Gregory Varga

Gregory P. Varga

Partner

Gregory P. Varga

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    For 27 years, Greg Varga has focused his practice on representing insurance companies nationally in complex insurance coverage litigation and arbitrations, in lawsuits seeking punitive damages and other extracontractual remedies, and in other corporate litigation. As Chair of Robinson+Cole's Insurance + Reinsurance Group, Greg is proud to lead a team of 50 lawyers practicing across seven of the firm's offices.

    Insurance Coverage Litigation

    In the insurance coverage arena, Greg has successfully defended clients in numerous high-exposure cases involving a wide variety of insurance lines, including commercial property; business interruption and extra expense; builders risk, contractor's equipment, motor truck cargo, and other inland marine risks; equipment breakdown coverages; and excess and surplus lines risks. He has substantial experience defending litigation concerning catastrophe claims, ordinance or law coverage exposures, and complex business interruption claims involving a broad array of industries and professions. In addition, he has represented clients in coverage disputes involving layered and quota share excess insurance programs, in disputes related to underwriting, and in controversies between primary and excess insurers. Greg has also supervised numerous arson and fraud investigations and prosecuted declaratory judgment and rescission actions based on policyholder misrepresentation in the application process and in the context of pending claims. He also has litigated coverage disputes involving other lines of insurance, including professional liability, commercial general liability, and construction defect. Greg's expertise and depth of knowledge in the insurance coverage arena earned him election as a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel, a prestigious international organization of approximately 300 lawyers recognized for excellence and thought leadership in the fields of insurance coverage and extracontractual liability.

    Since April 2020, Greg has served as the co-leader of a team of R+C lawyers representing several clients in COVID-19 business interruption litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country. Greg and the team have been at the vanguard of this national coverage battle, and are responsible for many groundbreaking trial and appellate court decisions addressing "direct physical loss" and the virus exclusion.        

    Bad Faith Litigation

    Greg's experience in the defense of bad faith litigation is equally significant. He has defended clients against bad faith claims in all of the New England states, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. On many occasions, Greg has been retained on the eve of trial to take over the defense of bad faith cases previously handled by other law firms. In other instances, he has been retained to consult on open claims to ensure compliance with good faith investigation and claim settlement practices and to avoid exposure to extracontractual liability. Greg also regularly provides training to his clients to help them ensure compliance with sound claim handling practices. 

    In an increasing number of states, the extracontractual remedies available to policyholders and tort plaintiffs are of far greater concern than an insurer's potential exposure on the insurance policy. In response to this alarming trend, Greg and his team have developed innovative strategies for the defense of bad faith lawsuits and have successfully applied them to reduce clients' extracontractual exposures in a wide variety of first- and third-party claim disputes. For example, he led a team that defended a major international insurer in a Massachusetts bad faith action in which the plaintiffs sought $40 million in compensatory and punitive damages against our client (the primary insurer of a business auto risk) for its alleged failure to promptly settle a catastrophic personal injury claim. After a six-week trial, Greg's client was exonerated of all liability and a judgment was entered in its favor. In the ensuing two years, he and his team successfully defended the judgment against the plaintiffs' appeal to the Commonwealth's highest court. 

    Though Greg is committed to vigorously defending each case through trial, he recognizes that protracted litigation is costly and unpredictable and may not always be in a client's best interest. For this reason, he consults with clients at the outset of every new case in an effort to understand their unique business objectives and works to formulate and implement innovative, practical, and cost-effective strategies for achieving those goals.

    Leveraging Technology

    Greg recognizes the importance of leveraging technology to advance the interests of our clients. He believes that a trial lawyer is both story teller and teacher, and he always strives to find new ways to help jurors understand and digest complex issues and facts. To that end, Greg has successfully integrated the most cutting edge trial presentation software and technologies into his trial practice. In 2018, he became one of only 20 lawyers in the nation to earn the "Technology Master Advocate" certification from the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, following his successful completion of an intensive course in the use of trial technologies. Greg now serves as a faculty member in that program. Additionally, Greg utilizes advanced technologies in document management, depositions, and all other areas of his practice, which has helped to streamline the discovery process and, ultimately, reduce litigation costs for his clients. 

    Insurance Industry Involvement 

    Greg is very active in insurance industry and bar circles, and has worked hard to promote knowledge and learning. In addition to being a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel (ACCC), Greg has been a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) since 2008. He is also a member of the American Bar Foundation. Greg is a frequent speaker and panelist at insurance industry and insurance bar programs, including the ACCC, the FDCC, the Property and Liability Research Bureau, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the Property Insurance Law Committee of the American Bar Association, Harris Martin Publishing, and HB Litigation Conferences, LLC. Greg has also lectured on trial techniques to other members of the bar.

    Honors and Firm Leadership

    In addition to chairing the firm's Insurance + Reinsurance Group, Greg has chaired the Technology Committee and the firm's Litigation Academy, a litigation and trial skills program.  

    Greg has received a number of honors during his years of practice. They include an "AV-Preeminent" ranking with Martindale Hubbell, and selection to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2011 to 2022 and by The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Insurance Law since 2012.

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

        Insurance Coverage Litigation and Counseling

      • Served as lead counsel for an excess insurer in a coverage dispute over a $122 million builders risk insurance program for construction of 320-unit condominium complex in Florida. After construction was completed, the insured developer claimed property damage associated with the presence of defective Chinese-manufactured drywall throughout the complex and sought more than $30 million in remediation and repair costs. After our client disclaimed coverage for the loss, we filed a declaratory judgment action and aggressively pursued discovery to undercut the plaintiff's position. We also worked closely with the scientific experts and developed a winning strategy that forced the plaintiff to withdraw its claim. The case was resolved before depositions on terms that were extraordinarily favorable to insurance market.
      • Successfully represented a property insurer in a coverage and bad faith dispute involving claims for more than $30 million in damage for mold and other contamination of apartment complex. The case was tried before a federal court jury in Oklahoma City. After a week of trial, the case settled for considerably less than had been offered before trial commenced.
      • Represented a builders risk insurer in connection with its response to a construction defect claim for damage to a specialized, high-containment plumbing system in a research facility. The damage resulted from a subcontractor's erroneous application of a chemically incompatible fluid to the piping system. Our client disclaimed coverage based on its faulty workmanship exclusion, and we initiated a federal declaratory judgment action to defend its coverage position. Ultimately, our strategy caused liability for the damage to be placed where it belonged: at the feet of the subcontractors who performed the negligent work.
      • Represented a commercial property insurer in connection with its investigation and adjustment of a claim for the replacement of a 220,000-square-foot, preengineered steel building that had collapsed under the weight of snow. This high-value claim presented a number of complex issues, including the proper measure of the property's actual cash value and the priority of salvage rights, and required innovative strategies to avoid appraisal and litigation.
      • Successfully defended a commercial property insurer in a Florida lawsuit seeking nearly $10 million in contract damages and attorneys' fees due to its alleged underpayment of a claim for Hurricane Wilma damage to an office tower. The dispute centered on whether posthurricane events involving the county building department triggered the policy's ordinance or law coverage and coverage for claimed rental value losses. Our defense of the case required a mastery of several Florida building codes, including the Florida Building Code, Existing Building, and the Florida Accessibility Code.
      • Represented a builders risk insurer in a coverage action arising from massive water damage to a luxury condominium under construction on Florida's Gulf Coast. The defense, based in part on the policy's exclusion of interior damage caused by rain, required an in-depth analysis and understanding of tens of thousands of construction project documents and collaboration with construction experts. The case went to trial in January 2011 but settled during jury selection when the plaintiff reduced its demand by more than 85 percent.
      • Defended a commercial property insurer in a Missouri lawsuit arising from the client's denial of a $15 million claim for structural and roof damage to 22 shopping centers in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas, allegedly caused by the weight of snow and ice from a single storm. Working with engineers and other experts, we developed evidence proving that each building had suffered damage due to wear and tear and inadequate maintenance.
      • Served as lead counsel for property insurers in a number of high-exposure coverage and bad faith actions in Louisiana arising from property damage and business interruption losses associated with Hurricane Katrina.
      • Represented a group of property and casualty insurers in a coverage and bad faith lawsuit in Houston, Texas, in which insureds sought more than $100 million for alleged business interruption losses, costs associated with defense of toxic tort suits, and Superfund project costs, all arising from the plaintiff's operation of a California landfill deemed to have polluted a key source of drinking water for the Los Angeles area.
      • Served as lead counsel to commercial property insurers in major claims and lawsuits arising from business interruption and property damage caused by terrorist attack of 9/11.
      • Obtained summary judgment for an insurer in Georgia federal court in an action involving a claim under civil authority business interruption coverage. The insured operated gift shops and newsstands in 60 airports and sought coverage for income losses incurred during the duration of the FAA's order grounding aircraft nationally following terror attacks of 9/11.
      • Advised and assisted a commercial property insurer in its response to a $30 million claim for property damage and business interruption attributed to the contamination of a Florida office building with anthrax in October 2001.

      • Represented commercial property insurer in reference proceeding in Massachusetts arising from partial collapse of warehouse due to weight of ice and snow. Insured had claimed several million dollars of property damage and business interruption losses. Following more than five days of arbitration-style hearings involving multiple fact and expert witnesses and thousands of pages of exhibits, we convinced the reference panel that the insured’s claims were overstated and achieved a very favorable outcome for our client.

      • Lead counsel for major international insurer in defense of action for contract and bad faith damages in a Virginia federal court. The underlying claim initially was reported as earthquake damage to 300+ unit apartment complex, but investigation revealed pervasive water damage attributable to widespread construction defects. In addition to his defense of the litigation, Mr. Varga managed a complex appraisal process involving several critical expert witnesses. The case ultimately resolved on terms favorable to our client.  

        • Insurance Bad Faith Litigation

      • Defended a bad faith lawsuit in federal court in Detroit, Michigan, arising from a dispute under a motor truck cargo policy. The insured alleged that our client extinguished the insured's right to pursue recovery for uninsured losses from at-fault parties and sought a seven-figure compensatory and punitive damages award. The client retained us to replace another law firm just three weeks prior to trial. In that short time period, we completed a number of important depositions that had been overlooked, retained and secured a report from a critical construction expert, and worked closely with that expert to develop essential defenses to the damages claim. Our attack on the damage claims required an in-depth understanding of a highway and bridge construction project and a detailed analysis of the cost impacts of construction project delays. Ultimately, we were able to resolve the case through settlement on terms that were extremely favorable to our client.
      • Successfully defended an insurer in a multimillion-dollar bad faith action arising from the insurer's denial of claim of physical damage to vast quantities of enterprise hardware, loss and corruption of millions of dollars in proprietary software, and loss of sensitive medical data. After six days of contentious depositions that clearly exposed the plaintiff-insureds fraud, the case was voluntarily dismissed without any payment by our client.

      • Defended a commercial property insurer in action alleging violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, Mass. Gen. L. c. 93A. Plaintiff-insured alleged that the insurer knowingly and willfully underpaid the claim for fire damage and rental value loss and sought to recover more than $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees. We developed and executed a highly aggressive defense strategy, which ultimately caused the plaintiff to withdraw the lawsuit and sign a release of all claims against the insurer in exchange for no payment.

      • Served as lead trial counsel for a major international insurer in a Massachusetts statutory bad faith action in which the injured plaintiffs sought more than $40 million in compensatory and punitive damages against our client (primary insurer on business auto policy) for its alleged failure to promptly settle a catastrophic personal injury claim. Following two years of contentious litigation and a six-week trial, the court found that our client's effort to settle the underlying tort case was both prompt and reasonable, and entered judgment in its favor. In 2011, the judgment was affirmed on appeal by Massachusetts's highest court; however, the co-defendant excess insurer (which had a $50 million policy) was ordered to pay a record $22 million in punitive damages and attorneys' fees for its violation of the Consumer Protection Act, in addition to the $9 million it paid to satisfy the underlying tort judgment.

      • Served as lead counsel for excess liability insurer in Massachusetts unfair claim settlement practices action that was based upon insurer’s refusal to indemnify insured for wrongful death claims against the insured owner of a commercial building in downtown Boston.  Decedent’s estate settled with the insured, received an assignment of its rights, and then brought direct and derivative claims against our client for contract and punitive damages. Mr. Varga convinced the District Court to dismiss the action, arguing that insured never became “legally obligated to pay damages” to plaintiff because the claims against the insured were dismissed when the underlying case was settled. The First Circuit affirmed in a landmark ruling, Salvati v. American Insurance Co., 855 F.3d 40 (1st Cir. 2017).

      • Successfully defended liability insurer against action for punitive damages arising from its handling of dozens of underlying tort claims and multiple lawsuits by tenants of apartment complex against property owner for losses resulting from massive structural fire. 

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      American Bar Foundation
      Fellow

      Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
      Technology Master Advocate Certification

      Defense Research Institute

      Property Loss Research Bureau
      Affiliate Member

      Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association

      New England Claims Executives Association

      Boston Association of Claims Executives

      Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, Hartford Chapter

      Loss Executives Association
      Regular Member (2018)

      American College of Coverage Counsel
      Fellow (2019)

      Loss Executives Association (2017)
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

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

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2011 to 2022.

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Insurance Law since 2012.

      Robinson & Cole Mentor of the Year Award Recipient, 2013

      Hartford Business Journal, 2007, "40 Under Forty" Inductee

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      High Hopes Therapeutic Riding
      Board of Trustees
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "When Wind and Flood Unite - The Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause," published in The Brief, a publication of the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (Summer 2019)
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        • When Wind and Flood Unite - The Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause

        "When Wind and Flood Unite - The Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause," published in The Brief, authored by Gregory P. Varga, a publication of the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (Summer 2019)

        The article covers the evolution of the anti-concurrent causation (ACC) clause in a typical property insurance policy. Greg then examines how the interpretation and application of the ACC clause have evolved in litigation arising from hurricanes and other natural disasters. He also offers insight on what may lie ahead as coverage lawsuits arise from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.


      "Q&A with Robinson & Cole's Greg Varga," published in Law360 (4/1/2013)

      "Property Insurance Litigation in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: The Early Results," published in CPCU Society Claims Quarterly, co-author (12/2006)

      "Property Insurance Litigation in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: The Early Results," published in CPCU Society Claims Quarterly, co-authored with Daniel F. Sullivan and Christopher F. Girard (11/2006)

      "Insurance Coverage Litigation in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," published in CPCU Society Claims Quarterly, co-author (12/2005)

      "Insurance Coverage Litigation in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," published in CPCU Society Claims Quarterly, co-authored with Daniel F. Sullivan and Christopher F. Girard (12/2005)

      Chapter 39, "Cancellation of Insurance Policies" of Law and Practice of Insurance Coverage Litigation (2000)
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        • Chapter 39, "Cancellation of Insurance Policies" of Law and Practice of Insurance Coverage Litigation

        Chapter 39, "Cancellation of Insurance Policies" of Law and Practice of Insurance Coverage Litigation, authored by Gregory P. Varga (2000)
        Four-volume treatise addressing virtually all facets of first- and third-party insurance litigation.

      "The Lawyer as Superadjuster: Erosion of Protections for Privileged Communications," published in For the Defense, a publication of the Defense Research Institute, co-author

      "The Lawyer as Superadjuster: Erosion of Protections for Privileged Communications," published in Defense Research Institute
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        • The Lawyer as Superadjuster: Erosion of Protections for Privileged Communications

        "The Lawyer as Superadjuster: Erosion of Protections for Privileged Communications," published in Defense Research Institute, authored by Gregory P. Varga
        In the May 2005 edition of DRI's monthly magazine "For The Defense," the author explores judicial erosion of the attorney-client privilege and work product immunity in cases where counsel performs tasks that are ordinarily performed by insurance adjusters.

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Technology for Coverage Geeks: Effective use of technology in coverage and bad faith litigation," presented as part of the American College of Coverage Counsel’s 9th Annual Meeting in Chicago (9/24/2021)
      • » more info

        • Technology for Coverage Geeks: Effective use of technology in coverage and bad faith litigation

        "Technology for Coverage Geeks: Effective use of technology in coverage and bad faith litigation," presented by Gregory P. Varga, presented as part of the American College of Coverage Counsel’s 9th Annual Meeting in Chicago (9/24/2021)

        The presentation included the use selected iPad applications to help demonstrate creative and persuasive uses of technology. The applications of this technology range from organizing every aspect of case inception through conclusion, to document storage and use, taking depositions, motion practice and hearings, mediations, and even trying the case from an iPad, all helping to make possible compelling presentations and memorable messages that present and advocate for a client at the touch of a finger. 


      "Business Interruption Disputes: Do Pandemic Claims Involve A Direct Physical Loss?" (2/16/2021)
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        • Business Interruption Disputes: Do Pandemic Claims Involve A Direct Physical Loss?

        "Business Interruption Disputes: Do Pandemic Claims Involve A Direct Physical Loss?" presented by Gregory P. Varga (2/16/2021)

        Insurance + Reinsurance Group co-Chair, Greg Varga, co-presented the program "Business Interruption Disputes: Do Pandemic Claims Involve A Direct Physical Loss?" during the American College of Coverage Counsel and The Seton Hall University School of Law's webinar, "Evolving Insurance Law Responses to the Global Pandemic," on February 16, 2020. Panelists discussed whether insureds can establish “direct physical loss of or damage” to their property to obtain coverage for pandemic-related Business Income losses, similar issues with respect to Civil Authority and Dependent Property coverage claims, the arguments parties have raised to date and how courts have responded.


      "First-Party Coverage Issues with COVID-19 Business Interruption Lawsuits.," co-presented with Denis J. O'Malley, at the NECEA October meeting. (10/13/2020)
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        • First-Party Coverage Issues with COVID-19 Business Interruption Lawsuits.

        "First-Party Coverage Issues with COVID-19 Business Interruption Lawsuits.," co-presented by Denis J. O'Malley and Gregory P. Varga, at the NECEA October meeting. (10/13/2020)

        Insurance + Reinsurance members Greg Varga, chair, and Denis O'Malley were guest speakers at the New England Claim Executives Association (NECEA) meeting on October 13, 2020. The hybrid meeting welcomed 20 in-person guests in New Britain, CT, with others watching via a streamed Zoom call. The presentation reviewed the key coverage issues of the COVID-19-related claims - Direct Physical Loss, Virus Exclusions, and Civil Authority - and summarized the trends in case-law decisions to date. Thousands of claims have been presented involving claimed causes of loss such as virus on premises or government orders. The business areas most affected include restaurants, bars, retail, and personal services. Billions of dollars are involved as Business Interruption, Extra Expense, and Civil Authority coverages have been implicated.

        Greg reviewed the policy language found in the Business Owners Policy and Covered Property forms and identified a similar element that involved “actual loss caused by direct physical damage caused by a covered cause of loss.” Many suits have been dismissed based on their lack of these essential elements.

        An interactive segment on the key coverage issues addressed questions such as, “What is damage?” Is it demonstrable perceptible harm? Is it physical loss? Are claims involving a virus different from claims involving asbestos, lead, carbon monoxide, heating oil fumes, or pervasive odors? Do virus germs on a tabletop qualify as damage or physical loss? If a government order shuts a business, is that direct physical loss?" Virus exclusions were introduced into many policies in 2006, which Greg referred to as a “brick wall” that excludes losses involving “physical distress, illness or disease.”

        Denis briefed attendees on the early case-law decisions that started to come down in July 2020. The key trends reflect that:

        • “Nearly all courts” ruled in favor of the insurer on the issue of Direct Physical Loss.
        • The Virus Exclusion “barred coverage in every case” in which a policy included it. Most courts have rued that the language is “clear and unambiguous.”
        • Most, but not all, Civil Authority case decisions have favored the insurer.

      "Business Interruption Insurance Coverage and the COVID-19 Crisis: An Examination," co-presented with Gerald P. Dwyer Jr., Raymond T. DeMeo and Wystan M. Ackerman, the first in a series of webinars designed to explore critical coverage and loss measurement issues that are expected to emerge from COVID-19-related business interruption claims. (3/26/2020)
      • » more info

        • Business Interruption Insurance Coverage and the COVID-19 Crisis: An Examination

        "Business Interruption Insurance Coverage and the COVID-19 Crisis: An Examination," co-presented by Gregory P. Varga, Gerald P. Dwyer Jr., Raymond T. DeMeo and Wystan M. Ackerman, the first in a series of webinars designed to explore critical coverage and loss measurement issues that are expected to emerge from COVID-19-related business interruption claims. (3/26/2020)

        Insurance + Reinsurance Group chair, Greg Varga, moderated the interactive webinar discussion “Business Interruption Insurance Coverage and the COVID-19 Crisis: An Examination” on March 26, 2020. I+R Group members Wystan Ackerman, Ray DeMeo and Kip Dwyer also participated in this first in a series of webinars designed to explore critical coverage and loss measurement issues that are expected to emerge from COVID-19-related business interruption claims.

        As the widespread economic impacts of the novel coronavirus come into focus, businesses in the United States and around the world are looking to business interruption insurance for relief from losses associated with social distancing, supply chain disruption, and decreased demand for goods and services. Simultaneously, politicians and government agencies are pressuring the insurance industry to provide relief, in spite of exclusions and other policy provisions that generally bar coverage. The program examined whether the presence of COVID-19 constitutes “direct physical loss;” the effect of COVID-19 on the “period of restoration” of existing property claims; the applicability of Civil Authority and Contingent Business Income coverage to the claims arising from the novel coronavirus; and how labor shortages and supply chain disruptions may affect the period of restoration of existing claims caused by perils unrelated to the virus. This series is designed for insurance executives, experienced claim professionals and in-house counsel. 


      "Is it Flood? Is it Wind? No, it's a Hurricane!," at the 2018 Property Insurance Law Committee Spring CLE Conference in Nashville, Tennessee (3/3/2018)
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        • Is it Flood? Is it Wind? No, it's a Hurricane!

        "Is it Flood? Is it Wind? No, it's a Hurricane!," presented by Gregory P. Varga, at the 2018 Property Insurance Law Committee Spring CLE Conference in Nashville, Tennessee (3/3/2018)

        Presented by the American Bar Association's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Mr. Varga's session addressed an array of causation issues that arise under property insurance policies and remain an omnipresent source of dispute between policyholders and carriers in the context of catastrophe losses.


      "Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel," co-presented with Rhonda J. Tobin and Stephen O. Clancy, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (1/11/2018)
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        • Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel

        "Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel," co-presented by Rhonda J. Tobin, Stephen O. Clancy and Gregory P. Varga, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (1/11/2018)

        Attendees were led through an interactive discussion on the intricacies of recognizing situations in which attorney-client privilege is preserved and when it may be inadvertently waived in communications between in-house counsel and insurance claims adjusters.

        The presentation was the first in a newly launched “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry.


      "Insurance Bad Faith Set-Up In Connecticut," a National Business Institute program (12/12/2017)
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        • Insurance Bad Faith Set-Up In Connecticut

        "Insurance Bad Faith Set-Up In Connecticut," presented by Gregory P. Varga, a National Business Institute program (12/12/2017)

        Mr. Sullivan covered the origins of bad faith law in Connecticut and the nuances of the common law and statutory causes of action that have developed over the past few decades. Mr. Varga addressed the proper investigation and documentation of third-party and first-party insurance claims, and the statutory and common law rules and standards governing those functions. He also led an interactive discussion on the discoverability of material in an insurer’s claim file, including the applicability of the attorney-client privilege and the work product doctrine to confidential communications with in-house and outside counsel.


      "Unique Insurance Coverage and Loss Issues in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria," at HarrisMartin's Hurricanes Irma & Maria Conference in Miami Beach, Florida (11/14/2017)
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        • Unique Insurance Coverage and Loss Issues in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria

        "Unique Insurance Coverage and Loss Issues in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria," presented by Gregory P. Varga, at HarrisMartin's Hurricanes Irma & Maria Conference in Miami Beach, Florida (11/14/2017)

        Mr. Varga provided a forecast of the unique insurance coverage and loss measurement issues that are anticipated to arise from business interruption claims filed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. 


      "Commercial Claims: Business Interruption, Lost Profits & More," at the Hurricane Claims Forum in Orlando, Florida (11/3/2017)
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        • Commercial Claims: Business Interruption, Lost Profits & More

        "Commercial Claims: Business Interruption, Lost Profits & More," presented by Gregory P. Varga, at the Hurricane Claims Forum in Orlando, Florida (11/3/2017)

        The session explored property damage and business interruption losses, including contingent business interruption coverage, determining lost profits using loss calculation methodologies, and losses triggered by supply chain disruptions. 


      "Critical Issues in Business Interruption Coverage / Daubert Challenges in Accounting," co-presented with Daniel F. Sullivan, at in-house client seminar in New York, New York (2/6/2015)

      "The Impacts and Dangers of Unfair Trade Practices Acts – The Need to Be Aware!," at First Annual Bad Faith Litigation Strategies ExecuSummit, co-presented with Deborah A. Vennos, panelist (11/5/2014)

      "Property Coverage Developments Following Superstorm Sandy," co-presented with J. Tyler Butts, at New England Claims Executives Association Meeting (4/8/2014)

      "Property Policy Conditions," in-house webinar (10/18/2013)

      "Property Coverage Legal Update 2012: When Buildings Move, An Examination of the Earth Movement and Settling Exclusions," at New England Claims Executives Association, co-presented with Stephen O. Clancy (4/10/2012)

      "The Erosion of Borders in Insurance Claims," at Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel's Insurance Industry Institute, Manhattan (11/18/2011)

      "Obstacles to Resolution of Complex Property Insurance Claims and Litigation Arising from Damage to Condominiums," at Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel's Annual Meeting in Hot Springs, Virginia (8/2009)

      "Complex Hardware and Software Losses," at Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB) Claims Conference in Seattle, Washington, where Mr. Varga and his copresenters imparted practical advice for the investigation, analysis, and adjustment of complex electronic data processing (EDP) claims. (March 2009)

      "Discoverability of attorney-client communications and attorney work product generated during the course of an insurance claim investigation," at 17th Annual Aviation & Insurance Law Symposium in Orlando, Florida, sponsored by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Winter 2006)

      "Property Coverage Legal Update 2006: Hurricane Katrina and Beyond," at New England Claims Executives Association (11/14/2006)

      "Weathering the Storm: An Update on First-Party Coverage Litigation Arising from Hurricane Katrina," at annual meeting of the CPCU Society, Connecticut Chapter (November 2006)

      "Discoverability of attorney-client communications and attorney work product generated during the course of an insurance claim investigation," at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's 17th Annual Aviation & Insurance Law Symposium in Orlando, Florida (1/2006)

      "Hurricane Katrina: New Challenges Facing the Insurance Industry," at New England Claims Executives Association (11/2005) and the Boston Association of Claims Executives (3/2006)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • August 22, 2019

        Greg Varga Authors Article on Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause Published in The Brief

        • » more info

          Greg Varga Authors Article on Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause Published in The Brief

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Gregory P. Varga recently authored the article “When Wind and Flood Unite – The Anti-Concurrent Causation Clause,” published in the Summer 2019 issue of The Brief, a publication of the American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (ABA TIPS). The article covers the evolution of the anti-concurrent causation (ACC) clause in a typical property insurance policy. Greg then examines how the interpretation and application of the ACC clause have evolved in litigation arising from hurricanes and other natural disasters. He also offers insight on what may lie ahead as coverage lawsuits arise from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The full article will be available to ABA TIPS members on the section’s website. 

      • March 18, 2019

        Greg Varga Elected a Fellow of American College of Coverage Counsel

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          Greg Varga Elected a Fellow of American College of Coverage Counsel

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Gregory P. Varga has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel (College). The College is a prestigious international organization of approximately 300 preeminent lawyers who specialize in the fields of insurance coverage counseling and litigation and extracontractual liability litigation. Fellows are drawn from the policyholder and defense bars, as well as academia. 

          The mission of the College is to advance the creative, ethical and efficient resolution of insurance coverage and extracontractual disputes; to enhance the civility and quality of the practice of insurance law; to provide peer-reviewed scholarship; and to improve the relationships among the members of the legal profession. The College focuses on educating all sectors involved in the field of insurance law – including the judiciary, legal and insurance professionals, law students and businesses – on cutting edge, emerging, and critical issues such as developing trends in insurance law and bad faith, trial practice and alternative dispute resolution, policy formation and claims handling. 

          Before being elected a Fellow of the College, a lawyer undergoes an extensive vetting and peer review process that examines the lawyer’s character, skill and knowledge. Steve Goldman and Rhonda Tobin are also Fellows of the College.

      • October 18, 2018

        51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2018. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” 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. View the list of recognized attorneys and their areas of practice.

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      • August 20, 2018

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

          52 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

          See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers.

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      • May 16, 2018

        Greg Varga and Denise Jaffe Receive Technology Master Advocate Certification

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          Greg Varga and Denise Jaffe Receive Technology Master Advocate Certification

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Gregory P. Varga and Professional Development & Training Manager Denise G. Jaffe have been certified as Technology Master Advocates as a result of attending TECH U from April 6-8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Presented by the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, the two and a half day program included lectures, demonstrations, and performance workshops designed to enhance the ability to develop a visual mindset and tech strategy in managing case information, and building presentations for use in arbitrations, client updates, mediations, mock jury work, and ultimately, the courtroom using a single iPad loaded with the latest in litigation technology. The program culminated with the preparation and delivery of a 20-30 minute opening statement or closing argument on a mock case using 5-7 elements of the latest trial presentation technology by each participant.

      • March 8, 2018

        Laura Farach, Dan Sullivan, and Greg Varga, Participate in ABA TTIPS Property Insurance Law Committee Spring CLE Conference

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          Laura Farach, Dan Sullivan, and Greg Varga, Participate in ABA TTIPS Property Insurance Law Committee Spring CLE Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group Lawyers Laura Farach, Daniel F. Sullivan, and Gregory P. Varga all participated in the 2018 Property Insurance Law Committee Spring CLE Conference, "What Keeps You Up at Night?" from March 1 to March 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Presented by the American Bar Association's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TTIPS), the conference offered insight on cutting edge issues that affect areas unique to property insurance law. Ms. Farach served as the Program Co-chair for the conference while Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Varga were among the speakers. Mr. Sullivan presented on "The Increasing Threat of Global Ransomware," which focused on the evolving coverage issues associated with ransomware and offered insight on how insurers are responding to this threat. Mr. Varga's session, "Is it Flood? Is it Wind? No, it's a Hurricane!,” addressed an array of causation issues that arise under property insurance policies and remain an omnipresent source of dispute between policyholders and carriers in the context of catastrophe losses.

      • January 25, 2018

        Steve Clancy, Rhonda Tobin, and Greg Varga Present on Attorney-Client Privilege as Part of New Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series

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          Steve Clancy, Rhonda Tobin, and Greg Varga Present on Attorney-Client Privilege as Part of New Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers Stephen O. Clancy, Rhonda J. Tobin, and Gregory P. Varga presented a program on “Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel” on January 11, 2018 at the firm. Attendees were led through an interactive discussion on the intricacies of recognizing situations in which attorney-client privilege is preserved and when it may be inadvertently waived in communications between in-house counsel and insurance claims adjusters. The program was followed by an informal networking reception.

          The presentation was the first in a newly launched “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry. The next program in the series is scheduled to take place on March 29, 2018.

      • December 18, 2017

        Dan Sullivan and Greg Varga Co-present on Bad Faith Law in Connecticut

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          Dan Sullivan and Greg Varga Co-present on Bad Faith Law in Connecticut

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers Daniel F. Sullivan and Gregory P. Varga presented “Insurance Bad Faith Set-Up In Connecticut,” a National Business Institute program on December 12, 2017 in East Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Sullivan covered the origins of bad faith law in Connecticut and the nuances of the common law and statutory causes of action that have developed over the past few decades. Mr. Varga addressed the proper investigation and documentation of third-party and first-party insurance claims, and the statutory and common law rules and standards governing those functions. He also led an interactive discussion on the discoverability of material in an insurer’s claim file, including the applicability of the attorney-client privilege and the work product doctrine to confidential communications with in-house and outside counsel.  

      • November 21, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate at HarrisMartin's Hurricanes Irma & Maria Conference

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate at HarrisMartin's Hurricanes Irma & Maria Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers presented at HarrisMartin's Hurricanes Irma & Maria Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, on November 14, 2017. Managing Partner Stephen E. Goldman was co-chair of the event. Gregory P. Varga provided a forecast of the unique insurance coverage and loss measurement issues that are anticipated to arise from business interruption claims filed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Jonathan E. Small spoke on "Flood, Wind, and Concurrent Causation" and "Unique Insurance and Class Action Litigation Following Irma and Maria." Laura Farach led panel discussions on complex code upgrade coverage issues and litigation involving allegations of unfair claim settlement practices.

      • November 13, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at Hurricane Claims Forum

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at Hurricane Claims Forum

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers Wystan M. Ackerman and Gregory P. Varga spoke at the Hurricane Claims Forum in Orlando, Florida, on November 3, 2017. The forum focused on topics of interest to insurance companies, reinsurers, insurance coverage counsel, policyholder counsel, and those providing services to the insurance and legal industry, especially in light of the recent devastating Atlantic hurricane season. Mr. Ackerman participated in the panel discussion "Homeowner Claims: Covered & Excluded Causes of Loss," which addressed the various issues faced by homeowners and insurers, including wind versus flood determinations and methodologies, distinguishing storm damage from preexisiting damage, and how to deal with long-term damage. Mr. Varga presented in the session on "Commercial Claims: Business Interruption, Lost Profits & More," which explored property damage and business interruption losses, including contingent business interruption coverage, determining lost profits using loss calculation methodologies, and losses triggered by supply chain disruptions. 

      • November 24, 2014

        Hartford Insurance Lawyers Speak at ExecuSummit

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          Hartford Insurance Lawyers Speak at ExecuSummit

          Insurance lawyers Gregory P. Varga served as a panelists at the First Annual Bad Faith Litigation Strategies ExecuSummit, on November 5, 2014, at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville, Connecticut. Mr. Varga spoke on "The Impacts and Dangers of Unfair Trade Practices Acts – The Need To Be Aware!" The conference was geared toward bad faith litigation–focused insurance professionals and was attended by many claims executives in the insurance industry.

      • July 9, 2012

        Article by Insurance Attorneys Featured on Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel Website

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          Article by Insurance Attorneys Featured on Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel Website

          The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel website has selected an article by insurance attorneys Rebecca Levy Sachs and Gregory P. Varga, "Repairing National Treasures -- Overview of Issues Involved in Repair of Historic Buildings," as the article of the month. The article explores issues related to repairing historic buildings after a loss, including locating historic materials, cost of materials, code enforcement and exceptions, insurance valuation, and claim measurement. The article has an appendix of links related to historic repair materials, including the National Park Service briefs regarding historic building materials and a summary of the Williamsburg restoration, the nation’s largest living history museum, which includes 88 original 18th century structures and over 500 historically restored buildings.

          Mrs. Levy Sachs and Mr. Varga presented the article at the 2011 Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel annual meeting.
      • May 9, 2012

        Gregory Varga and Stephen Clancy Present on Earth Movement and Settling Exclusions for Property Insurance

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          Gregory Varga and Stephen Clancy Present on Earth Movement and Settling Exclusions for Property Insurance

          Insurance and reinsurance partner Gregory P. Varga and associate Stephen O. Clancy presented at the April 2012 meeting of the New England Claims Executives Association. The presentation focused on recent decisions around the nation that have interpreted and applied the earth movement and settling exclusions found in most commercial and personal lines property insurance policies. The presentation also addressed the impact of the Connecticut Supreme Court’s recent decision in Arrowood v. King, which shifted to insurers the burden of proving prejudice caused by the late notice of a claim.
      • December 21, 2011

        Insurance & Reinsurance Partner Presents at FDCC Insurance Industry Institute Program

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          Insurance & Reinsurance Partner Presents at FDCC Insurance Industry Institute Program

          Gregory P. Varga, chair of Robinson & Cole LLP’s Insurance & Reinsurance Practice Group, delivered a presentation at the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel’s (FDCC) Insurance Industry Institute in Manhattan on November 18, 2011. The Institute was attended by numerous insurance industry executives and in-house counsel, as well as attorneys in private practice specializing in insurance law. Mr. Varga’s presentation was part of the “The Erosion of Borders in Insurance Claims” program segment. Using the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan as a case study, Mr. Varga addressed the unique and often complex business interruption insurance claims that can arise when a natural disaster abroad disrupts the global supply chain.

          The FDCC, composed of recognized leaders in the legal community who have achieved professional distinction, is dedicated to promoting knowledge, fellowship, and professionalism of its members as they pursue the course of a balanced justice system and represent those in need of a defense in civil lawsuits.

      • August 29, 2011

        Attorney Delivers Presentation on Insurance Considerations for Historic Buildings in Williamsburg

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          Attorney Delivers Presentation on Insurance Considerations for Historic Buildings in Williamsburg

          Gregory P. Varga, chair of the firm’s Insurance & Reinsurance Practice, presented a program entitled “Repairing National Treasures—Repair of Historic Buildings” at the Property Section Meeting of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel annual meeting on July 28, 2011. The meeting was in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, the center of Colonial America from 1699 to 1780. Mr. Varga’s presentation was based on a paper written by fellow insurance partner Rebecca Levy-Sachs.

          The Town of Williamsburg has hundreds of restored buildings, including original 18th century structures. The time, money, research, skill, materials, and craftsmanship needed to restore the buildings is substantially different than the repair of modern buildings and structures and, accordingly, the insurance underwriting, valuations, and repair considerations also are different. The presentation and paper presented an overview of the challenges related to the repair of historic structures and the insurance underwriting and claim issues involved with insuring such structures.

      • September 28, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Deliver Presentation on Insurance Impacts of New Condominium Legislation

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Deliver Presentation on Insurance Impacts of New Condominium Legislation

          Real estate attorney Charles E. Janson and insurance and reinsurance attorney Gregory P. Varga delivered a presentation entitled 2009 Amendments to Connecticut Common Interest Ownership Act: The Impact on Property Claims at a meeting of the Connecticut chapter (Hartford Pond) of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, International on September 22, 2010. The presentation focused on the amended statutory requirements applicable to the maintenance of property insurance on common interest community property. More than 90 insurance professionals, insurance agents and contractors attended the program.

          The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, International, founded over a century ago in Wisconsin, is a fraternal organization of men and women employed in insurance related industries. Its chapters, or ponds, engage in community fellowship as well as educational and charitable work throughout the United States and Canada.

      • April 27, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present On Chinese Drywall at Meeting of New England Claim Executives Association

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present On Chinese Drywall at Meeting of New England Claim Executives Association

          Insurance & Reinsurance attorney Gregory P. Varga among others presented “Chinese Drywall: The Next Asbestos or the Next Y2K?” at a recent meeting of the New England Claims Executives Association (NECEA). They discussed scientific principles and complex insurance coverage issues driving widespread litigation from allegedly defective Chinese drywall used in home construction. During the meeting, Mr. Varga was honored for his contributions to NECEA over the years as a speaker and panelist. NECEA was founded in 1930 to promote professionalism among claims people in New England.

      • March 30, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Partners Speak at Annual PLRB Claims Conference

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          Robinson & Cole Partners Speak at Annual PLRB Claims Conference

          In March 2009, Insurance & Reinsurance Group partners Gregory P. Varga and Stephen E. Goldman gave separate presentations to the Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB) annual Claims Conference in Seattle, Washington. The Claims Conference is the preeminent national conference for claims executives and professionals in the property and casualty insurance industry. Mr. Varga’s presentation was entitled "Complex Hardware and Software Losses," and imparted practical advice for the investigation, analysis and adjustment of complex electronic data processing (EDP) claims. Mr. Goldman’s presentation was entitled "Layered and Quota-Share Property Insurance Claims and Litigation." His panel examined and provided recommendations for working through the conflicts that commonly arise between primary and excess property insurers and between multiple insurers providing quota-share coverage in the same layer of insurance.
      • October 9, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Insurance and Reinsurance Partner Elected Member of FDCC

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          Robinson & Cole Insurance and Reinsurance Partner Elected Member of FDCC

          Gregory P. Varga, Chair of Robinson & Cole's Insurance and Reinsurance Practice Group, was recently elected a member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) at the organization's annual meeting. Members of the FDCC have been judged by their peers to have achieved professional distinction, and are committed to promoting knowledge, fellowship, professionalism and the course of justice. FDCC members are experienced attorneys in private practice as well as general counsel and insurance claims executives from throughout the world.

      R+C News Releases

      • October 11, 2022

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

          A total of 39 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2022. In addition, 30 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Jeffrey J. White was named to the Top 50: 2022 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2022 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2022 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 18, 2022

        74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

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          74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

          74 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023. Of the 74 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 54 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law insurance law and construction litigation. Only the top 5.3 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Brian R. Smith in Land Use and Zoning Law, Christine E. Bromberg in Tax Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Regulatory Law, Norman H. Roos in Banking and Finance Law, Rachel V. Kushel in Employment Law – Management, Theodore J. Tucci in  Health Care Law and Virginia E. McGarrity – in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.

          The third edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 14, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 42 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2021. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Bruce B. Barth and Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2021 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2021 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 19, 2021

        65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

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          65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

          65 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Of the 65 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Patrick M. Birney in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Michael F. Maglio in Banking and Finance Law, Robert S. Melvin in Environmental Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Law and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib in Trademark Law. Peter V. Lacouture was also named a Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Providence, Rhode Island in the area of Energy Law.

          The second edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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          47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

          A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut 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. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 20, 2020

        61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

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          61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

          61 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021. Of the 61 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 46 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Michael R. Enright in Litigation – Bankruptcy, Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction, Virginia E. McGarrity in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law. Michael S. Giaimo was also named a Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law.

          The inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 19, 2019

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 52 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2019. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          The following lawyers were named to the Top 50: 2019 Connecticut Super Lawyers list: Denis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner, Linda L. Morkan, Todd R. Regan, and Jeffrey J. White. Linda also appears on the Top 25: 2019 Women Connecticut 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. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 15, 2019

        57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

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          57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

          57 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020. Of the 57 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 44 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law, insurance law, and litigation-construction.

          Additionally, the following four lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Thomas P. Cody in Real Estate Law, Michael R. Enright in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, John B. Lynch Jr. in Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Theodore J. Tucci in Insurance Law. Kathleen M. Porter was also named a Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Information Technology Law. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 25, 2018

        Greg Varga Elected to High Hopes Board of Trustees

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          Greg Varga Elected to High Hopes Board of Trustees

          High Hopes Therapeutic Riding (High Hopes), a premier therapeutic riding center that has served people with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities for more than a quarter of a century, has elected Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Gregory P. Varga to its Board of Trustees. The mission of High Hopes is to improve the lives of people with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 17, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 56 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2017. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

          See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

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      • August 15, 2017

        Fifty-Nine Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018

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          Fifty-Nine Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018

          Fifty-nine Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Of the 59 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Litigation – Construction; Stephen E. Goldman in Insurance Law; Stuart D. Rosen in Litigation – Banking and Finance; Edward J. Samorajczyk Jr. in Securities / Capital Markets Law; William T. Sellay in Mergers and Acquisitions Law; and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law.

          See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers in the press release.

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      • October 18, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2016. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 23 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

          See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

        • View article
      • August 15, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017

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          Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017

          Robinson+Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of Connecticut lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 (Copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Across the firm’s practice groups and offices, 57 lawyers were named to this year’s list, including 47 in Connecticut.

          Additionally, the following four lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Construction Law; Judith M. Keppelman  in Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Linda L. Morkan in Appellate Practice; and Edward J. Samorajczyk Jr. in Corporate Law.

          See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers in the news release.

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      • October 19, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2015. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.
          In addition, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here. See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

        • View article
      • August 18, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016

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          Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016

          Robinson+Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of Connecticut lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2016 (Copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Across the firm’s practice groups and offices, 55 lawyers were named to this year’s list, including 45 in Connecticut.

          Additionally, the following seven lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Bruce B. Barth in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Litigation – Construction; Stephen E. Goldman in Insurance Law; Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law; Craig A. Raabe in Litigation – Intellectual Property; Edward J. Samorajczyk, Jr., in Securities / Capital Markets Law; and William T. Sellay in Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Peter V. Lacouture was named the Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” in Energy Law in Providence, Rhode Island.

          See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers in the news release.

        • View article
      • October 17, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

          A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York for 2014.The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

          To see the recognized attorneys and their areas of practice, click here.

        • View article
      • August 19, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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          Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

          Robinson+Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of Connecticut lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2015 (Copyright 2014 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken,SC). Across the firm's practice groups and offices, 56 lawyers were named to this year's list, including 46 in Connecticut.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2015 "Lawyer of the Year" in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Construction Law; Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction; Judith M.Keppelman in Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Craig A. Raabe in Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar and Litigation – Antitrust; William T. Sellay in Corporate Law; and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law.

          See the full list of included lawyers in the press release here.

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      • August 22, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Announces Annual Pro Bono, Mentor, and Community Service Awards

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          Robinson & Cole Announces Annual Pro Bono, Mentor, and Community Service Awards

          Robinson & Cole recognized 13 lawyers for their initiative and outstanding dedication to the firm and the community at a reception on August 8, 2013, at Billings Forge Community Works. Managing partner John B. Lynch Jr. announced the Mentor of the Year, Community Service, and Distinguished Service awards while Pro Bono partner Edward J. Heath presented the firm's Pro Bono Award.
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      • August 16, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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          Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

          Robinson & Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2014 (Copyright 2013 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). Across the firm's practice groups and offices, 56 attorneys were named to this year's list, including 48 in Connecticut and 2 who received the distinction for the first time.

          Additionally, three lawyers were named "Lawyer of the Year" for 2014. Judith M. Keppelman was named Hartford Trusts and Estates "Lawyer of the Year," Dwight H. Merriam was named Hartford Litigation - Real Estate "Lawyer of the Year," and James A. Wade was named Hartford Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants "Lawyer of the Year."

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      • October 22, 2012

        Super Lawyers® Names 49 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2012 List and Recognizes 26 as Rising Stars

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          Super Lawyers® Names 49 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2012 List and Recognizes 26 as Rising Stars

          A total of 49 Robinson & Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for 2012. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 26 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

          Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice can be read in the full press release.

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      • August 28, 2012

        Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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          Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

          Robinson & Cole LLP was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 (© 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). Across the firm's practice groups and offices, 55 attorneys were named to this year's list, including 46 in Connecticut and 10 who received the distinction for the first time.

          Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 4.4 million confidential evaluations are submitted by attorneys on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Additional information regarding the Best Lawyers selection methodology may be read here. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

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