Manufacturing Law

WE UNDERSTAND MANUFACTURING 

Our manufacturing lawyers represent manufacturers and distributors both nationally and internationally. Our clients range from Fortune 50 companies to privately held and/or family-owned companies that sell both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) products and services. We understand that many manufacturers operate within complex supply chains. For that reason, we have experience dealing with situations in which our clients have all, some, or no leverage in business dealings. We also have significant experience within sub-industries of manufacturing, including aerospace, medical device, chemicals, building materials, industrial manufacturers, food and beverage (including nutritional supplements), and technology. Our goal is to provide our clients with new capabilities through experience and innovation.

WE EXCEL 

In May 2019, Robinson+Cole was presented with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service by the United States Secretary of Commerce. The “E” Award for Export Service was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.  

President’s E-Award for Exports2019 ecomm logo

Robinson+Cole—only law firm
to receive the honor in 2019


 

 

 

 

 

WE INNOVATE 

R+C manufacturing lawyers have earned our reputation as innovative and valuable counselors who know manufacturing. Our lawyers are on the forefront of tackling cutting edge issues facing the industry, as demonstrated by the following series of “firsts” by our team:

 

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The Manufacturing Law Blog remains a trendsetter in the industry, as evidenced by its placement as a top search result on Google. The Blog was one of the first in the country to address legal issues facing manufacturers and distributors and is written by experienced lawyers covering issues concerning environmental, health, and safety / OSHA, labor and employment, and corporate compliance and litigation. The Blog has received thousands of visits since its launch. Click here to subscribe.

 

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In 2016, Robinson+Cole created the Manufacturing Law Group (MLG), a forum for in-house lawyers at manufacturing companies that operate worldwide to network with their peers, hear and give presentations on substantive legal topics of interest, and share best practices. Since its inception, the MLG has grown to include more than 140 manufacturing professionals representing over 80 different companies throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. For more information, please contact Jeff White.

 

Manufacturing Executive Roundtable (MER) Logo

 

Our manufacturing lawyers routinely host executive dinner roundtables for C-suite manufacturing executives of privately held manufacturers. These gatherings take place throughout the year and focus on manufacturing law and business issues specific to privately held manufacturers. For more information, please contact Jeff White

 

MANUFACTURING LAW PRACTICE AREAS

 

    • Experiences
      • Represented Metacomet Group Holdings LLC (TMG), a contract manufacturing investment consortium, as legal counsel in its asset acquisition of Fluid Mechanisms of Hauppauge, Inc., a precision manufacturer of structural components and assemblies for the aerospace and defense industries, through a new, wholly-owned entity, Fluid Mechanisms of Hauppauge, LLC.

    • News
      • October 26, 2023

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Super Lawyers®

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      • October 4, 2023

        Jeff White Authors Hartford Business Journal Article on Misconceptions About ‘Buy American”

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      • September 6, 2023

        Jen Driscoll Discusses Supply Chain Investigation on Emerging Litigation Podcast

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      • September 1, 2023

        Jon Schaefer and Abby Warren Examine OSHA Focus on Enforcement of Heat-Safety Violations in EHS Today

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      • August 17, 2023

        78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

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      • June 2, 2023

        Abby Warren Discusses Pay Transparency Requirements in IndustryWeek

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      • May 31, 2023

        Jeff White Quoted in Hartford Business Journal Article on Germany’s Strong Trade Ties with Connecticut

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      • March 3, 2023

        Jennifer Driscoll Alerts Manufacturers About DOJ Supply Chain Investigations in Journal on Emerging Issues in Litigation

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      • December 7, 2022

        Abby Warren Featured in EHS Today Q & A on Mitigating Workplace Violence

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      • November 16, 2022

        Robinson+Cole Continues Significant Strategic Expansion with New Office in Washington, DC

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      • October 27, 2022

        Jen Shanley Named Program Chair for Women in Manufacturing Connecticut

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      • July 6, 2022

        Ed Heath and Kevin Daly Author IndustryWeek Article on Scope of Russian Sanctions

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      • June 7, 2022

        Jeff White Appointed to the International Trade Administration’s Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Aerospace Equipment

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      • April 4, 2022

        Jeff White Elected to Continue Service on Women in Manufacturing® Association’s National Board of Directors

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      • February 4, 2022

        R+C Lawyers Present on Culture of Success at Women in Manufacturing Conference

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      • January 14, 2022

        Jeff White Quoted in Hartford Business Journal Story on CT Manufacturers' Opportunities in 2022

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      • November 16, 2021

        Jeff White Is Quoted in Hartford Business Journal Article on "Reshoring" Manufacturing Operations

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      • October 14, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • July 23, 2021

        Jeff White Quoted in POLITICO Pro Article on Reshoring Critical Drug Manufacturing to the U.S.

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      • June 18, 2021

        Jeff White Appointed to ManufactureCT Board of Directors

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      • May 24, 2021

        Deal Team Represents Metacomet Group Holdings in its Acquisition of Fluid Mechanisms of Hauppauge

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      • May 24, 2021

        Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

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      • April 21, 2021

        Jeff White Quoted in Hartford Business Journal article on Manufacturers Continuing to Face Supply Chain Issues

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      • March 19, 2021

        Jeff White Elected to Women in Manufacturing® Association National Board of Directors

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      • March 16, 2021

        Labor and Employment Members Author Industry Week Article on “The ABC’s of DEI”

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      • March 9, 2021

        Natale DiNatale and Kayla West Author Industry Week Article on Union Progress Under Biden Administration

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      • February 23, 2021

        Jeff White Quoted in Hartford Business Journal Article on CT Manufacturing Job Recovery

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      • December 3, 2020

        Jeff White Elected to CBIA Board of Directors

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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      • October 12, 2020

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

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      • October 9, 2020

        Jeff White Receives Ambassador Award from Connecticut District Export Council

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      • July 27, 2020

        Ed Heath and Kevin Daly Author Article on FCPA Corporate Compliance Published on ACCDocket.com

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      • July 21, 2020

        Kathryn Rattigan Selected for Providence Business News’ 2020 “40 Under Forty” Program

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      • July 21, 2020

        Jeff White Quoted on Future of Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Industry in Aviation Week Article

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      • July 13, 2020

        Jeff White Quoted on the Cancellation of Farnborough Airshow in Aviation Week Article

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      • May 5, 2020

        Jeff White Quoted on COVID-19 Impact on Aerospace Industry in Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Article

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      • May 4, 2020

        Jeff White Quoted on Force Majeure in Aviation Week Article

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      • April 28, 2020

        Kendra Berardi and Ed Heath Author Article on Price Gouging Published in Industry Week

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      • April 2, 2020

        Jeff White and Taylor Shea Quoted on Force Majeure in CT Examiner Article

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      • March 13, 2020

        Jeff White Authors Aerospace Supply Chain Article Published in Industry Week

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      • February 25, 2020

        Megan Baroni Authors 2020 EHS Outlook for Manufacturers Published in EHS Today

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      • February 5, 2020

        John Cordani Authors IPWatchdog Article on New U.S.-Mexico Patent Prosecution Super-Highway Agreement

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      • January 16, 2020

        Jeff White Appointed to the Connecticut District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce

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      • January 10, 2020

        Robinson+Cole Elects New Partner and Counsel

      • November 7, 2019

        Jeff White Recognized for Innovative Leadership of Manufacturing Industry Team

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      • July 9, 2019

        Jeff White Speaks on Manufacturing and Exporting in Hartford Business Journal Interview

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      • June 27, 2019

        Jeff White Quoted in Indiana Lawyer Article on the Use of New Technology in Manufacturing Plants

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      • May 23, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Receives Presidential Award for Export Service

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      • May 1, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Hosts Aerospace and Defense Industrial Buying Trends Meeting

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      • March 28, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Sponsors World Affairs Council Event

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      • March 18, 2019

        Jeff White Participates in Manufacturing Roundtable Hosted at the White House

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      • February 25, 2019

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

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      • December 17, 2018

        Robinson+Cole Promotes Nine Lawyers to Counsel

      • November 2, 2018

        Eric Daniels Moderates Panel Discussion During Made in Connecticut: 2018 Manufacturing Summit

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      • October 9, 2018

        Jeff White Participates in CERC Podcast on Setting up a Successful Manufacturing Operation in Connecticut

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      • August 22, 2018

        Jeff White Quoted in Hartford Business Journal Article on Metal Tariffs

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      • July 11, 2018

        Ed Heath, Virginia McGarrity, and Joanne Rapuano Present During MLG Roundtable Discussion

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      • March 28, 2018

        Joanne Rapuano Moderates Seminar as Part of Connecticut Export Week 2018

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      • February 21, 2018

        Jeff White Authors Article Published in the Hartford Business Journal

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      • November 6, 2017

        Jeff White Moderates Panel Discussion at CBIA 2017 Manufacturing Summit

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      • September 28, 2017

        Kathleen Porter Speaks on IoT Regulation from Manufacturer's Perspective at SCG Annual Meeting

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      • September 25, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Hosts Market Briefing on Export Opportunities in Indonesia

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      • September 14, 2017

        Diana Neeves Tackles "Take-Home" Toxins in Article

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      • August 29, 2017

        Joanne Rapuano Presents to ACM Business Development Team

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      • August 28, 2017

        Business Transactions Group Involved in Investment Transaction with Connecticut Specialty Chemical Supplier

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      • June 7, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Sponsors Panel Discussion on Cybersecurity for Medical Devices

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      • April 26, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Expands Litigation and Manufacturing Practices

      • January 17, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate in NBI Manufacturing Law Webinar

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      • November 7, 2016

        Jeff White Participates in CBIA Manufacturing Summit and Conflict Minerals Laws Webinar

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      • October 6, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Sponsors World Affairs Council Luncheon Discussion on Brexit

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      • September 15, 2016

        Jeff White Presents at ABA Business Law Section Annual Meeting Regarding Manufacturing Issues

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      • June 17, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Litigation Lawyers Participate in CBIA Manufacturing Summit

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      • May 9, 2014

        Jeff White Presents on 'All Natural' Designation: Trends, Court Rulings, and Litigation

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      • November 12, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Lawyers Promote Manufacturing Blog at SBANE's Prospectus 2013

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      • August 7, 2013

        Jeff White Speaks at Consumer Products Regulation & Litigation Conference

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      • January 6, 2012

        Attorneys Author Article on Personal Jurisdiction Rules in Products Liability Cases

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      • May 4, 2011

        What Businesses Need to Know About the New Product Safety Database

      • June 17, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Share Strategies for Winning Products Liability Cases

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    • Publications + Presentations
    • "Manufacturing Industry Team: Out + About" (7/19/23)

      "Global Considerations Related to Intellectual Property Rights," co-presented by John H. Mutchler and David W. Leibovitch, hosted by by the U.S. Commercial Service, the CT District Export Council, and Robinson+Cole (5/2/2023)
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      "Demystifying the Complexities of The Buy American, Made in America, and Build Back Better Legislation," presented by Jeffrey J. White, as part of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce “Made in America” member breakfast (4/3/2023)

      "Finding, Signing, and Keeping International Distributors and Customers," presented by Jeffrey J. White, as part of the Connecticut Small Business Development Center’s Export Series 2023 (3/29/2023)
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      "New Round of Sanctions Relevant to Manufacturers Are Launched on the First Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine" co-authored by Jeffrey J. White, Edward J. Heath and Kevin P. Daly (3/14/23)

      "Unlocking Japanese FDI & Trade Opportunities: CBIA Leadership Essentials," presented by Jennifer M. Driscoll, moderated Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) program (2/22/2023)
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      "Manufacturing Industry Group Outlook 2023" co-authored by Abby M. Warren, Jeffrey J. White and Megan E. Baroni (2/9/2023)

      "Manufacturing Industry Group: Out + About" (1/4/23)

      "International Distributors & Representatives: Sign Them," presented by Jeffrey J. White, hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service and Connecticut District Export Council as part of Export Week 2022 programming. (5/2/2022)
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      "How Supply Chain Challenges are Impacting M&A Deals," presented by Jeffrey J. White, presented at the American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section Hybrid Spring Meeting 2022 (3/31/2022)
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      "Manufacturing Industry Group Outlook: 2022" co-authored by Megan E. Baroni, Jeffrey J. White, Abby M. Warren and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz (February 2022)

      "Beyond Due Diligence: Strategies for Integration & Accelerating Growth In Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain Companies," presented by Jeffrey J. White, an R+C-hosted webinar (1/20/2022)
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      "Manufacturing Industry Group: Out + About" (1/4/2022)

      "Brazil Aerospace & Defense Briefing and Meeting with Embraer," presented by Jeffrey J. White, hosted in collaboration with the New Hampshire Aerospace and Defense Export Consortium, the U.S. Commercial Service and Robinson+Cole during U.S. Export Week (5/4/2021)
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      "Resolving Cross-Border M&A Disputes," co-presented by Jeffrey J. White and Sandra Marin Lautier, during the American Bar Association's Business Law Section Virtual Spring Meeting. (4/21/2021)
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      "Aerospace & Defense - Virtual Briefing: Netherlands & Europe Market Opportunities," presented by Jeffrey J. White (3/30/2021)
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      "Outlook for 2021: Key Topics for Manufacturers to Monitor" co-authored by Abby M. Warren, Megan E. Baroni and Jeffrey J. White

      "Should I Stay or Should I Go? Strategies for Privately Held Manufacturers Who Wish To Access Capital To Grow Or To Exit," webinar presented by Thomas R. Heide, CEO of Heide & Company, and Jeffrey A. Klaus, Regional President, Connecticut at Webster Bank. (12/8/2020)
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      "Long-Term Financing for U.S.-Owned Operations in Mexico," presented by Jeffrey J. White, webinar presented by Jeff White. (9/22/2020)
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      "Aerospace Supply Chain Report" (2020)

      "Manufacturing Industry Team Activity Report" (2020)

      "Investor Guide Webinar Mini-Series: An Overview of Common Business Structures," co-presented by Michael J. Kearney Jr., J. Michael Wirvin, Jeffrey J. White and Jinhua (Anna) Wang, a virtual program presented by SelectUSA that featured comparisons of some common business structures used by foreign entities to conduct their U.S. operations. (8/14/2020)
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      "The State of Private Equity Investment in the Aerospace and Defense Market," presented by Jeffrey J. White, a panel discussion hosted by the Connecticut District Export Council. (7/22/2020)
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      "Contractual Considerations for Italian Companies Doing Business in the United States in The COVID-19 Era," co-authored by Jinhua (Anna) Wang, Jeffrey J. White and Edward J. Heath, published in the July 2020 issue of the Italy – Connecticut Journal of International and Comparative Business Law. (July 2020)
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      "Effective Ways to Manage (and Grow!) Commercial OEM Relationships During the Covid-19 Era," presented by Jeffrey J. White, presented with Tracy Darrow, Director, Deal Advisory and Strategy, KPMG. The webinar provided practical advice on how to globally manage and “lean into” the current disruption, while maintaining and growing OEM, module, and major assembly relationships. (6/17/2020)
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      "COVID19: Challenges and Opportunities in the Manufacturing Supply Chain," presented by Jeffrey J. White, which discussed how to take advantage of the opportunities in supply chain management amid COVID-19, addressing specific areas including: practical solutions for collaborating with suppliers for win/win relationships and minimizing legal disputes. (6/9/2020)
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      "Force Majeure and Contract Considerations for Buyers and Sellers In Light of COVID-19," co-presented by Gabrielle R. Mercadante, Taylor A. Shea and Jeffrey J. White, presented as a webinar by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce. (4/22/20)
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      "Price Gouging and Government Investigations," co-presented by Kendra L. Berardi and Edward J. Heath, presented by Ed Heath and Kendra Berardi in a webinar hosted by the Connecticut District Export Council. (4/8/2020)
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      "Employment Issues Related to Teleworking," one program in the U.S. Department of Commerce's free, seven-part “Coronavirus Special Topic Conference Calls Series.” (3/26/2020)
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      "Force Majeure Both for Contracts/Suppliers, Cancellation of Trade Shows," co-presented by Taylor A. Shea and Jeffrey J. White, as the first program in the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Connecticut District Export Council's free “Coronavirus Special Topic Conference Calls Series.” (3/18/2020)
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      "Outlook for 2020: Key Topics for Manufacturers and Distributors to Monitor" co-authored by Jeffrey J. White, Matthew T. Miklave and Megan E. Baroni (2/11/2020)

      "Succession Planning for Manufacturers," presented by Jeffrey J. White, as moderator for the NHMA-hosted event (2/5/2020)
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      "Manufacturing Industry Group's Mid-Year Report" (2019)

      "How manufacturers are faring under Trump, globally," published in Hartford Business Journal, authored by Jeffrey J. White (2/19/2018)
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      "Outlook for 2018: Key Topics for Manufacturers and Distributors to Monitor" co-authored by Megan E. Baroni, Matthew T. Miklave and Jeffrey J. White (2/1/2018)

      "'Take-Home Toxins' Expand Duty of Care," authored by Diana E. Neeves, published in the American Bar Association Section of Litigation, Environmental & Energy Litigation Committee’s Spring 2017 Newsletter. (5/25/2017)
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      "Complying with Conflict Minerals Laws: Global Best Practices for Manufacturers and Distributors," presented by Jeffrey J. White, webinar, presented by the U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Commercial Service (10/19/2016)
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      "The Future of Manufacturing in Connecticut," presented by Jeffrey J. White, moderator, at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association's (CBIA) 2016 Manufacturing Summit in Cromwell, Connecticut (10/14/2016)
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      "Manufacturing Innovations," presented by Jeffrey J. White, moderated the panel, held at Connecticut Business & Industry Association's (CBIA) 2015 Manufacturing Summit, "Made in Connecticut," in Trumbull, Connecticut (5/29/2015)

      "Looking Forward to 2015 for Manufacturers/Distributors" (2/11/2015)

      "Manufacturing Innovations," presented by Jeffrey J. White, moderator, at Connecticut Business & Industry Association's (CBIA) 2014 Manufacturing Summit (5/30/2014)
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      "Looking Forward to 2014 for Manufacturers/Distributors" (01/21/2014)

      "Warning! Follow These Best Practices for Crafting Warning Labels to Mitigate Litigation Risks," presented by Jeffrey J. White, presented at American Conference Institute's 2013 Consumer Products Regulation & Litigation Conference; joining Mr. White on the panel was a regulatory and safety consultant who had spent decades working for some of the largest manufacturers in the United States and a consultant who specialized in human factors and product safety. (6/26/13)

      "Favorable Ruling for Product Manufacturers," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, authored by Jeffrey J. White, appeared in the special supplement Connecticut Supreme Court Review 2011. The article reviews several Connecticut Supreme Court decisions in 2011 that have an impact on the business community. (9/19/2011)

      "CPSC Launches New Database on Product Safety," published in Connecticut Business & Industry Association News, co-authored by Jeffrey J. White and John H. Kane (4/2011)
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