Robinson Cole LLP
High Contrast Mode

Founding Chair of the firm’s Appellate Group, Linda L. Morkan has been involved in 200+ appeals over her 35-year career, personally arguing more than 100 of them. She has appeared before the state appellate courts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court and several of the U.S. Courts of Appeal across the country.

She was admitted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers in 2008, the first woman to be admitted from Connecticut. Fellowship is an honor open only to those who have practiced as an appellate advocate for at least 15 years and possess a reputation of recognized distinction. Academy membership is limited to 500 members in the United States and is by invitation only. She has also been included in the Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Appellate Law every year since 2008.

Linda brings her persuasive talents to both her written work and her oral presentation. She has spent decades honing her skills and has dedicated much study and deliberation to the intersection of legal theory and human nature which lies at the heart of human persuasion. She delights in the new challenges that an appeal promises and has long been known as a keen collaborator, be it with her colleagues, trial counsel, co-appellate counsel, and especially her clients.

Many attorneys specialize in a specific area of law; Linda has had the opportunity to put her knowledge of appellate practice to work in many substantive areas of the law, including bankruptcy, constitutional rights, construction, contracts, employment, energy, environmental, ERISA, insurance, reinsurance, land use, real property, probate, tax, and more. Notable successes have been achieved in various areas, such as securing the dismissal of an appeal by a citizen’s group which tried to prevent the transfer of a nuclear power facility, blocking the attempts of the state department of banking to regulate the Internet activities of an out-of-state federally recognized American Indian tribe, enforcement of a view easement across a neighbor’s property to the Long Island Sound, winning the reinstatement of a multi-million-dollar arbitration award against the state of Connecticut; and defending the entry of summary judgment in favor of a builders’ risk insurer, defeating the attempts of a multi-national property insurer to expand the concurrent cause doctrine in Florida.

In addition to the representation of parties in appellate forums, Linda has also taken and defended many arbitration and administrative appeals in the lower courts, and regularly files “friend of the court” amici briefs for trade groups and interested parties.

  • University of Connecticut School of Law (Juris Doctor, with honors)
  • Western Connecticut State College (Bachelors, cum laude)
    • B.S., Justice and Law Administration

  • State of Connecticut
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit

Selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America©  in the area of Appellate Law every year since 2008 and designated as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the area of Appellate Law for 2012 and again in 2017

Included in the Best Lawyers© Business Edition – Connecticut Appellate Law 2016-2017

AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated in Martindale-Hubbell  in the area of Appellate Practice (Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings is a trademark. AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc.)

Selected as a “Top Rated Litigator” for 2021 by ALM Media & Martindale-Hubbell

Designated a Benchmark Litigation Star in 2022

Listed as one of the Top 250 Women Litigators in the United States by Benchmark Litigation for 2012-2014

Listed as a Second Circuit Litigation Star in Connecticut in Benchmark Appellate, 2013

Listed in Benchmark Litigation as a Local Litigation Star for Connecticut in the area Appellate since 2011

Listed in the Connecticut Super Lawyer from 2006 to 2025

Included on the Top 25 Women list every year since 2006

Included on the Top 50 All Lawyers list in 2007, 2010, 2012-2016,  2018-2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025

Featured in the New England Super Lawyers publication every year since 2007

Included on the Top 50 Women list 2007, 2009-2019

Included on the Top 100 All Lawyers list from 2013-2015

Recognized by Connecticut Law Tribune, 2010, in Women in the Law: High Achievers yearbook

Recognized as a Distinguished Leader by the Connecticut Law Tribune, 2021

David H. Neiditz Professional Writing Award for best written appellate brief in a Connecticut case (1992)

Connecticut Bar Association
Co-chair of Appellate Advocacy Section (2012-2015)
Founding Member of Section (1988)

Connecticut Bar Journal
Senior Topical Editor, Appellate Law (2007-present)
Editor in Chief (2006-2007)
Member, Editorial Board (2000-present)

Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers (2008)

American Bar Association
Judicial Division, Council of Appellate Lawyers (2001-present)
           State Chair for Connecticut (2019-present)

Connecticut Bar Foundation
James W. Cooper  Life Fellow (2006 – present)

University of Connecticut School of Law
Immediate Past President, Alumni Association (2023-2024)
President, Alumni Association (2022-2023)
President-elect, Alumni Association (2021-2022)
Vice President, Alumni Association (2020-2021)
Secretary, Alumni Association (2019-2020)
Board of Directors, Alumni Association (2017-present)

University of Connecticut School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Moot Court (1993-2004)

Experience


Supreme Court Declines Review of ERISA Applicability to duPont Family Employee Trust

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed the Delaware District Court’s 2019 decision determining that ERISA applied to a trust established for the benefit of certain domestic and personal service employees of duPont family members.

The plaintiff employee of one of the duPont family members whose employees are potential beneficiaries under the trust, argued that the trust serves as an employment benefit plan covered by the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and that compliance with ERISA was required. The trust had operated as a state law trust since its establishment in 1947 and, as time went on and as anticipated, the corpus of the trust continued to decline.

The Third Circuit ruled that the employee failed to present a connection between her employer and other family members recognized as employers, a requirement for an ERISA-protected multiple employer plan. She also failed to prove that her employer ever financially supported or maintained the trust—a key component for ERISA applicability.

The employee subsequently petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review whether ERISA applied to the trust—including minimum funding requirements. The Supreme Court declined to consider the case, leaving the Third Circuit’s decision in place.

One of America’s most well-known families, the duPont family has roots in gunpowder manufacturing and the now-chemical company still bears its name.

The Robinson+Cole team included Business Litigation Group member Curtis Crowther and Appellate Group chair Linda Morkan.

Read More
Supreme Court Declines Review of ERISA Applicability to duPont Family Employee Trust

Prevailed before the Connecticut Supreme Court

Woodbridge Newton Neighborhood Environmental Trust v. Connecticut Siting Council

The Connecticut Supreme Court recently affirmed the dismissal of an appeal from the Connecticut Siting Council’s approval of application to construct a cell phone tower in the Town of Woodbridge, Connecticut, marking the end of a ten-year effort to improve wireless service in north-central portions of the Town of Woodbridge. In deciding to approve the tower, the Siting Council concluded that the new tower would provide necessary wireless service to an underserved area and would not cause unreasonable environmental impacts.

A group of neighboring property owners appealed the Siting Council’s decision to the Connecticut Superior Court, where they argued that the proposed tower would diminish their property values, and the view and character of their neighborhood. The Connecticut Superior Court rejected these claims, holding that the voluminous administrative record revealed a thorough investigation of the issues and concerns raised as to the proposed location and its possible impact on environmental factors, (such as scenic vistas), and considered evidence regarding various alternative site locations, but ultimately concluded that the proposed facility location was appropriate.

The neighboring property owners then appealed the Superior Court’s decision to the Connecticut Supreme Court, which, on July 5, 2024, unanimously affirmed the Superior Court’s ruling and Siting Council’s decisions.

Read More
Prevailed before the Connecticut Supreme Court

Glory Chapel International Cathedral v. Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co.

224 Conn. App. 501 (2024)

Defended against insured’s challenge to entry of judgment for insurer on basis of misjoinder and rejection of insured’s claim that its post-trial offer of compromise was timely filed.

Read More


Publications


Legal Update: No Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Despite SCOTUS Ruling teaser
January 24, 2025

Legal Update: No Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Despite SCOTUS Ruling

Legal Update: FinCEN Seeks SCOTUS Ruling on Corporate Transparency Act Injunction teaser
January 7, 2025

Legal Update: FinCEN Seeks SCOTUS Ruling on Corporate Transparency Act Injunction

Spring 2021

Video Calls and Video Hearings Primer

ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Appellate Advocacy Committee Newsletter

View the article. .

Legal Update: No Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Despite SCOTUS Ruling teaser
January 24, 2025

Legal Update: No Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Despite SCOTUS Ruling

Legal Update: FinCEN Seeks SCOTUS Ruling on Corporate Transparency Act Injunction teaser
January 7, 2025

Legal Update: FinCEN Seeks SCOTUS Ruling on Corporate Transparency Act Injunction

Spring 2021

Video Calls and Video Hearings Primer

ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS) Appellate Advocacy Committee Newsletter

View the article. .

2012

The Appellate Practice Compendium

American Bar Association chapter on the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts

Published by the American Bar Association. The book is an insider’s guide for practitioners before state and federal appellate courts. It includes top tips for those who appear before the courts and information on how each court operates. Mr. Donlon authored the chapter on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and Ms. Morkan and Mr. White co-wrote the chapter on Connecticut appellate courts.

June 20, 2011

Vacating Arbitration Decision Not an Appealing Task

Connecticut Law Tribune

View the article.

July 2007

Visual Rhetoric in the Appellate Brief

DRI For The Defense
2007

Superseding and Staying Judgements: A National Compendium

2006

Clarity Is an Absolute for Effective Advocacy

DRI For The Defense
2005

Take the Time to Think!

DRI For The Defense 


2012

The Appellate Practice Compendium

American Bar Association chapter on the Connecticut Supreme and Appellate Courts

Published by the American Bar Association. The book is an insider’s guide for practitioners before state and federal appellate courts. It includes top tips for those who appear before the courts and information on how each court operates. Mr. Donlon authored the chapter on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and Ms. Morkan and Mr. White co-wrote the chapter on Connecticut appellate courts.

June 20, 2011

Vacating Arbitration Decision Not an Appealing Task

Connecticut Law Tribune

View the article.

July 2007

Visual Rhetoric in the Appellate Brief

DRI For The Defense
2007

Superseding and Staying Judgements: A National Compendium

2006

Clarity Is an Absolute for Effective Advocacy

DRI For The Defense
2005

Take the Time to Think!

DRI For The Defense 

Events


Past

Taking a Step Back: Overall Case Strategy

May 15 2025
Connecticut Bar Association Litigation Section 2025 Litigation Retreat
Past

Lecture on Strategy and Persuasion

Nov 21 2024
Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Appellate Advocacy Section’s 2024 Appellate Advocacy Institute
Past

Taking a Step Back: Overall Case Strategy

May 15 2025
Connecticut Bar Association Litigation Section 2025 Litigation Retreat
Past

Lecture on Strategy and Persuasion

Nov 21 2024
Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Appellate Advocacy Section’s 2024 Appellate Advocacy Institute
Past

Lunatic, Architect, Carpenter, Judge: A Deep Dive Into The Why Behind Great Legal Writing

Jan 24 2024
Fairfield County Bar Association Appellate Law Committee
Past

Are We Done Yet? A Primer on When to Appeal

Jun 13 2022
Appellate Advocacy Section of the CT Bar Association as part of the 2022 CT Legal Conference
Past

New E-Briefing Rules for CT's Appellate Courts

Oct 6 2021
Connecticut Bar Association Appellate Advocacy Section
Past

Developing and Maintaining a Reputation for Appellate Excellence

October 2020
Past

Lunatic, Architect, Carpenter, Judge: A Deep Dive Into The Why Behind Great Legal Writing

Jan 24 2024
Fairfield County Bar Association Appellate Law Committee
Past

Are We Done Yet? A Primer on When to Appeal

Jun 13 2022
Appellate Advocacy Section of the CT Bar Association as part of the 2022 CT Legal Conference
Past

New E-Briefing Rules for CT's Appellate Courts

Oct 6 2021
Connecticut Bar Association Appellate Advocacy Section
Past

Developing and Maintaining a Reputation for Appellate Excellence

October 2020

News


December 18, 2025

Robinson+Cole and Rhonda Tobin Receive “Business Excellence” Award at 2025 Equal Opportunity Gala

Robinson+Cole and firm Managing Partner Rhonda Tobin were honored at the 2025 Urban League of Greater Hartford’s (ULGH) 61st Annual Equal Opportunity Day Gala as the 2025 Business Excellence awardee on December 11, 2025. The recognition highlights Rhonda and the firm’s exceptional business impact and commitment to equality and opportunity in the Greater Hartford region. Through the Pro Bono Partnership, which has long served as a bridge between ULGH and Robinson+Cole, a growing team of lawyers has ULGH helped advance critical priorities, including Bruce Barth, Catherine Cuggino, Robert Foxworth, Matthew Guanci, Samuel Maduabueke, and Eden Yerby. The gala celebrated those who help support and fund the ULGH’s programs and services to fight against discrimination and help Hartford area residents overcome barriers to achieve their life goals. Robinson + Cole was proud to be a sponsor of the event.

Urban League of Greater Hartford
Robinson+Cole and Rhonda Tobin Receive “Business Excellence” Award at 2025 Equal Opportunity Gala teaser
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
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
December 18, 2025

Robinson+Cole and Rhonda Tobin Receive “Business Excellence” Award at 2025 Equal Opportunity Gala

Robinson+Cole and firm Managing Partner Rhonda Tobin were honored at the 2025 Urban League of Greater Hartford’s (ULGH) 61st Annual Equal Opportunity Day Gala as the 2025 Business Excellence awardee on December 11, 2025. The recognition highlights Rhonda and the firm’s exceptional business impact and commitment to equality and opportunity in the Greater Hartford region. Through the Pro Bono Partnership, which has long served as a bridge between ULGH and Robinson+Cole, a growing team of lawyers has ULGH helped advance critical priorities, including Bruce Barth, Catherine Cuggino, Robert Foxworth, Matthew Guanci, Samuel Maduabueke, and Eden Yerby. The gala celebrated those who help support and fund the ULGH’s programs and services to fight against discrimination and help Hartford area residents overcome barriers to achieve their life goals. Robinson + Cole was proud to be a sponsor of the event.

Urban League of Greater Hartford
Robinson+Cole and Rhonda Tobin Receive “Business Excellence” Award at 2025 Equal Opportunity Gala teaser
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
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
October 31, 2024

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Super Lawyers®

Thomson Reuters
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
October 9, 2024

Robinson+Cole Recognized in 2025 Edition of Benchmark Litigation

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
August 8, 2024

The Connecticut Siting Council and Robinson+Cole Prevail before the Connecticut Supreme Court

Woodbridge Newton Neighborhood Environmental Trust v. Connecticut Siting Council
December 14, 2023

R+C Volunteers Present Junior Achievement Programs at Parkville Elementary School

November 1, 2023

Linda Morkan Completes Term as Leader of the UConn Law School Alumni Association


October 31, 2024

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Super Lawyers®

Thomson Reuters
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
October 9, 2024

Robinson+Cole Recognized in 2025 Edition of Benchmark Litigation

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
August 8, 2024

The Connecticut Siting Council and Robinson+Cole Prevail before the Connecticut Supreme Court

Woodbridge Newton Neighborhood Environmental Trust v. Connecticut Siting Council
December 14, 2023

R+C Volunteers Present Junior Achievement Programs at Parkville Elementary School

November 1, 2023

Linda Morkan Completes Term as Leader of the UConn Law School Alumni Association