III, Real Estate, Connecticut Chambers USA 2026 recognized the following Robinson+Cole practices (denoting Band 1 ranking with a 1): Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Delaware Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Construction, Connecticut1 Construction, Massachusetts Corporate/M&A, Connecticut Energy & Natural Resources, Connecticut1 Environment, Connecticut1 Healthcare, Connecticut1 Insurance, Connecticut1 Intellectual Property, Connecticut1 Labor & Employment, Connecticut Litigation: General Commercial, Connecticut Real Estate, Connecticut1 Chambers has published guides to the legal profession for over 20 years, highlighting the top lawyers and law firms across the USA. Chambers’ research teams of over 200 individuals assess lawyers and law firms across the United States, conducting thousands of one-on-one interviews per year with in-house counsel and third-party experts. An explanation of Chambers’ methodology can be found online here.

Chambers & Partners
Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings teaser
October 10, 2025

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

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
June 4, 2026

Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings

In the latest edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Robinson+Cole achieved significant recognition, securing rankings across multiple practice areas and regions, including a distinguished Nationwide ranking, underscoring the firm’s breadth of capabilities and national reputation. Chambers & Partners has ranked 33 Robinson+Cole lawyers and 13 of its practices, with two newly-ranked lawyers. Twelve lawyers earned Band 1 designations, with two ascending to Band 1 from the previous year, alongside seven Band 1-ranked practices. In addition to being ranked Nationwide in Privacy & Data Security, Linn F. Freedman was also listed in the Chambers Global 2026 ranking guide in the area of Privacy & Data Security – USA for the fifth consecutive year. The rankings, based on extensive client feedback and independent research, reflect a year of strategic growth and high-profile client work, reinforcing the firm’s reputation as an industry leader in various markets.  Chambers USA 2026 recognized the following Robinson+Cole lawyers (denoting Band 1 ranking with a 1): Linn F. Freedman, Privacy & Data Security, Nationwide Brya M. Keilson, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Delaware Natalie D. Ramsey, (Star Individual) Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Delaware and Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Rachel Jaffe Mauceri, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Dennis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner1, Frederick E. Hedberg, and Martin A. Onorato, Construction, Connecticut Matthew J. Guanci, Jr. and Eric M. Kogan, Corporate/M&A, Connecticut Kenneth C. Baldwin1 and Joey Lee Miranda1, Energy & Natural Resources, Connecticut Megan E. Baroni, Robert S. Melvin, Earl W. Phillips, Jr. (Senior Statespeople), James P. Ray, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Emilee Mooney Scott, Environment, Connecticut Lisa M. Boyle1, Healthcare, Connecticut Wystan M. Ackerman1, Dana M. Horton1, Daniel F. Sullivan1, and Gregory P. Varga1, Insurance, Connecticut John L. Cordani1 and Jaqueline Pennino Scheib1, Intellectual Property, Connecticut Stephen W. Aronson, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Natale V. DiNatale, and Virginia E. McGarrity, Labor & Employment, Connecticut Jeffrey J. White, Litigation: General Commercial, Connecticut Garry C. Berman1, Steven L. Elbaum1, and Charles F. Martin III, Real Estate, Connecticut Chambers USA 2026 recognized the following Robinson+Cole practices (denoting Band 1 ranking with a 1): Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Delaware Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia & Surrounds Construction, Connecticut1 Construction, Massachusetts Corporate/M&A, Connecticut Energy & Natural Resources, Connecticut1 Environment, Connecticut1 Healthcare, Connecticut1 Insurance, Connecticut1 Intellectual Property, Connecticut1 Labor & Employment, Connecticut Litigation: General Commercial, Connecticut Real Estate, Connecticut1 Chambers has published guides to the legal profession for over 20 years, highlighting the top lawyers and law firms across the USA. Chambers’ research teams of over 200 individuals assess lawyers and law firms across the United States, conducting thousands of one-on-one interviews per year with in-house counsel and third-party experts. An explanation of Chambers’ methodology can be found online here.

Chambers & Partners
Robinson+Cole Recognized Across Practices and Regions with 46 Chambers USA 2026 Rankings teaser
October 10, 2025

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

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

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