Robert Melvin

Robert S. Melvin

(he/him/his)

Partner

Robert S. Melvin

(he/him/his)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Bob Melvin has more than 20 years of experience counseling clients on environmental, health, and safety compliance, sustainability, emergency response efforts, site remediation, and development projects. He also represents companies and organizations in related real estate and corporate transactions, and in proceedings before agencies and courts. A wide range of clients benefit from his services, including aerospace and other manufacturers, stone and aggregate producers, metal finishers, municipalities, educational institutions, and water and wastewater utilities.

    Sustainability and Environmental, Health and Safety (EH+S) Regulatory

    Bob’s broad “EH+S” experience helps manufacturers and other businesses, institutions, and utilities address the range of regulatory demands they face, such as the following federal programs and their state counterparts: 

    • Worker safety standards enforced under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Mine Safety and Health Act
    • Clean Water Act permitting of wastewater and stormwater discharges
    • Clean Air Act emissions regulation
    • Hazardous waste management and underground storage tank requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
    • Spill and chemical reporting and release prevention under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Oil Pollution Act, and Clean Water Act
    • Regulation of chemical manufacturing and distribution under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
    • Environmental disclosures under Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)  and corporate reporting of environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters to the public and interested investors

    His studies in chemical engineering and prior experience as an environmental engineer at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) help him appreciate the mix of legal and technical issues affecting his clients' matters. Recognizing the growing and evolving scope of EH+S concerns, Bob helped create and now co-chairs the firm’s Sustainability Group. This interdisciplinary team provides the firm and our clients with the coordination and experience required to successfully identify and implement sustainable strategies for minimizing the impacts of their operations and products. Bob has also held positions on the University of Connecticut’s Environmental Policy Advisory Council and a DEEP “lean” task force formed to help the agency streamline its adjudication process.

    Site Remediation and Development

    Bob helps clients and their technical consultants navigate through the obstacles that can delay or burden site cleanups and restorations, brownfield redevelopment efforts, infrastructure and other construction projects, solar/wind energy generation installations, and water supply and distribution projects. His guidance and representation allows clients and their project teams overcome the inevitable mix of legal, technical and financial challenges they face, such as:

    • Securing financial and technical assistance available to owners and their communities seeking to redevelop brownfield properties or complete clean energy and conservation projects
    • Establishing cleanup criteria, institutional controls, financial assurance mechanisms, and other measures required under CERCLA and RCRA
    • Developing strategies to meet TSCA remediation and disposal standards for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and authorization to use encapsulation and similar abatement methods for PCBs, asbestos, and other building materials
    • Completing the analysis and application proceedings required for projects’ regulatory requirements, including wetlands and other EH+S permitting
    • Scoping and completing impact assessments and reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act
    • Completing surveys and identifying mitigation plans addressing Endangered Species Act concerns

    He has served on several business-government partnerships to develop better environmental policies and standards. He worked on the Connecticut task force that reviewed the state's first rules for site remediation. Bob continues to work closely with business, agency, and elected officials on brownfield redevelopment and conservation projects. He is also a regular contributor to the firm's Environmental Law + blog. 

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Represented diversified public corporation undertaking redevelopment projects on several of its business units' campuses, including counsel on related legislation and tax incentives and representation in the environmental and land use permit proceedings required to construct and renovate buildings pursuant to a master plan for creating educational, housing, entertainment, retail, and employment opportunities in a mixed-use development district.

      • Represented a Fortune 500 company in connection with the due diligence, permitting, remediation, and construction of a $280 million pharmaceutical facility on a waterfront and coastal brownfield.

      • Represented a municipal water pollution control authority (WPCA) in claims against a centralized waste treatment facility for unpermitted discharges and unpaid sewer use charges. Led the firm's investigation of the matter, then counseled the client on sewer use charge issues and the adoption of regulations and permit program elements restricting these indirect discharges. Worked on multidisciplinary team that represented the WPCA through permit and rate proceedings, related litigation and collection efforts, and a global settlement between the WPCA and the industrial user.
      • As a component of Robinson & Cole's Preferred Environmental Counsel position with United Technologies Corporation, Bob Melvin, Earl Phillips, and other senior attorneys in the firm's Environmental Practice Group manage a portfolio of matters involving Superfund; Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); cost recovery; and other site remediation claims. These cases involve both active and discontinued manufacturing facilities, as well as landfills and similar disposal facilities. To provide UTC with enhanced management of legal fees, we developed an alternative fee arrangement with fixed monthly payments for each of UTC's business units to create incentives for fee reductions and eliminate the variability associated with hourly fees. Our work at many of these sites extends into real estate, brownfield, and other efforts to redevelop former manufacturing sites into appropriate new uses.
      • To support our client's efforts to redevelop portions of a manufacturing and office campus in West Palm Beach, Florida, Robinson & Cole works as part of a team comprising in-house and local counsel, surveyors, and technical consultants on a complex set of legal and transactional concerns, including real estate leasing and sales, environmental, utility, endangered and protected species, and municipal matters. Our services have involved the creation and use of a Community Development District by owners and tenants of the redeveloped property, as well as transactions and regulatory proceedings with Palm Beach County and the State of Florida.

      • Represented large high-technology manufacturer and after-market service provider in the negotiation and related legal support required to design and permit several connected "sustainable campus" projects at its headquarters, including multimillion-dollar wastewater treatment and reuse upgrades eliminating NPDES-permitted discharges, installation of a combined heat and power cogeneration facility, and related infrastructure changes.

      • Representation of a world leader involved in designing, manufacturing, and servicing aircraft engines, space propulsion systems, and industrial gas turbines for legal work concerning waste management, wastewater discharge, air emission, site cleanup, and other environmental and real estate issues regarding redevelopment of major campuses in California and Connecticut.

      • Assisted redeveloper with environmental investigation and remediation issues arising in the development of a corporate complex in South Norwalk, Connecticut.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Connecticut Bar Foundation
      James W. Cooper Fellow

      Environmental Business Council of New England
      Member, Leadership Team, Connecticut Chapter
      Member, Leadership Team, Water Resources Committee

      Connecticut Bar Association
      Member, Environmental Law Section
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the areas of Environmental Law for 2010 and since 2013 and Litigation-Environmental since 2011.

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list for 2006, 2007, and from 2010 to 2019.

      Ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the State of Connecticut in the area of Environment for 2009 and since 2020

      Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the area of Environmental Law for 2022

  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "PFAS Background and Updates for the Water Industry," co-authored with Megan E. Baroni and Emilee Mooney Scott, published in InFlow-Line magazine, the quarterly publication of the Connecticut Section of the America Water Works (CTAWWA) and the Connecticut Water Works Associations (CWWA) (Winter 2019/2020)
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        • PFAS Background and Updates for the Water Industry

        "PFAS Background and Updates for the Water Industry," co-authored by Robert S. Melvin, Megan E. Baroni and Emilee Mooney Scott, published in InFlow-Line magazine, the quarterly publication of the Connecticut Section of the America Water Works (CTAWWA) and the Connecticut Water Works Associations (CWWA) (Winter 2019/2020)

        The feature article is a follow up to presentations given by the lawyers on the status of regulatory initiatives and litigation concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issues during the CTAWWA/CWWA 2019 Fall Conference. Bob provided an overview on PFAS concerns, while Emilee shared PFAS regulatory updates and related considerations and Megan covered PFAS litigation developments. The article also included a PFAS historic and technical background provided by GZA GeoEnvironmental, who co-presented the session with R+C at the fall conference.


      "Ruling Paves Way for Clean Water Act Litigation," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored with Emilee Mooney Scott (4/9/2012)

      "Connecticut Regulatory Updates," published in New England's Environment, co-authored with Todd R. Berman (quarterly)
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        • Connecticut Regulatory Updates

        "Connecticut Regulatory Updates," published in New England's Environment, co-authored by Robert S. Melvin and Todd R. Berman (quarterly)
        Co-author articles on developing issues affecting Connecticut environmental programs for quarterly publication.

      "Painful Prescription Inhibits Industry Innovation: Another View on Industrial Recycling Under RCRA," published in Environmental Law Institute, www.eli.org (Jan/Feb 2002)

      Brownfields Law and Practice Connecticut chapter and updated biannually (2001)
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        • Brownfields Law and Practice Connecticut chapter and updated biannually

        Brownfields Law and Practice Connecticut chapter and updated biannually, authored by Robert S. Melvin (2001)
        Coauthor of the summary of Connecticut laws and programs relating to cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated brownfield properties.

      "Connecticut Environmental Regulatory Developments," published in Connecticut Environmental Forum
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        • Connecticut Environmental Regulatory Developments

        "Connecticut Environmental Regulatory Developments," published in Connecticut Environmental Forum, authored by Robert S. Melvin
        Coauthor Robinson & Cole's monthly summary of select revisions affecting Connecticut environmental programs.

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "3rd Annual Summit of the US EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders," program chair and moderator for the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) program (5/31/2023)
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        • 3rd Annual Summit of the US EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders

        "3rd Annual Summit of the US EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders," presented by Robert S. Melvin, program chair and moderator for the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) program (5/31/2023)

        The conference once again brought together leadership from the EPA and each of the New England states for a discussion that included key changes or priorities for stormwater permitting programs, PFAS and other NPDES and pretreatment discharge permitting developments, and infrastructure priorities and opportunities. In addition to serving as one of the Summit’s program chairs, Bob is a member of EBC’s Water Resources Committee Leadership Team.


      "EBC Water Resources Virtual “Coffee Hour”: Stay Hydrated – A Meeting to Discuss SCOTUS, WOTUS, and other Clean Water Act Developments," moderated as part of virtual program presented by EBC New England (4/13/2023)
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        • EBC Water Resources Virtual “Coffee Hour”: Stay Hydrated – A Meeting to Discuss SCOTUS, WOTUS, and other Clean Water Act Developments

        "EBC Water Resources Virtual “Coffee Hour”: Stay Hydrated – A Meeting to Discuss SCOTUS, WOTUS, and other Clean Water Act Developments," presented by Robert S. Melvin, moderated as part of virtual program presented by EBC New England (4/13/2023)

        Bob facilitated a discussion on the latest developments affecting the Clean Water Act. Topics included the current status of various SCOTUS decisions impacting the Waters of the United States and practical impacts of those decisions.


      "PFAS Legal and Regulatory Updates," co-presented with Emilee Mooney Scott, at the Connecticut Section of the American Water Works Association Fall Conference 2022 (10/18/2022)
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        • PFAS Legal and Regulatory Updates

        "PFAS Legal and Regulatory Updates," co-presented by Robert S. Melvin and Emilee Mooney Scott, at the Connecticut Section of the American Water Works Association Fall Conference 2022 (10/18/2022)

        The Conference was designed to present topics of interest to water industry professionals, including new and emerging laws and regulations affecting the industry. The presentation offered background and context on PFAS, with a focus on up-to-date federal regulatory efforts in areas including the Environmental Protection Agency’s “strategic roadmap;” the Clean Water Act; Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act / Toxic Substances Control Act reporting; CERCLA (better known as Superfund); and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. It also addressed state efforts in Connecticut and Maine as well as selected litigation updates from Florida, Massachusetts and South Dakota.

        The CWWA is an organization of water utilities that work together to develop meaningful policies to ensure a safe, high quality supply of water for their customers and a regulatory environment in which all can operate effectively. The event offered networking opportunities as well as training credit hours. Robinson+Cole was pleased to be a sponsor of the Fall Conference 2022 and is an Associate Member of the CWWA.


      "3rd Annual Connecticut Offshore Wind Conference," co-presented with John P. Casey and Jonathan H. Schaefer (9/23/2022)
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        • 3rd Annual Connecticut Offshore Wind Conference

        "3rd Annual Connecticut Offshore Wind Conference," co-presented by John P. Casey, Jonathan H. Schaefer and Robert S. Melvin (9/23/2022)

        The program offered important updates and presentations from leaders of Connecticut’s offshore wind industry. R+C's John Casey discussed permitting requirements, legal strategies and best practices for seeking State of Connecticut and local environmental and land use permits based on his experiences with other large coastal development projects. Other presenters included experts in the offshore wind energy industry responsible for advancing it in Connecticut, growing the State’s economic development opportunities, recruiting new businesses, and training the workforce for clean energy jobs. The informative program was intended to be helpful in reducing the risks of permit delays.


      "EBC 2nd Annual Summit of the U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders," as Program Co-Chair (5/18/2022)
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        • EBC 2nd Annual Summit of the U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders

        "EBC 2nd Annual Summit of the U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leaders," presented by Robert S. Melvin, as Program Co-Chair (5/18/2022)

        The Environmental Business Council (EBC) virtual event featured a presentation on “Federal Programs – U.S. Environmental Protection Agenda” by Ken Moraff, Water Division Director, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Region 1, and updates from the three EBC New England member states – Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island – along with Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. Bob Melvin is a member of the Leadership Teams of the EBC New England’s Water Resources Committee as well as the EBC’s Connecticut Chapter. Robinson+Cole was pleased to sponsor the event.


      "EBC Water Resources Virtual 'Coffee Hour': Clean Water Act Permitting & Jurisdiction," as moderator (1/27/2022)
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        • EBC Water Resources Virtual 'Coffee Hour': Clean Water Act Permitting & Jurisdiction

        "EBC Water Resources Virtual 'Coffee Hour': Clean Water Act Permitting & Jurisdiction," presented by Robert S. Melvin, as moderator (1/27/2022)

        The event covered the latest developments affecting Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting programs, including the changing definition of "waters of the United States" and the threat of expanding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting and enforcement targeting subsurface wastewater discharges and plumes that impact surface waters. The discussion focused on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to hear the Sackett v. EPA wetlands case and rulemaking and other actions taken by the Biden administration and the courts on these CWA jurisdictional issues. 


      "Clean Water Act Update," co-presented with Emily C. Deans (10/21/2021)
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        • Clean Water Act Update

        "Clean Water Act Update," co-presented by Emily C. Deans and Robert S. Melvin (10/21/2021)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group members, Bob Melvin and Emily Deans, presented an update on significant developments in the Clean Water Act during an R+C-hosted event.


      "Water Resources Leadership Webinar: U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leadership," as a program chair for the Environmental Business Council of New England's webinar (5/5/2021)
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        • Water Resources Leadership Webinar: U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leadership

        "Water Resources Leadership Webinar: U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leadership," presented by Robert S. Melvin, as a program chair for the Environmental Business Council of New England's webinar (5/5/2021)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group member, Bob Melvin, served as a program chair for the Environmental Business Council of New England's webinar, "Water Resources Leadership Webinar: U.S. EPA and New England State Water and Wastewater Leadership," on May 5, 2021. This virtual conference provided an opportunity for leaders from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and each of the six New England state agencies to review their respective water resources management plans, top water-related program priorities for the year, and key implementation strategies. Discussions included the various ways local, state, and federal authorities are working on regional water issues that include stormwater and wastewater developments, as well as extreme weather events, drought, flooding, and other climate change-related impacts, followed by a robust Q&A session with the audience.


      "Practical and Economic Implications of Climate Change," co-presented with Earl W. Phillips Jr. and Brian C. Freeman (11/5/2020)
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        • Practical and Economic Implications of Climate Change

        "Practical and Economic Implications of Climate Change," co-presented by Earl W. Phillips Jr., Robert S. Melvin and Brian C. Freeman (11/5/2020)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group members Earl Phillips, Brian Freeman and Bob Melvin took part in the R+C-hosted program “Practical and Economic Implications of Climate Change” on November 5, 2020. The event began with introductions by Earl Phillips and a brief update from Brian on significant developments from the past year regarding the Clean Air Act, including developments on greenhouse gas and climate change concerns. Bob moderated the panel discussion, “Climate Change and Sustainability Efforts.” The panel comprised three professionals managing sustainability programs and providing perspectives from electric utilities, fuel and energy suppliers, and higher education institutions. The program concluded with a presentation by a guest speaker and expert on the growth of sustainable investing and the impacts of climate change and related environmental, social and governance concerns on the private sector.


      "The Clean Water Act at (Almost) 50 – How Federal Water Law Continues to Evolve and Affect Infrastructure Development," as moderator of the virtual discussion offered by the Water Resources Committee of the Environmental Business Council of New England. (11/3/2020)
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        • The Clean Water Act at (Almost) 50 – How Federal Water Law Continues to Evolve and Affect Infrastructure Development

        "The Clean Water Act at (Almost) 50 – How Federal Water Law Continues to Evolve and Affect Infrastructure Development," presented by Robert S. Melvin, as moderator of the virtual discussion offered by the Water Resources Committee of the Environmental Business Council of New England. (11/3/2020)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group member, Bob Melvin, moderated the virtual discussion, "The Clean Water Act at (Almost) 50 – How Federal Water Law Continues to Evolve and Affect Infrastructure Development,” offered by the Water Resources Committee of the Environmental Business Council of New England on November 3, 2020. Nearly half a century old, the Clean Water Act has neither slowed down nor lost any vitality. Long-brewing fights over the scope of the law have culminated recently in two major Clean Water Act legal milestones, which the program examined: a final EPA rule narrowing the definition of “waters of the United States” and a Supreme Court decision expanding the circumstances under which discharge permits are required. The panel of legal experts explained the significance of these developments that will affect just about anyone involved in significant infrastructure development in the United States, while a representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offered a practical perspective. A robust discussion with the audience concluded the webinar. In addition to moderating the program, Bob also served as co-chair of the program.


      "The Clean Water Act," (10/22/2020)
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        • The Clean Water Act

        "The Clean Water Act," presented by Robert S. Melvin (10/22/2020)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group member, Bob Melvin, presented an update on significant developments in the Clean Water Act during an R+C-hosted virtual event on October 22, 2020.


      "Litigation and Municipality Response to PFAS," co-presented with James P. Ray, the final session of a three-part webinar series on PFAS hosted by the CT Conference of Municipalities and GZA GeoEnvironmental. (5/7/2020)
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        • Litigation and Municipality Response to PFAS

        "Litigation and Municipality Response to PFAS," co-presented by James P. Ray and Robert S. Melvin, the final session of a three-part webinar series on PFAS hosted by the CT Conference of Municipalities and GZA GeoEnvironmental. (5/7/2020)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group members Bob Melvin and Jim Ray were among the speakers during the final session of a three-part webinar series on PFAS, hosted by the CT Conference of Municipalities and GZA GeoEnvironmental on May 7, 2020. Bob introduced the program, “Litigation and Municipality Response to PFAS,” which featured Jim providing an overview of PFAS litigation, while Bob moderated the concluding Q&A portion of the event.


      "PFAS: Background & Updates for the Water Industry," co-presented with Emilee Mooney Scott and Megan E. Baroni, at the CT Water Works Association/CT American Water Works Association Fall Conference (10/23/2019)
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        • PFAS: Background & Updates for the Water Industry

        "PFAS: Background & Updates for the Water Industry," co-presented by Robert S. Melvin, Emilee Mooney Scott and Megan E. Baroni, at the CT Water Works Association/CT American Water Works Association Fall Conference (10/23/2019)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group members Megan Baroni, Bob Melvin and Emilee Mooney Scott presented the program “PFAS: Background & Updates for the Water Industry” at the half-day CWWA/CTAWWA (Connecticut Water Works Association and Connecticut Section of the American Water Works Association) Fall Conference 2019 in Plantsville, Connecticut on October 23, 2019. Richard Desrosiers, Associate Principal at GZA Environmental, was a co-presenter.

        The 40-minute presentation offered an overview and update on a variety of PFAS issues and discussed selected federal and state regulatory and agency developments as well as litigation developments and trends. Robinson+Cole’s and GZA GeoEnvironmenta's presentations set the stage for updates and comments presented by officials from the Department of Public Health and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on the Draft PFAS Action Plan, subsequently finalized by the Connecticut Interagency PFAS Task Force and delivered to Governor Ned Lamont on November 1, 2019.

        The Fall Conference of these associations also featured remarks from Gov. Lamont and others on the State Water Plan adopted on June 5, 2019 and other topics highlighting the value of Connecticut’s Water Supply. CWWA and CTAWWA jointly hosted the annual conference as part of their work supporting Connecticut water utilities and developing water supply policies and an effective regulatory environment.


      "Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Enforcement Program & Priorities for 2020," co-presented with Jonathan H. Schaefer, presented by the Environmental Business Council New England. (1/15/2020)
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        • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Enforcement Program & Priorities for 2020

        "Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Enforcement Program & Priorities for 2020," co-presented by Jonathan H. Schaefer and Robert S. Melvin, presented by the Environmental Business Council New England. (1/15/2020)

        Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications lawyers Bob Melvin and Jon Schaefer participated in Environmental Business Council (EBC) New England's “RIDEM & U.S. EPA Enforcement Program & Priorities for 2020” program in Providence, Rhode Island on January 15, 2020. Bob served as program chair and Jon moderated a post-presentations discussion panel on critical enforcement issues, policies and developments occurring in Rhode Island and Region 1, which includes the six New England states as well as 10 Tribal nations.

        The half-day event featured the latest updates from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1, and other agency and industry representatives. The presentations included:

        • An overview of RIDEM’s procedures for identifying and taking enforcement actions and USEPA’s role and process supporting and overseeing inspections and enforcement in Region 1;
        • RIDEM’s plans for continued use of Notices of Violations, Expedited Citation Notices and other resources to achieve regulatory compliance;
        • Results and action items coming from RIDEM Compliance and Inspection’s annual report, 2018 Summary of Compliance Assistance, Emergency Response & Enforcement Activities;
        • Review of USEPA National Compliance Initiatives and other recent USEPA program updates, USEPA/State enforcement partnerships, and other compliance efforts in Rhode Island; and
        • Interplay between civil and criminal enforcement in Rhode Island.

        To view the available presentations from this program, please visit the EBC website.

        Robinson+Cole was pleased to sponsor the program.


      "EPA & DEEP Morphing, Citizens & NGOs Rising: Updating Your Compliance Program in the New Regulatory World," co-presented with Todd R. Berman and Brian C. Freeman, at the CBIA 2017 Energy & Environment Conference in Farmington, Connecticut (6/16/2017)
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        • EPA & DEEP Morphing, Citizens & NGOs Rising: Updating Your Compliance Program in the New Regulatory World

        "EPA & DEEP Morphing, Citizens & NGOs Rising: Updating Your Compliance Program in the New Regulatory World," co-presented by Robert S. Melvin, Todd R. Berman and Brian C. Freeman, at the CBIA 2017 Energy & Environment Conference in Farmington, Connecticut (6/16/2017)

        The session addressed the challenges for EH&S management from the shifting and emerging new trends.


      "Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017," presented at Presentation to the Connecticut Environmental Forum (CEF), co-presented with Todd R. Berman, Emilee Mooney Scott and Brian C. Freeman, Presented to the Connecticut Environmental Forum (CEF), Wethersfield, CT (2/1/2017)
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        • Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017

        "Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017," presented at Presentation to the Connecticut Environmental Forum (CEF), co-presented by Todd R. Berman, Robert S. Melvin, Emilee Mooney Scott and Brian C. Freeman, Presented to the Connecticut Environmental Forum (CEF), Wethersfield, CT (2/1/2017)

        The session provided a comprehensive overview of environmental rules, exposures, and trends likely to emerge or strengthen over the course of the year and how Connecticut environmental professionals can navigate these choppy waters. 


      "Environmental Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017: What You Need To Know," presented at R+C Environmental & Utilities Practice Group webinar/seminar, co-presented with Brian C. Freeman, Todd R. Berman, Emilee Mooney Scott and Earl W. Phillips Jr.
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        • Environmental Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017: What You Need To Know

        "Environmental Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017: What You Need To Know," presented at R+C Environmental & Utilities Practice Group webinar/seminar, co-presented by Brian C. Freeman, Robert S. Melvin, Todd R. Berman, Emilee Mooney Scott and Earl W. Phillips Jr.

        Overview of environmental regulatory outlook for 2017, with emphasis on recent and expected new regulations and impacts of the Trump administration


      "Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Real Estate Issues Facing Manufacturers," co-presented with Sorell E. Negro, at the National Business Institute (NBI) webinar "Manufacturing Law" (12/15/2016)
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        • Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Real Estate Issues Facing Manufacturers

        "Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Real Estate Issues Facing Manufacturers," co-presented by Sorell E. Negro and Robert S. Melvin, at the National Business Institute (NBI) webinar "Manufacturing Law" (12/15/2016)

        The program provided both in-house lawyers and outside counsel with the latest information in dealing with compliance, environmental health and safety, and labor and employment issues in the manufacturing industry.


      "Understanding the Legal and Regulatory Dimensions: The laws and regulations that affect ownership, liability, remediation, and land use," at Rebuilding Our Cities & Towns: Planning for the Redevelopment of Environmentally Impaired Properties Workshop, Berlin, CT, co-presented with Earl W. Phillips Jr. and Kirstin M. Etela

      "Connecticut's Nitrogen TMDL and Credit Exchange Program," at Association of Metropolitan Sewer Agencies, (3/2003) presented at New York City Bar Association and Connecticut Bar Association (6/2003)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • March 5, 2020

        Bob Melvin, Emilee Mooney Scott and Megan Baroni Author PFAS Article Published in InFlow-Line Magazine

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          Bob Melvin, Emilee Mooney Scott and Megan Baroni Author PFAS Article Published in InFlow-Line Magazine

          Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyers Robert S. Melvin, Emilee Mooney Scott, and Megan E. Baroni co-authored the article “PFAS Background and Updates for the Water Industry,” published in the Winter 2019/2020 edition of InFlow-Line magazine, the quarterly publication of the Connecticut Section of the American Water Works (CTAWWA) and the Connecticut Water Works Associations (CWWA). The feature article is a follow up to presentations given by the lawyers on the status of regulatory initiatives and litigation concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issues during the CTAWWA/CWWA 2019 Fall Conference. Bob provided an overview on PFAS concerns, while Emilee shared PFAS regulatory updates and related considerations and Megan covered PFAS litigation developments. The article also included a PFAS historic and technical background provided by GZA GeoEnvironmental, who co-presented the session with R+C at the fall conference. Read the full article.

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      • June 6, 2019

        Members of the Hartford Office's EE+T Group Take Part in Keney Park Sustainability Project

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          Members of the Hartford Office's EE+T Group Take Part in Keney Park Sustainability Project

          Members of the Hartford office’s Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group participated in the Keney Park Sustainability Project in Hartford, CT on the afternoon of June 6, 2019. The community service team - including Keney Park Sustainability Project Board member Emily Deans, Brian Freeman, Bob Melvin, Jim Ray, Jon Schaefer, Emilee Mooney Scott, and UConn legal extern James Zimmer - assisted with weeding and planting cucumbers and zucchini. 

          The goals of the Project include:

          • Creating an onsite and mobile teaching kitchen to increase nutrition awareness and access to healthy food for low-income families;
          • Supporting the development and sustainability of community-based food systems, such as farmers markets, community gardens, school-based gardening, home gardens and other agricultural projects; and
          • Educating families about the impact of the environment on mental, physical and spiritual health by practicing sustainable techniques that promote a healthy, symbiotic relationship between and our environment.  

          The vision of the Project is “to create the next generation of healthy, productive and environmentally conscious citizens” by providing hands-on training, on-site demonstrations, outreach and community collaborations that help families become more self-sustainable and environmentally aware. At 693 acres, Keney Park is the largest park within the Hartford city system. It was a gift from the investor and wholesale grocer, Henry Keney in 1894, and was designed by the architectural firm led by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the great American landscape artist who designed Central Park in New York City. 

      • October 24, 2018

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Attend Interval House's Annual Breakfast With Champions

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Attend Interval House's Annual Breakfast With Champions

          Business Litigation Group lawyers Kelly Frye Barnett, Dan A. Brody, Eric D. Daniels, Christopher J. Hug, and Je'Quana S. Orr; Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyers Peter R. Knight and Robert S. Melvin; and Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Denis J. O'Malley all attended the 2018 Breakfast With Champions on October 17, 2018 at the Riverview in Simsbury, Connecticut. Presented by Interval House, Connecticut's largest domestic violence intervention and prevention agency, the annual awareness-raising event recognizes extraordinary men and women who work in the cause against domestic violence. This year, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen was presented with the 6th Annual Breakfast with Champions Award for his longtime dedication as a private citizen and public official to end domestic violence. View a photo from the event.

           

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      • 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 15, 2018

        Five Robinson+Cole Lawyers Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

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          Five Robinson+Cole Lawyers Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

          The Connecticut Bar Foundation (CBF) has elected Robinson+Cole lawyers Virginia E. McGarrity, Robert S. Melvin, Keisha S. Palmer, James P. Ray, and Brian J. Wheelin as 2018 Fellows of the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. The program was established to honor the leading members of the legal profession and the judiciary in Connecticut, to promote a better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system, and to explore ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. Membership in the Fellows is by invitation only and is evidence of professional distinction. The 2018 Fellows were welcomed during the CBFs Cooper Fellows on May 10, 2018 at New Haven Lawn Club in New Haven, Connecticut.

      • June 20, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Participates in CBIA Energy & Environmental Conference

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          Robinson+Cole Participates in CBIA Energy & Environmental Conference

          Members of the Energy + Utilities Group presented at the CBIA 2017 Energy & Environment Conference in Farmington, Connecticut, on June 16, 2017. The conference focused on critical updates regarding state and federal policy and enforcement trends and regulations in a rapidly changing and uncertain regulatory environment. Robert S. Melvin, Brian C. Freeman, and Todd R. Berman, along with industry representatives, spoke at the session "EPA & DEEP Morphing, Citizens & NGOs Rising: Updating Your Compliance Program in the New Regulatory World," where they addressed the challenges for EH&S management from the shifting and emerging new trends. Emilee Mooney Scott presented in the session "Hot Topics in Chemical Compliance," where panelists examined amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act and the General Duty Clause under EPA's Accidental Release/Risk Management Program, specifically targeting inspections, current strategy, and presenting a good image, among others. Click here to see photos from the conference.

      • June 2, 2017

        Environmental + Utilities Group Members Volunteer to Keep Bushnell Park Beautiful

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          Environmental + Utilities Group Members Volunteer to Keep Bushnell Park Beautiful

          Members of the Environmental + Utilities Group participated in a community service project at Bushnell Park in Hartford on May 31, 2017. The group of volunteers, comprised of Alexander W. Judd, Peter R. Knight, Robert S. Melvin, Joey Lee Miranda, Earl W. Phillips Jr., James P. Ray, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Emilee Mooney Scott, spent the afternoon working together to mulch flower beds and clean up the park’s playground area. As a thank you, the group was given a tour of the park’s Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch by Mary Zeman, manager of the Bushnell Park Foundation. The project is part of an effort by the Environmental + Utilities Group to participate in environmentally focused activities that serve the community. Click here to view photos.

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      • February 7, 2017

        Environmental + Utilities Group Members Speak on 2017 Regulatory Outlook at CEF Forum

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          Environmental + Utilities Group Members Speak on 2017 Regulatory Outlook at CEF Forum

          Amid a rapidly changing regulatory and political environment, Environmental + Utilities Group members presented "Regulatory Trends and Outlook for 2017" at the Connecticut Environmental Forum (CEF) Meeting in Wethersfield, Connecticut, on February 1, 2017. Todd R. Berman, Brian C. Freeman, Robert S. Melvin, and Emilee Mooney Scott provided  a comprehensive overview of environmental rules, exposures, and trends likely to emerge or strengthen over the course of the year and how Connecticut environmental professionals can navigate these choppy waters. Mr. Berman is president of the CEF Board of Directors.

      • January 17, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate in NBI Manufacturing Law Webinar

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Participate in NBI Manufacturing Law Webinar

          Robinson+Cole lawyers Jeffrey J. White, Robert S. Melvin, Sorell E. Negro, and Matthew T. Miklave participated in sessions relevant to each of their practice areas for the National Business Institute (NBI) webinar "Manufacturing Law" on December 15, 2015. The program provided both in-house lawyers and outside counsel with the latest information in dealing with compliance, environmental health and safety, and labor and employment issues in the manufacturing industry. Mr. White co-presented "Corporate Law & Compliance Issues Facing Manufacturers," Mr. Melvin and Ms. Negro co-presented "Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and Real Estate Issues Facing Manufacturers," and Mr. Miklave presented "Labor and Employment Issues Facing Manufacturers." The Manufacturing Law Blog, written by members of Robinson+Cole's Manufacturing Industry Group, was one of the first blogs in the country to address legal issues facing manufacturers and distributors. The group's practice, a trendsetter in the industry, is national in scope.

      • June 11, 2014

        Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Recognizes Robinson+Cole for Sponsoring Home Run for Heroes

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          Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Recognizes Robinson+Cole for Sponsoring Home Run for Heroes

          Kevin M. Lenehan, litigation director at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, recently presented Robinson+Cole with a replica of a Sikorsky helicopter for sponsoring the third annual Home Run for Heroes Bluefish Baseball Game, held on July 13, 2013, at Bridgeport's Bluefish Stadium. The event, held in conjunction with Sikorsky's Veterans Appreciation Weekend, recognizes and raises funds for those who served our country, producing significant donations to national and local veteran's charities. Honored as a Gold Sponsor, the firm, along with various Connecticut businesses, raised over $48,000 for local veterans organizations last year. Through the proceeds from Home Run for Heroes, Sikorsky supports Harkness House/Columbus House, which offers a safe living environment for homeless veterans and helps them to reintegrate into society; the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, which assists veterans recovering from homelessness and mental illness in surmounting legal obstacles to housing, health care, and income; and the Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation, which has dedicated itself to always remembering, posthumously, fallen heroes each year since 2004.

          Please click here to view the photo of Mr. Lenehan presenting the helicopter to Robinson+Cole lawyers Edward V. O'Hanlan, Robert S. Melvin, Earl W. Phillips Jr., and John B. Lynch Jr.

      • April 23, 2012

        Environmental and Utilities Lawyers Write About Supreme Court Decision on Clean Water Act

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          Environmental and Utilities Lawyers Write About Supreme Court Decision on Clean Water Act

          Environmental and utilities lawyers Robert S. Melvin and Emilee Mooney Scott wrote “Ruling Paves Way for Clean Water Act Litigation,” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on April 9, 2012. The article is about the Supreme Court’s decision allowing parties subject to administrative compliance orders under the Clean Water Act to seek judicial review without waiting for enforcement action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

      R+C News Releases

      • August 17, 2023

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

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

          78 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024. Of the 78 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 57 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. Approximately, the top 5 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, five lawyers were named Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in the following offices, in the noted practice areas:

          Hartford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Jacqueline Pennino Scheib – Trademark Law

          Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

          Theodore J. Tucci – Insurance Law

          Boston, MA – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Michael S. Giaimo – Land Use and Zoning Law

          Stamford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

          Patricia D. Weitzman – Health Care Law and Litigation-Health Care

          A Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” designation is awarded to one lawyer in each of various high-profile specialties in large legal communities. These particular lawyers received the highest ratings among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

          The fourth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America was also released, which 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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      • June 1, 2023

        2023 Chambers USA Recognizes 22 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in Eight Practice Areas

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          2023 Chambers USA Recognizes 22 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in Eight Practice Areas

          In its 2023 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 22 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in eight practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. 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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      • June 1, 2022

        2022 Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

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          2022 Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

          In its 2022 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 19 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in seven practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. 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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      • May 24, 2021

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

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

          In its 2021 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 19 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in seven practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

        • View article
      • 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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      • April 23, 2020

        Chambers USA Recognizes 20 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 11 Practice Areas in CT, PA, and RI and Nationwide

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          Chambers USA Recognizes 20 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 11 Practice Areas in CT, PA, and RI and Nationwide

          In its 2020 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in all six practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. In addition, 20 lawyers were individually ranked from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, including one that has been recognized nationwide. 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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      • 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.

        • View article
      • 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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      • February 1, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Forms Sustainability Cross-Practice Team

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          Robinson+Cole Forms Sustainability Cross-Practice Team

          Robinson+Cole announced today that lawyers from a variety of its practice areas have formally come together to form an interdisciplinary Sustainability Group. Comprised of lawyers with deep experience and a history of collaborating to handle sustainability issues related to energy, environmental, tax, intellectual property, real estate, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and construction matters, the team is positioned to offer clients a comprehensive approach to incorporating sustainable designs and practices into their business.

          The lawyers in the group routinely counsel clients on addressing sustainable practices such as using renewable and alternative energy, recycling and conserving water and other resources, financing green initiatives, following LEED and green construction practices, implementing corporate sustainability programs, managing climate change risks through adaptation and mitigation, and establishing clean-tech ventures.

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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.

        • View article
      • 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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      • June 21, 2013

        Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

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          Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

          Robinson & Cole cultivates a culture of pro bono service among its lawyers through the leadership of Edward J. Heath, pro bono partner and chair of the firm's Pro Bono Committee, evident by recent honors numerous lawyers have received. Mr. Heath received the Connecticut Law Tribune's Pro Bono award, Alaine C. Doolan received the Connecticut Bar Association's Honorable Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award, and 33 lawyers made the CBA's 2012 Pro Bono Honor Roll.

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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.

        • View article
      • 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."

        • View article
    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "EPA and Army Corps Stand Up to the Supreme Court and Revise “Waters” Definition (Again) in the Face of Court’s Looming Decision in Sackett" (1/13/2023)

      "Catching Up on the 2021 Clean Water Act Releases" (9/24/21)

      "New Compliance Obligations for Connecticut EURs" co-authored with George W. Watson III and Emilee Mooney Scott (4/16/2021)

      "Binge-Watching the Clean Water Act Cases and Rules" (5/11/2020)

      "Plugging Holes in the Clean Water Act: EPA and ACOE Release their Proposed Replacement Rule Defining “WOTUS”" co-authored with Emily C. Deans (12/26/2018)

      "Courts Still Trying to Plug the Clean Water Act’s Holes: Meanwhile, Tanks, Pipes, Pits, and Other Leaking Facilities Remain Targets for Environmental Claims" co-authored with Emily C. Deans (11/1/2018)

      "EPA Launches eDisclosure Portal and Modifies FOIA Presumption" co-authored with Earl W. Phillips Jr., Megan E. Baroni and Jonathan H. Schaefer (Dec 2015)