Robinson Cole LLP
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Larry E. Grijalva’s commercial and legal construction experience provides a unique perspective in his representation of construction industry companies, developers, and project owners. His background at a family construction firm specializing in framing and carpentry built the foundation of his project management skills and meticulousness, which allows him to understand all facets of the construction and development process. At Robinson+Cole, he provides legal counsel on construction disputes, in addition to reviewing and drafting construction contracts.

Prior to joining Robinson+Cole, Larry managed construction litigation matters, defended large and medium manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and medical device clients in product liability, class action, mass tort, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts. Before that, Larry served as an assistant corporation counsel for the New York City Law Department, Tort Division, where he defended municipal employees in state court tort matters from inception to resolution.

At the University of Connecticut’s School of Law, Larry served as the Vice President of the Latino Law Students’ Association, and on the Connecticut Moot Court Board. He also interned for the university’s tax clinic, representing low-income taxpayers in federal tax disputes before the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Tax Court.

Outside of the office, Larry is an avid wristwatch collector and car enthusiast. He is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish fluently.

  • University of Connecticut School of Law (Juris Doctor)
    • Certificate in Taxation Law
    • Latino Law Students Association, Vice President
    • Connecticut Moot Court Board
  • University of Connecticut (Bachelors)
    • B.A., Political Science

  • State of Connecticut
  • State of New York

  • Spanish

Selected as a Rising Star to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list for 2024 and 2025

Hispanic National Bar Association

Publications


Construction Group Out + About teaser
May 2026

Construction Group Out + About

Construction Group Out + About teaser
April 15, 2025

Construction Group Out + About

Q4 2024

Artificial Intelligence’s Transformative Impact on the Construction Industry

National Organization of Minority Architects Connecticut Chapter’s (NOMAct) Intersections

Larry offers insights from the Group’s annual Construction Industry Roundtable where the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction industry were explored and discussed. The article highlights how AI can reshape how construction professionals operate, specifically in architectural design, safety protocols, and project management—he also discusses the hurdles remaining for widespread AI adoption. “AI-powered tools can lay out floor plans when provided with basic dimensions…allowing architects and designers to produce lifelike representations of buildings with minimal input,” writes Larry. “These innovations accelerate the design process and minimize errors that could lead to costly rework.” When discussing how AI is impacting project management, Larry emphasizes how “converting design files into actionable written requests for contractors, enable[es] smoother workflow” and “reduc[ing] the workload for legal and administrative teams, allow[s] them to focus on other [important] tasks.” Concerning safety, Larry mentions how “AI-powered drones and robots can identify hazards, monitor job completion rates, and collect valuable data for decision making.” However, Larry cautions that “the construction industry remains hesitant to embrace AI,” citing concerns that over-relying on technology will lead to a lapse of critical judgment, explicitly highlighting the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapse as an example of “flawed software recommendations.” To read the article in full, click here (page 7).

Construction Group Out + About teaser
May 2026

Construction Group Out + About

Construction Group Out + About teaser
April 15, 2025

Construction Group Out + About

Q4 2024

Artificial Intelligence’s Transformative Impact on the Construction Industry

National Organization of Minority Architects Connecticut Chapter’s (NOMAct) Intersections

Larry offers insights from the Group’s annual Construction Industry Roundtable where the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction industry were explored and discussed. The article highlights how AI can reshape how construction professionals operate, specifically in architectural design, safety protocols, and project management—he also discusses the hurdles remaining for widespread AI adoption. “AI-powered tools can lay out floor plans when provided with basic dimensions…allowing architects and designers to produce lifelike representations of buildings with minimal input,” writes Larry. “These innovations accelerate the design process and minimize errors that could lead to costly rework.” When discussing how AI is impacting project management, Larry emphasizes how “converting design files into actionable written requests for contractors, enable[es] smoother workflow” and “reduc[ing] the workload for legal and administrative teams, allow[s] them to focus on other [important] tasks.” Concerning safety, Larry mentions how “AI-powered drones and robots can identify hazards, monitor job completion rates, and collect valuable data for decision making.” However, Larry cautions that “the construction industry remains hesitant to embrace AI,” citing concerns that over-relying on technology will lead to a lapse of critical judgment, explicitly highlighting the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapse as an example of “flawed software recommendations.” To read the article in full, click here (page 7).

Construction Group Out + About teaser
December 3, 2024

Construction Group Out + About

Construction Group Out + About teaser
August 16, 2024

Construction Group Out + About

Construction Group Out + About teaser
April 15, 2024

Construction Group Out + About



Construction Group Out + About teaser
December 3, 2024

Construction Group Out + About

Construction Group Out + About teaser
August 16, 2024

Construction Group Out + About

Construction Group Out + About teaser
April 15, 2024

Construction Group Out + About

Events


Past

Construction Law Year in Review

Jun 10 2024
Connecticut Legal Conference
Past

Construction Law Year in Review

Jun 10 2024
Connecticut Legal Conference

News


November 6, 2025

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

Robinson+Cole announced a total of 35 attorneys were named to Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers® lists and 27 lawyers were recognized on its “Rising Stars” lists in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2025. In addition, Robinson+Cole Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigration + Tax group chair Rachel V. Kushel, Appellate group chair Linda L. Morkan, and Manufacturing Law Industry team chair Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2025 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Rachel and Linda also appear on the Top 25: 2025 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list. In addition, Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair, Natalie D. Ramsey was named to the Top 50: 2005 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice include the following: Hartford, CT - Super Lawyers® Wystan M. Ackerman – Class Action Stephen W. Aronson – Employment Lit: Defense Bradford S. Babbitt – Business Litigation Bruce B. Barth – Employee Benefits Garry C. Berman – Real Estate Patrick M. Birney – Bankruptcy: Business Dennis C. Cavanaugh – Construction Litigation Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson – Employment & Labor Kathleen Dion – Schools & Education Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy: Business Gregory R. Faulkner – Construction Litigation Edward J. Heath – Business Litigation Frederick E. Hedberg – Construction Litigation Rachel V. Kushel – Employment & Labor Michael F. Maglio – Banking Virginia E. McGarrity – Employee Benefits Joey Lee Miranda – Energy & Resources Linda L. Morkan – Appellate Martin A. Onorato – Construction Litigation James P. Ray – Environmental Litigation Emilee Mooney Scott – Environmental Rhonda J. Tobin – Insurance Coverage Theodore J. Tucci – Health Care Abby M. Warren – Employment & Labor Jeffrey J. White – Aviation and Aerospace Hartford, CT - Rising Stars Dan A. Brody – Criminal Defense: White Collar Kayla D. O’Leary Daly – Intellectual Property Jason H. DePatie – Insurance Coverage Scott T. Garosshen – Appellate Larry E. Grijalva – Construction Litigation Ryan Hoyler – Land Use/Zoning Kathryn N. Mullin – Real Estate Abigail L. Preissler – Securities & Corp Fin Jonathan H. Schaefer – Environmental Jennifer L. Shanley – Immigration: Business Taylor A. Shea – Business/Corp. Mallori D. Thompson – Business Litigation Taylor A. Vann – Civil Litigation: Defense Stamford, CT – Super Lawyers®  Steven L. Elbaum – Real Estate Brian J. Wheelin – Business Litigation Stamford, CT - Rising Stars Raymond J. Carta – Civil Litigation: Defense Emily C. Deans – Environmental Diana E. Neeves – Environmental Austin G. Provost – Real Estate Massachusetts - Super Lawyers® Kendra L. Berardi – Civil Litigation: Defense Danielle Andrews Long – Civil Litigation: Defense Seth B. Orkand – Criminal Defense: White Collar         Massachusetts - Rising Stars Jessica D. Bardi – Land Use/Zoning Jeffrey R. Gribouski – General Litigation Taz Islam – Business Litigation Rita E. Nerney – Employee Benefits New York Metro - Super Lawyers® John F. McCarrick – Insurance Coverage David D. Rodrigues – Intellectual Property Anna Jinhua Wang – Securities & Corporate Finance Evans E. Wohlforth Jr. – Health Care New York Metro - Rising Stars Joshua A. Dachs – Civil Litigation Sabrina M. Galli – Business Litigation New York Upstate - Rising Stars Danielle H. Tangorre – Health Care Wilmington, DE - Super Lawyers® and Pennsylvania - Super Lawyers® Natalie D. Ramsey – Bankruptcy: Business Pennsylvania - Rising Stars Katherine M. Fix – Bankruptcy: Business Rhode Island - Rising Stars William M. Daley – Business Litigation Kathryn M. Rattigan – Business Litigation

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
January 8, 2025

Larry Grijalva Authors NOMAct Intersections Newsletter Article Discussing AI’s Impact on the Construction Industry

Intersections
October 31, 2024

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Super Lawyers®

Thomson Reuters
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
November 6, 2025

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

Robinson+Cole announced a total of 35 attorneys were named to Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers® lists and 27 lawyers were recognized on its “Rising Stars” lists in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2025. In addition, Robinson+Cole Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigration + Tax group chair Rachel V. Kushel, Appellate group chair Linda L. Morkan, and Manufacturing Law Industry team chair Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2025 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Rachel and Linda also appear on the Top 25: 2025 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list. In addition, Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair, Natalie D. Ramsey was named to the Top 50: 2005 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice include the following: Hartford, CT - Super Lawyers® Wystan M. Ackerman – Class Action Stephen W. Aronson – Employment Lit: Defense Bradford S. Babbitt – Business Litigation Bruce B. Barth – Employee Benefits Garry C. Berman – Real Estate Patrick M. Birney – Bankruptcy: Business Dennis C. Cavanaugh – Construction Litigation Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson – Employment & Labor Kathleen Dion – Schools & Education Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy: Business Gregory R. Faulkner – Construction Litigation Edward J. Heath – Business Litigation Frederick E. Hedberg – Construction Litigation Rachel V. Kushel – Employment & Labor Michael F. Maglio – Banking Virginia E. McGarrity – Employee Benefits Joey Lee Miranda – Energy & Resources Linda L. Morkan – Appellate Martin A. Onorato – Construction Litigation James P. Ray – Environmental Litigation Emilee Mooney Scott – Environmental Rhonda J. Tobin – Insurance Coverage Theodore J. Tucci – Health Care Abby M. Warren – Employment & Labor Jeffrey J. White – Aviation and Aerospace Hartford, CT - Rising Stars Dan A. Brody – Criminal Defense: White Collar Kayla D. O’Leary Daly – Intellectual Property Jason H. DePatie – Insurance Coverage Scott T. Garosshen – Appellate Larry E. Grijalva – Construction Litigation Ryan Hoyler – Land Use/Zoning Kathryn N. Mullin – Real Estate Abigail L. Preissler – Securities & Corp Fin Jonathan H. Schaefer – Environmental Jennifer L. Shanley – Immigration: Business Taylor A. Shea – Business/Corp. Mallori D. Thompson – Business Litigation Taylor A. Vann – Civil Litigation: Defense Stamford, CT – Super Lawyers®  Steven L. Elbaum – Real Estate Brian J. Wheelin – Business Litigation Stamford, CT - Rising Stars Raymond J. Carta – Civil Litigation: Defense Emily C. Deans – Environmental Diana E. Neeves – Environmental Austin G. Provost – Real Estate Massachusetts - Super Lawyers® Kendra L. Berardi – Civil Litigation: Defense Danielle Andrews Long – Civil Litigation: Defense Seth B. Orkand – Criminal Defense: White Collar         Massachusetts - Rising Stars Jessica D. Bardi – Land Use/Zoning Jeffrey R. Gribouski – General Litigation Taz Islam – Business Litigation Rita E. Nerney – Employee Benefits New York Metro - Super Lawyers® John F. McCarrick – Insurance Coverage David D. Rodrigues – Intellectual Property Anna Jinhua Wang – Securities & Corporate Finance Evans E. Wohlforth Jr. – Health Care New York Metro - Rising Stars Joshua A. Dachs – Civil Litigation Sabrina M. Galli – Business Litigation New York Upstate - Rising Stars Danielle H. Tangorre – Health Care Wilmington, DE - Super Lawyers® and Pennsylvania - Super Lawyers® Natalie D. Ramsey – Bankruptcy: Business Pennsylvania - Rising Stars Katherine M. Fix – Bankruptcy: Business Rhode Island - Rising Stars William M. Daley – Business Litigation Kathryn M. Rattigan – Business Litigation

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
January 8, 2025

Larry Grijalva Authors NOMAct Intersections Newsletter Article Discussing AI’s Impact on the Construction Industry

Intersections
October 31, 2024

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Super Lawyers®

Thomson Reuters
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser

Construction Law Zone


Artificial Intelligence’s Transformative Impact on the Construction Industry

Below is an excerpt of an article published in the Q4 2024 edition of the National Organization of Minority Architects Connecticut Chapter (NOMAct) newsletter, which offers insights from Robinson+Cole’s Construction Industry Roundtable. The construction industry, long viewed as a traditional and labor-intensive sector, is poised to experience a transformational shift with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). From streamlining architectural design to enhancing safety protocols and project management, AI is reshaping how construction professionals operate. However, the journey to widespread adoption has its hurdles, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and workforce adaptation. A Construction Industry Roundtable event hosted by Robinson+Cole on September 29, 2024, brought together industry leaders from local and national organizations to explore AI’s opportunities and challenges in construction. These organizations included the National Organization of Minority Architects, Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, Design-Build Institute of America, Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Connecticut Building Congress, Construction Institute and American Arbitration Association. Read the full article.

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Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act Provides New Opportunities for Owners, Developers, and Contractors

On August 6, 2024, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act (the Act) into law. The Act aims to counter the rising cost of housing in the commonwealth by implementing new policies and providing funding for the construction of affordable housing. New policies include: A requirement that municipalities permit the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on the same parcel as a primary dwelling. A requirement that municipalities permit the construction of single-family residences on previously unbuildable lots held in common ownership with an adjacent residential lot. The creation of a commercial property conversion program to support the conversion of commercial space into housing or mixed-use developments. The Act also unlocks over $5.1 billion in new funding for the renovation of public housing, construction of new affordable housing developments, and various sustainable and green housing initiatives. The Act amends Massachusetts General Law chapter 40A, § 3, to prevent municipalities from requiring zoning variances for the construction or rental of ADUs on parcels zoned for single-family homes and prevents any requirement that ADUs be owner-occupied. Municipalities may still require that ADUs comply with requirements for site-plan review, bulk and height limits, setbacks, and short-term rental bans. Municipalities are permitted to require an additional parking space for ADUs, except if the ADU is located within a half-mile from any commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal, or bus station. The Act also amends Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40A, § 6, to allow the construction of single-family homes on residential lots that are held in common ownership with an adjoining residential lot. Under prior law, a municipality was permitted to treat adjoining residential lots held in common ownership as a single lot for zoning purposes. As a result, owners of such lots were prevented from building an additional home on the vacant lot, even if the lot would be buildable if not held in common ownership. The Act now permits the construction of homes on these lots if the lot conformed with certain zoning requirements at the time of recording; the lot is not less than 10,000 square feet and has at least 75 feet of frontage, and the lot is in a single-family zoning district. Homes built on these adjoining lots are limited to 1,850 square feet of heated living area with a minimum of three bedrooms. The Act prohibits these homes from being used as seasonal or short-term rentals. The Act creates an office conversion program that will support the conversion of certain commercial buildings from commercial-use to residential- or mixed-use developments. The new program will allow developers to apply for a “qualified conversion project” certification. Completed qualified conversion projects will then be eligible to apply for a tax credit of up to 10% of the development cost for the project’s residential portion. The Act authorizes $5.16 billion in new spending for affordable housing initiatives over the next five years. Included in this new funding is $2 billion for capital improvements to the Commonwealth’s public housing; $800 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which supports the construction and preservation of housing for people with incomes that do not exceed 110% of the area median income; and $275 million for initiatives that accelerate new housing strategies, support transit-oriented housing, and support the creation of sustainable multi-family housing. The passage of the Act promises to significantly impact affordable housing construction in coming years. Owners, developers, and contractors are encouraged to review the Act to determine how best to take advantage of the new policies and funding made available under it. 

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American Arbitration Association Revises Construction Industry Rules and Mediation Procedures

The American Arbitration Association (AAA), one of the longest-standing and experienced alternative dispute resolution (ADR) administrators, has unveiled a significant update to its Construction Industry Rules and Mediation procedures. This update, last revised in 2015, became effective March 1, 2024. Changes to the AAA Construction Industry Rules are significant as these rules are incorporated by default in American Institute of Architects standard construction forms, which are widely used in the industry. Advancements in remote access technology drive a substantial number of new changes. Others are designed to streamline the arbitrator appointment process and certain prehearing procedures and to make arbitration more cost-efficient by enhancing the arbitrator’s case management authority. Some of the more notable changes are: Fast Track F-1:  The limit for cases eligible for AAA’s Fast Track Procedures has been increased from $100,000 to $150,000 so long as no claim or counterclaim exceeds that amount. F-8: Consolidates two prior rules into one. The new rules specify that motions are not permitted under the fast-track procedure except for good cause shown. Additionally, discovery is not permitted under the fast-track procedure except in extraordinary circumstances. The rule clarifies that a case may be removed from the fast-track procedure if discovery is allowed. Regular Track Procedures R-7: The rules governing consolidation and joinder have been clarified and streamlined. Requests for consolidation and joinder must now be filed before the merit arbitrator is appointed unless good cause is shown, and prejudice will result if not granted. Additionally, if a party fails to object to a request for a joinder, that party waives any objection to the request. R-23: Preliminary hearings may now, by Rule, be held via videoconference, telephone, or in person. R-34: Arbitrators are now required to consider the cost of preparing and opposing a dispositive motion in determining whether to allow a party to file such a motion. The arbitrator may now assess fees and costs associated with such motion’s practice. R-39: Requests for an emergency arbitrator will now be fulfilled no later than three days after the request is made. R-44: Parties may now serve notice and communicate via electronic means and platforms. R-45: Codifies AAA’s policy and practice that AAA and arbitrators must keep all arbitration matters confidential. R-52: This rule modifies a previous rule that only allowed arbitrators to address clerical, typographical, technical, or computational errors in their awards. Arbitrators are now permitted to clarify their awards, although the merits of an award may not be reconsidered. Large Complex Disputes L-3: The threshold for appointment of a three-arbitrator panel has been increased from $1 million to $3 million. As the construction industry and legal professionals continue to embrace ADR and technological innovation, these rules promise to deliver a more efficient and effective arbitration process. Additionally, parties electing to arbitrate contractual disputes can always negotiate alternate procedures by contract. AAA Rule R-2(a) recognizes that “[t]he authority and duties of the AAA are prescribed in the agreement of the parties and in these Rules...”

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