Robinson Cole LLP
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Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration

Robinson+Cole is one of a select number of firms in the Northeast to have dedicated attorneys who offer a full array of employment law services to employers: counseling and training, litigation, immigration, employee benefits, and labor relations. Given our depth of understanding of all facets of the employment relationship, we are able to assist clients not only with addressing pressing legal concerns, but in proactively examining policies and practices to minimize future issues and increase compliance with the laws applicable to the employee-employer relationship. We have substantial experience in dealing with the numerous state and federal laws that impact the employment relationship, as well as with the state and federal agencies responsible for enforcing those laws. Our immigration lawyers help clients employ the most talented professionals from around the world.

Our Services 

We provide guidance and representation to clients across a wide range of industries on all matters related to labor, employment, employee benefits, and immigration, such as:

  • Wage and salary issues 
  • Employee benefit and executive compensation issues 
  • Pension, retirement, and profit sharing plans
  • Health and welfare benefit plans
  • Fringe benefit programs
  • Hiring, discipline, and terminations
  • Personnel policies and handbooks
  • Severance agreements
  • Compliance with anti-discrimination laws
  • Family and medical leave 
  • Labor- and employment-related litigation and administrative advocacy
  • Workplace investigations
  • Noncompetition agreements and trade secrets
  • Employee immigration applications
  • I-9 compliance and audits
  • Development of corporate-wide, multi-facility labor relations strategies
  • Collective bargaining agreements and disputes
  • Contract administration and campaigns
  • Grievances and arbitration
  • Union election campaigns, union avoidance, and strike consultation 
  • Unfair labor practice claims, including National Labor Relations Board and court proceedings
  • Employee communications 
  • Training

Our Team 

The lawyers in our Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group have years of experience assisting employers with all of their legal needs. We get results for clients, whether it is helping an employer attract top talent from around the world, or negotiating favorable terms in collective bargaining agreements. Our team includes lawyers who hold workplace investigator certificates from the Association of Workplace Investigators. We provide a Training Institute that offers educational programs on labor, employment, and benefits topics. We regularly provide legal updates to clients on important new developments in labor, employment, employee benefits, and immigration. Our lawyers regularly speak and write about issues of critical importance to our clients, with their work featured in many publications. Our team also provides insight on issues related to employee benefits in the firm’s ERISA Claim Defense Blog.

Experience


HIPAA Privacy + Security Training

Provide HIPAA privacy and security training to employee benefits and human resources professionals for various tax-exempt and private employer-sponsors of self-funded and fully-insured group health plans.

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Consolidation Of Multiple Welfare Benefit Plans

Advised plan sponsor regarding consolidation of sponsor's multiple welfare benefit plans and cafeteria plan into a single wrap plan and drafted document for new plan.

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Postemployment Benefits Trusts

Representation of Connecticut municipalities concerning creation and administration of other postemployment benefits trusts



Publications


Quota Control: Connecticut’s New Warehouse Law Has Manufacturing Impact teaser
April 30, 2026

Quota Control: Connecticut’s New Warehouse Law Has Manufacturing Impact

Manufacturing Law Blog
Driving Home the Point – Accommodating Employee Commutes teaser
March 25, 2026

Driving Home the Point – Accommodating Employee Commutes

Manufacturing Law Blog
Students: Union Organizing and Employee Status in 2026 teaser
March 11, 2026

Students: Union Organizing and Employee Status in 2026

Quota Control: Connecticut’s New Warehouse Law Has Manufacturing Impact teaser
April 30, 2026

Quota Control: Connecticut’s New Warehouse Law Has Manufacturing Impact

Manufacturing Law Blog
Driving Home the Point – Accommodating Employee Commutes teaser
March 25, 2026

Driving Home the Point – Accommodating Employee Commutes

Manufacturing Law Blog
Students: Union Organizing and Employee Status in 2026 teaser
March 11, 2026

Students: Union Organizing and Employee Status in 2026

Reminder – Managing Leave During Flu Season teaser
February 17, 2026

Reminder – Managing Leave During Flu Season

Manufacturing Law Blog
Legal Update: Minutes Matter: Connecticut Supreme Court Requires Pay for Post-Shift Security Screenings and Rejects De Minimis Doctrine for Wage Claims teaser
February 12, 2026

Legal Update: Minutes Matter: Connecticut Supreme Court Requires Pay for Post-Shift Security Screenings and Rejects De Minimis Doctrine for Wage Claims

Legal Update: The Status of the NLRB - New Year, New Uncertainty? teaser
February 9, 2026

Legal Update: The Status of the NLRB - New Year, New Uncertainty?

New York State and New York City Labor and Employment Law Updates teaser
February 4, 2026

New York State and New York City Labor and Employment Law Updates

January 29, 2026

2026 Labor and Employment Outlook for Manufacturers

Industry Today

Labor + Employment group lawyers Abby M. Warren and Christopher A. Costain highlighted five significant labor and employment law related trends for 2026, including generative artificial intelligence and non-compete agreements. The authors suggest that as non-compete statutes “…continue to expand at the state level, manufacturers should review their non-compete agreements and avoid using broad restrictions, instead developing and implementing narrowly tailored provisions that protect a specific, articulable business interest and are compliant with applicable state law.” Read the article.

Legal Update: Massachusetts and Rhode Island Labor and Employment Law Updates teaser
January 29, 2026

Legal Update: Massachusetts and Rhode Island Labor and Employment Law Updates



Reminder – Managing Leave During Flu Season teaser
February 17, 2026

Reminder – Managing Leave During Flu Season

Manufacturing Law Blog
Legal Update: Minutes Matter: Connecticut Supreme Court Requires Pay for Post-Shift Security Screenings and Rejects De Minimis Doctrine for Wage Claims teaser
February 12, 2026

Legal Update: Minutes Matter: Connecticut Supreme Court Requires Pay for Post-Shift Security Screenings and Rejects De Minimis Doctrine for Wage Claims

Legal Update: The Status of the NLRB - New Year, New Uncertainty? teaser
February 9, 2026

Legal Update: The Status of the NLRB - New Year, New Uncertainty?

New York State and New York City Labor and Employment Law Updates teaser
February 4, 2026

New York State and New York City Labor and Employment Law Updates

January 29, 2026

2026 Labor and Employment Outlook for Manufacturers

Industry Today

Labor + Employment group lawyers Abby M. Warren and Christopher A. Costain highlighted five significant labor and employment law related trends for 2026, including generative artificial intelligence and non-compete agreements. The authors suggest that as non-compete statutes “…continue to expand at the state level, manufacturers should review their non-compete agreements and avoid using broad restrictions, instead developing and implementing narrowly tailored provisions that protect a specific, articulable business interest and are compliant with applicable state law.” Read the article.

Legal Update: Massachusetts and Rhode Island Labor and Employment Law Updates teaser
January 29, 2026

Legal Update: Massachusetts and Rhode Island Labor and Employment Law Updates


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
May 15, 2026

Jayda Cruz + William Fallon Named to CCADV First 100 Plus Class of 2026

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Jayda Cruz + William Fallon Named to CCADV First 100 Plus Class of 2026 teaser
April 21, 2026

Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Corporate Counsel
Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards 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
May 15, 2026

Jayda Cruz + William Fallon Named to CCADV First 100 Plus Class of 2026

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Jayda Cruz + William Fallon Named to CCADV First 100 Plus Class of 2026 teaser
April 21, 2026

Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards

Corporate Counsel
Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards teaser
February 3, 2026

Abby Warren and Christopher Costain Signal AI and Non-Compete Agreements Should Be On Manufacturers’ Radar in 2026

Industry Today
November 14, 2025

Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®

Firm earns 6 national and 46 first-tier rankings in Boston, Hartford, New York, Rhode Island, and Stamford Markets
Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms® teaser
November 13, 2025

Abby Warren and Christopher Costain Examine Potential Implications of Wearable Technology

Maufacturing.net
November 6, 2025

Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers®

Recognition spans key regions and highlights the firm’s seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders in many business transactions and litigation practices
Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® 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
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

February 3, 2026

Abby Warren and Christopher Costain Signal AI and Non-Compete Agreements Should Be On Manufacturers’ Radar in 2026

Industry Today
November 14, 2025

Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®

Firm earns 6 national and 46 first-tier rankings in Boston, Hartford, New York, Rhode Island, and Stamford Markets
Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms® teaser
November 13, 2025

Abby Warren and Christopher Costain Examine Potential Implications of Wearable Technology

Maufacturing.net
November 6, 2025

Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers®

Recognition spans key regions and highlights the firm’s seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders in many business transactions and litigation practices
Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® 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
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

Events


Past

15th Annual First 100 Plus Breakfast & Awards

May 15 2026
Hartford Marriott Downton
Past

Advanced Workplace Accommodation Strategies

Apr 30 2026
National Employment Law Council’s 2026 Annual Conference
Past

15th Annual First 100 Plus Breakfast & Awards

May 15 2026
Hartford Marriott Downton
Past

Advanced Workplace Accommodation Strategies

Apr 30 2026
National Employment Law Council’s 2026 Annual Conference
Past

A State & Federal Legislative Update for CT Employers

Apr 28 2026
OneDigital’s Compliance & Coffee Seminar Series
Past

The Show Must Go On: HR’s High-Wire Act When Leadership Implodes

Apr 22 2026
2026 Tri-State SHRM Conference: HR Under the Big Top
Past

Policy and Compliance Update

Mar 26 2026
Women in Manufacturing (WiM) HR Roundtable
Past

Legal Brief

Mar 19 2026
“Benefits Madness,” hosted by MP: Hired for HR and SFP Wealth
Past

A State & Federal Legislative Update for CT Employers

Apr 28 2026
OneDigital’s Compliance & Coffee Seminar Series
Past

The Show Must Go On: HR’s High-Wire Act When Leadership Implodes

Apr 22 2026
2026 Tri-State SHRM Conference: HR Under the Big Top
Past

Policy and Compliance Update

Mar 26 2026
Women in Manufacturing (WiM) HR Roundtable
Past

Legal Brief

Mar 19 2026
“Benefits Madness,” hosted by MP: Hired for HR and SFP Wealth