Stephen Aronson

Stephen W. Aronson

(he/him/his)

Partner

Stephen W. Aronson

(he/him/his)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Stephen Aronson defends employers in federal and state court and before administrative agencies in class actions, multiplaintiff, and single plaintiff employment law claims.

    Employment Litigation and Administrative Advocacy

    Stephen has extensive experience leading the defense of companies facing Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) misclassification claims, including hybrid claims under federal and state law. He frequently wins summary judgment on discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, free speech, and other employment claims. He is hired by employers and insurance carriers seeking experienced trial counsel to defend cases being brought to trial. 

    Stephen also handles hearings on injunctions in noncompete cases for both former employers and new employers, including related claims such as misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, and employee theft. 

    Stephen won a defense verdict in a lawsuit filed in Connecticut state court by the former vice president of human resources of a specialty chemical company alleging that he was not paid certain amounts for two bonus awards and claiming breach of contract, promissory estoppel, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. He also recently prevailed in two court trials, one defending an aerospace company from wage and hour claims and the second defending a municipal employer from race discrimination, hostile environment, and retaliation civil rights claims.

    Health Law

    While Stephen represents employers in many industry sectors, he often represents the health care industry. He regularly defends hospitals, health care systems, and physician groups from discrimination, wage and hour, whistleblower retaliation, and free speech claims as well as compliance actions. Stephen also works with senior management on implementing best practices, risk avoidance, investigations, and litigation oversight. In addition, he contributes to the firm's Health Law Diagnosis blog.

    Counseling, Compliance, and Training

    Drawing from his experience as in-house employment counsel, Stephen also counsels companies and human resources professionals on litigation avoidance techniques, investigations, policies, discipline and performance management, governmental and internal audits, employment contracts, contingent worker liabilities, severance and separation agreements, workplace safety, individual terminations and reductions in force, and noncompete, nondisparagement, nonsolicitation, and confidentiality agreements.

    Stephen often presents seminars on employment law topics, including litigation strategies, personal liability, wage and hour claims, COBRA, ERISA, employment at will, wrongful discharge, employment contracts, handbooks, defamation, privacy rights, reductions in force, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and workplace violence. He has authored articles on the Dodd-Frank Act and whistleblower retaliation claims, damages under the FLSA, Title VII damages, contingent worker liabilities, wage and hour claims procedures, discrimination litigation, and other topics.

    Stephen has been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list in 2006, 2007, 2010, from 2013 to 2016, and for 2019 and 2020. Stephen also has been listed in Benchmark Labor & Employment as a Labor & Employment Star – Northeast for 2018 and 2019. 

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Won summary judgment in an age discrimination case under the ADEA where a 64-year-old employee sued his employer, an aerospace technology company, after his 34-year-old supervisor decided to lay him off rather than his 20- or 34-year-old coworkers.
      • Defended a global specialty chemical company in a lawsuit filed in Connecticut state court by its former vice president of human resources alleging that he was not paid certain amounts for two bonus awards and claiming breach of contract, promissory estoppel, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. As part of his claims, the former employee alleged that the company's chairman and CEO committed fraud, made material misrepresentations, and acted in bad faith. A jury in Danbury Superior Court returned a verdict in favor of our client on all claims.
      • Represented a national truck rental company in lawsuits filed by two current and six former employees alleging discrimination based on sex, race, color, and national origin, and retaliation for having opposed discrimination in the workplace in violation of Title VII, Section 1981, and Connecticut law. The plaintiffs also sought to have their claims certified as a class action. Successfully positioned the cases for mediation that resulted in a favorable global settlement.
      • Served as local counsel to Dominion Resources Inc. in acquisition in Connecticut and continued as employment counsel. Counseled acquirer and local human resources professionals on due diligence, hiring and termination issues, wage and hour compliance, and other employment-related matters.
      • Successfully obtained dismissal of ADA disability discrimination and retaliation claims filed against company and two managers by former employee who underwent eye surgery and had scheduled back surgery at the time of his termination.
      • Defended property management company from claims by the Connecticut DOL seeking damages, fines, and penalties for allegedly misclassifying independent contractors and for unpaid wages for employees subject to call while away from the properties.
      • Successfully defended national insurer in a four-day trial from precedent-setting claim by the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) seeking compensatory and liquidated damages for unpaid sales commissions to managers based on an agreement used nationally for all managers.
      • Defended lumberyard and its president from common law claims for breach of an implied employment agreement and for unpaid bonuses (minimal jury verdict resulted in plaintiff recovering nothing).
      • Successfully defeated appeal of summary judgment on claims of race discrimination in violation of Title VII and Section 1981 and disability discrimination and failure to accommodate under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
      • Obtained summary judgment for employer on all claims where former employee alleged breach of contract, wrongful discharge in violation of right to freedom of speech, violation of whistleblower statute, negligent misrepresentation, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
      • Successfully defended state municipal oversight board from challenge to board and municipality's conversion of retirees from indemnity health plans to preferred provider plans, resulting in substantial cost savings to municipality.
      • After a trial, defeated claims by a former employee for breach of an employment contract, for failure to pay wages under Connecticut's wage payment statutes, and for failure to pay severance.
      • Representing a developer and general contractor in connection with the development and net leasing of 300 new family housing units constructed at a U.S. Air Force base utilizing governmental incentives and funded with Department of Air Force lease collateralized revenue bonds.
      • After a three-day trial, a federal court jury returned a verdict in favor of our client, a municipal corporation, against an employee claiming race discrimination, hostile environment, and retaliation under Sections 1981 and 1983 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts.

      • Represented client in all aspects of due diligence, risk management, permitting, site remediation, the transaction, and development of a $250 million global development facility.

      • Investigated and prosecuted former president, vice president, and plant manager in claims alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, theft, and breach of fiduciary duties for establishing and running a competitive business using our client's employees. Worked with private investigators, forensic accountants, and police officers to gather evidence establishing claims. Served as temporary in-house employment department, handling terminations, payroll, benefits, security, communications, and other matters.
      • Representation of the board of directors of the Housing Authority of the City of New London on executive personnel matters.

      • Defended national construction company in six related lawsuits. The first lawsuit was an FLSA hybrid collective action filed by five former employees claiming failure to pay overtime pay on behalf of themselves and a nationwide class of current and former employees. We successfully dismissed all of the class action wage and hour claims. We also successfully limited the plaintiffs from conducting nationwide discovery, saving significant expenses. Although the Court allowed the plaintiffs to issue a class solicitation notice, only one former employee opted into the lawsuit. We also successfully defended the company from five single-plaintiff lawsuits alleging discrimination and retaliation claims, breach of implied contract claims, equal pay claims, and wrongful termination claims. We filed motions to dismiss by which we dismissed two of the lawsuits in their entirety and limited the claims in the remaining three lawsuits. Having significantly reduced the scope of the plaintiffs' claims, we positioned the case for settlement, and after two mediations, we entered into a confidential global settlement of all claims.  

      • Represented national chemical company from claims by a former internal auditor alleging race, sex, and religious discrimination; retaliation for complaining about discrimination; and intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and invasion of privacy by false light. We first successfully dismissed the plaintiff’s intentional infliction of emotional distress and false light invasion of privacy claims. We next won summary judgment on all claims. Finally, we won our request for reimbursement of discovery costs and an award of attorney's fees.  

        • Noncompetition Agreements

      • Representation of Connecticut-based chemical manufacturing company in a lawsuit commenced in North Carolina against a former salesman who left for a competitor for breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with business relations, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair trade practices, and conversion of property. Based on forensic examination of the former employee’s hard drive and investigation with local police surrounding the alleged theft of a laptop, Robinson & Cole achieved a prompt settlement returning all company property and nonsolicitation covenants. As part of the same matter, Robinson & Cole also squelched the hiring of our client's employees by a New Jersey-based chemical company, who Robinson & Cole had threatened with litigation for employee raiding in violation of the Sherman Act and unfair trade practices.
      • Representation of a Massachusetts mortgage broker in enforcing a noncompete agreement against a Connecticut mortgage originator. Robinson & Cole's investigation enabled the client to prevail on claims of breach of a noncompete agreement, breach of a duty of loyalty, tortious interference, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unfair trade practices and defeat the former employee’s claims of nonpayment of commissions.
      • Representation of home health care organizations to prosecute claims for breach of a noncompete agreement, breach of fiduciary duties, tortious interference, misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair trade practices, conversion of company property, and statutory theft. Robinson & Cole's investigation resulted in a prompt settlement, including payment of attorney’s fees.
      • Representation of a physician group to enforce noncompete agreement against physician who took the group’s patient list and opened a practice within the restricted area. The main contested issue was the scope of the geographic restriction. Robinson & Cole positioned our expert witness to overcome any challenges and succeeded in achieving a quick settlement at the injunction hearing.
      • Representation of a salesman in concert with high-tech employer to defend against claims of breach of a noncompete agreement, breach of a nondisclosure agreement, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unfair trade practices where employee went to work for a competitor.
      • Representation of an insurance agency in defeating action to enforce three noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements against newly hired employees.
      • Representation of a health maintenance organization in defeating action to enforce a noncompete, nondisclosure, and nonsolicitation agreement against a newly hired sales manager. Robinson & Cole positioned the case at the injunction hearing so well that the judge essentially cut off testimony and ruled from the bench to deny the injunction.
      • Representation of a Connecticut-based marketing company in prosecuting claims for breach of fiduciary duty, breach of a noncompete agreement, breach of a confidentiality agreement, conversion, and statutory theft involving a current officer of our client, unbeknownst to our client, who was working for two other employers at the same time and sharing her work product with her other employers in New York and Vermont. Successfully obtained return of all work product at the two other employers, immediate termination of the officer, and prompt settlement of the lawsuit favorable to our client.
      • Representation of several principals and staff members of a business unit of a financial services company in effecting a separation from their employer to set up a competing business despite noncompete and nonsolicitation agreements.
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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Anti-Defamation League
      Connecticut Civil Rights Committee

      Connecticut Bar Association
      Labor and Employment Law Section, Professional Discipline Committee
      Author of Professional Discipline Digest

      United States Law Firm Group
      Member, Labor and Employment Committee

      Society for Human Resource Management
      Past member

      American Inns of Court
      Former Secretary
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the State of Connecticut in the area of Labor & Employment for 2023

      Listed in Benchmark Labor & Employment as a Labor & Employment Star since 2018. 

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list in 2006, 2007, 2010, from 2013 to 2016, and for 2019 and 2020.

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      Yachad Greater Hartford Jewish Community High School
      Past member of the Board of Trustees

      Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut
      Board of Directors, and Finance Committee

      Farmington Valley Visiting Nurse Association
      Board of Directors

      Griffin Hospital Development Fund, Inc.
      Member, Golf Committee

      Beth El Temple of West Hartford Inc.
      Current member and Past President

      Pat Griskus Triathlon
      Volunteer - 2022

      Ironman
      Volunteer - Lake Placid (2021) and Maine (2021)

      United States Tennis Association
      Member, Grievance Committee
      Team Captain
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Updating Connecticut Employee Handbooks for 2022," co-authored with Rachel V. Kushel, Kayla N. West and Abby M. Warren, published by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) (7/28/2021)

      "The big-ticket question: Can (or should) employers require the COVID-19 vaccine of employees in the workplace?" co-authored with Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Abby M. Warren, Natale V. DiNatale, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, published in ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News) (5/12/2021)

      "Taking A Shot At Answering Employers’ COVID-19 Vaccination Questions: Best Practices For Managing The COVID-19 Vaccine In The Workplace," co-authored with Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West, Emily A. Zaklukiewicz and Natale V. DiNatale, published in the Massachusetts Bar Association MBA Section Review newsletter (March/April 2021)

      "One Shot to Get It Right: Navigating the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Workplace," co-authored with Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West, Emily A. Zaklukiewicz and Natale V. DiNatale, published in Construction Executive (1/6/2021)

      "Religious Accommodations for Employers in the Health Care Workplace," co-authored with Pamela H. Del Negro (June 2015)

      "Employee Free Speech in Connecticut: The Unsettled Landscape of Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51q," published in Connecticut Lawyer, co-authored with Ian T. Clarke-Fisher (04/2013)

      "Enforcement of Arbitration Agreements under the FAA May Shield Employers from FLSA Class Actions," published in Bender's Labor & Employment Bulletin (10/2002)

      Human Resources Guide to Recruiting, Retaining, and Rewarding Employees (Spring 2002)

      "Front Pay is Not Subject to Title VII Damages Cap," published in Bender's Labor & Employment Bulletin (7/1/2001)

      "Paying Employees for Travel Time," published in CBIA News, a publication of the CBIA (5/2001)

      "Professional Discipline Digest," published in Connecticut Lawyer Magazine (1994 to present)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Join the Bar: An Evening with Tufts Lawyers," which was presented by the Tufts Lawyers Association and provided an opportunity for Tufts undergrads and alums to hear from seasoned lawyers across diverse legal industries. (6/4/2020)
      • » more info

        • Join the Bar: An Evening with Tufts Lawyers

        "Join the Bar: An Evening with Tufts Lawyers," presented by Stephen W. Aronson, which was presented by the Tufts Lawyers Association and provided an opportunity for Tufts undergrads and alums to hear from seasoned lawyers across diverse legal industries. (6/4/2020)

        Labor, Employment, Benefits + Immigration Group member Stephen Aronson took part in the webinar "Join the Bar: An Evening with Tufts Lawyers" on June 4, 2020. The event, presented by the Tufts Lawyers Association, provided an opportunity for Tufts undergrads and alums to hear from seasoned lawyers across diverse legal industries. The program began with an introductory discussion and then transitioned into virtual breakout rooms where attendees heard lawyers address general law school questions and practitioners from specific legal areas spoke about their practices and experiences. Some 140 people participated in the program.


      "Employment Litigation," panelist at University of Connecticut School of Law class on employment litigation (4/15/2015)

      "Use of Social Media Evidence in Labor and Employment Cases," at United States Law Firm Group's (USLFG) annual meeting in Philadelphia (10/24/2014)
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        • Use of Social Media Evidence in Labor and Employment Cases

        "Use of Social Media Evidence in Labor and Employment Cases," at United States Law Firm Group's (USLFG) annual meeting in Philadelphia, presented by Stephen W. Aronson (10/24/2014)

        Mr. Aronson hosted the discussion, which focused on how social media evidence found on Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and other sites is used in employment litigation as well as the process for gathering, preserving, and showing such evidence in legal proceedings.


      "Connecticut State Law Update," at United States Law Firm Group's (USLFG) annual meeting in Philadelphia to USLFG members (10/24/2014)
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        • Connecticut State Law Update

        "Connecticut State Law Update," at United States Law Firm Group's (USLFG) annual meeting in Philadelphia to USLFG members, presented by Stephen W. Aronson (10/24/2014)

        The update covered new legislation, court decisions, and other matters of interest to labor and employment practitioners.


      "In the Workplace," appeared on this radio talk show to discuss social media and employment litigation (10/23/2014)
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        • In the Workplace

        "In the Workplace," presented by Stephen W. Aronson, appeared on this radio talk show to discuss social media and employment litigation (10/23/2014)

        Mr. Aronson presented along with Peter Cappelli, Professor of Human Resources Management at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, and Daniel O'Meara, labor and employment lawyer at Montgomery McCracken. The panel fielded questions from listeners across the United States and Canada.


      "Employment Law Overview: Workplace Harassment and Violence – Minimizing the Risks," at annual managers program at client headquarters (2/12/2013)

      "Managing Employment Litigation: Claims By Current Employee-Plaintiffs," at Robinson & Cole's Managing Litigation for In-House Counsel Breakfast Series (2/12/2013)

      "Managing a Mobile Workforce: Complying with Wage and Hour Laws and Protecting Company Interests," co-presented with Jean E. Tomasco and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, webinar (5/25/2011)

      "Recent Trends in Employment Law Claims: Update for Petroleum Marketers," (6/10/2008)

      "Noncompetition Agreements and Trade Secret Protection: Current Trends, Tips, and Best Practices," (1/16/2008 and 11/12/2008)

      "Protecting ECHN from Liability: E-Mails and Electronic Discovery," a seminar presented for the senior leadership team of client Eastern Connecticut Health Network (10/18/2007)

      "Employee or Independent Contractor? Managing the Risk," at Truck Conference 2007, sponsored by the Motor Transportation Association of Connecticut (10/4/2007)
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        • Employee or Independent Contractor? Managing the Risk

        "Employee or Independent Contractor? Managing the Risk," at Truck Conference 2007, sponsored by the Motor Transportation Association of Connecticut, presented by Stephen W. Aronson (10/4/2007)
        Mr. Aronson discussed growing federal and state legislation, recent court cases, and legal developments in the area of worker misclassification in the transportation industry.

      "Protecting Your Organization from Liability for Breaches of Data Privacy and Other Burgeoning Privacy Issues," (5/16 to 5/17/2007)

      "Recent Developments in Employment Law 2007," at COEM (5/16 to 5/17/2007)

      "Advanced FMLA: Strategies to Solve Your Most Complex FMLA Challenges," at COEM (3/15/2007)

      "Challenges Facing Payroll Managers in an Electronic Workplace," at American Payroll Association, Hartford Chapter, quarterly meeting (6/23/2005)

      "Guidelines for the Generation, Retention, and Destruction of HR Records in an Increasingly Electronic World," at Connecticut Business & Industry Association's (CBIA) Human Resources Conference at the new Connecticut Convention Center (6/3/2005)

      "E-Discovery, Litigation Holds and Best Practices," at "Tour of the Electronic Workplace, Business Environment and Litigation Protocols," an executive roundtable (5/11/2005)

      "Do You Know Where Your Electronic Records Are Located?" at Robinson & Cole Employment Roundtable (3/2005)

      "Trial Presentation Technology for Today's Lawyers," at Annual Meeting of United States Law Firm Group, Hartford, Connecticut (6/4/2004)

      "Hot Topics in Labor and Employment Law for Connecticut Employers," at Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Inc., Innovative Expo 2003 (10/7/2003)

      "Proposed Changes to the Federal Wage and Hour Laws and Recent Changes to the Connectict Personnel Files Act," at Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (6/19/2003)

      "Deposing the Plaintiff in an Employment Lawsuit," at LEB in Practice (1/28/2003)

      "Alternative Careers for In-House Lawyers: Going Into Private Practice," at Inaugural Careers Evening Seminar, sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Corporate Counsel Association and the Corporate Counsel Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (9/19/2002)

      "Benefiting from Diversity," (2/2001)

      "Employee or Independent Contractor?" at Truck Conference 2000 Seminar, sponsored by the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, Inc. (10/2000)

      "An Overview of the FMCSA’s Hours of Service Reform Proposal," (6/2000)

      "OSHA Compliance and Your Lawyer," at EH&S Compliance and Inspections, sponsored by the Briarwood Summer Institute and the CBIA (6/2000)

      "Minimizing Your Personal Liability When Implementing Terminations," at Progressive Discipline, Coaching, and Termination Law Seminar, sponsored by the Council on Education in Management (2/24 to 2/25/2000)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • April 29, 2022

        Stephen Aronson Quoted in Washington Post Article on ESPN Employment Lawsuit

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          Stephen Aronson Quoted in Washington Post Article on ESPN Employment Lawsuit

          Labor and Employment Group lawyer Stephen W. Aronson was quoted in the article “ESPN’s Sage Steele sues network, claims it sidelined her over vaccine comments” published in The Washington Post on April 28, 2022. The article focuses on a lawsuit filed by Sage Steele against ESPN and its parent company, Disney, alleging her right to free speech was violated and she was retaliated against for comments she made on a podcast last year. Steele, a prominent ESPN personality and “SportsCenter” host, alleges in the lawsuit that the sports network stripped her of assignments and did not protect her from harassment from colleagues who, she alleges, criticized her on social media as a result of insensitive comments made during the September 29, 2021 episode of the podcast “Uncut With Jay Cutler.” “The lawsuit, multiple legal observers said, could pose a compelling legal question because of a quirk in Connecticut law. [Section 31-51q], which Steele’s suit cites, extends the protections of the First Amendment to the private sector.” Steve acknowledged skepticism of “of Steele’s case because of what Steele will have to prove: that her speech is protected, that she suffered adverse job action because of that speech and that the speech did not materially interfere with her job performance.” Read the article.

        • View article
      • May 14, 2021

        Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author ISHN Article on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement in the Workplace

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          Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author ISHN Article on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement in the Workplace

          Labor and Employment Group lawyers Stephen W. Aronson, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Natale V. DiNatale, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz authored the article “The big-ticket question: Can (or should) employers require the COVID-19 vaccine of employees in the workplace?” published in ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News) on May 12, 2021. With many employees deciding to forgo getting the COVID-19 vaccine, despite the fact that is now widely available for adults in most states, employers are grappling with whether to adopt a policy requiring the COVID-19 vaccine in an effort to provide a safe and healthy work environment. The article offers an overview of the many legal and practical risks associated with adopting a mandatory vaccine policy, which employers are encouraged to recognize and evaluate before its implementing. Read the full article.  

        • View article
      • April 9, 2021

        Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author MBA Article on Managing COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace

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          Labor and Employment Group Lawyers Author MBA Article on Managing COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace

          Labor and Employment Group lawyers Stephen W. Aronson, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Natale V. DiNatale, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz authored the article “Taking A Shot At Answering Employers’ COVID-19 Vaccination Questions: Best Practices For Managing The COVID-19 Vaccine In The Workplace” published in the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) March/April 2021 Section Review newsletter. Submitted on behalf of the MBA’s Health Law Section, which Natale serves as Vice Chair of, the article covers several legal and practical issues that employers may wish to consider regarding the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy in the workplace, including the significance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) position on mandating the COVID-19 vaccine, managing employees who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine, privacy and confidentiality concerns and more. Read the full article.

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      • July 15, 2015

        Stephen Aronson Honored by Jewish Teen Learning Connection

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          Stephen Aronson Honored by Jewish Teen Learning Connection

          Employment litigation lawyer Stephen W. Aronson was honored on June 11, 2015, as an outgoing board member by the Jewish Teen Learning Connection, Inc. (JTConnect), formerly known as the Yachad Greater Hartford Jewish Community High School, Inc. Mr. Aronson had served as a board member since 2009. He co-chaired the board's governance and bylaws committees and was a member of its publicity and outreach committee. JTConnect provides high school–level programming for Jewish teens throughout Greater Hartford and beyond; serves 300 teens in a variety of classroom, social services, and other settings; and provides programming services for teens and faculty, representing 15-area synagogues.

      • July 8, 2015

        Stephen Aronson Serves as Panelist at UConn Law School

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          Stephen Aronson Serves as Panelist at UConn Law School

          Stephen W. Aronson, employment litigation lawyer in the Hartford office, participated in a panel discussion during a University of Connecticut School of Law class on employment litigation on April 15, 2015, to talk about the "real-life" practice of law. Adjunct faculty members Robyn Sondak, senior counsel at Travelers, and Jonathan Harris, partner at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, invited Mr. Aronson and two other panelists to discuss with the law students best practices, time management, civility, and building relationships.

      • July 1, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Write Article for Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Write Article for Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law

          Health law lawyer Pamela H. Del Negro and employment litigation lawyer Stephen W. Aronson published an article entitled "Religious Accommodations for Employers in the Health Care Workplace" in the June 2015 issue of the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law, issued by the American Health Lawyers Association. The article contains a 50-state survey of employee rights of refusal for procedures and services performed in health care workplaces and tips for employers on responding to employees who refuse to perform procedures or services based on their religion. Please click here to view the abstract of the article.

      • November 20, 2014

        Stephen Aronson Appears on Talk Show, Participates in Presentations at USLFG Annual Meeting

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          Stephen Aronson Appears on Talk Show, Participates in Presentations at USLFG Annual Meeting

          Employment litigation lawyer Stephen W. Aronson appeared on the radio talk show In the Workplace on October 23, 2014. Along with Peter Cappelli, Professor of Human Resources Management at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, and Daniel O'Meara, labor and employment lawyer at Montgomery McCracken, Mr. Aronson discussed social media and employment litigation. The panel fielded questions from listeners across the United States and Canada.

          In addition, Mr. Aronson participated in two sessions at the United States Law Firm Group's (USLFG) annual meeting in Philadelphia on October 24, 2014. He presented the Connecticut State Law Update to USLFG members. The update covered new legislation, court decisions, and other matters of interest to labor and employment practitioners. He also hosted a presentation on "Use of Social Media Evidence in Labor and Employment Cases," where the discussion focused on how social media evidence found on Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and other sites is used in employment litigation as well as the process for gathering, preserving, and showing such evidence in legal proceedings.

      • October 28, 2013

        Hartford Lawyers Write Article for NYSBA Journal

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          Hartford Lawyers Write Article for NYSBA Journal

          Employment litigation lawyers Stephen W. Aronson and Ian T. Clarke-Fisher wrote the article "Disloyal Employees Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Recent Splits of Authority Within the Second Circuit," published in the Summer 2013 issue of the New York State Bar Association's (NYSBA) Labor and Employment Law Journal. The article discusses how using the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) to prosecute disloyal employees can test the limits of the act and examines its purpose and targeted audience. Specifically, Mr. Aronson and Mr. Clarke-Fisher consider these key points: the apparent ambiguities of the CFAA, the federal circuit court splits in considering the CFAA's application in the employment context, recent CFAA court decisions in the Second Circuit, and the consequences and application resulting from the ambiguity and varied approaches of the CFAA in the employment context.

          To view the article, please click here. (Reprinted with permission from: Labor and Employment Law, Summer 2013, Vol. 38, No. 2, published by the New York State Bar Association, One Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207.)
      • May 17, 2013

        Hartford Lawyers Write Article for Connecticut Lawyer

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          Hartford Lawyers Write Article for Connecticut Lawyer

          Employment litigation lawyers Stephen W. Aronson and Ian T. Clarke-Fisher co-wrote an article entitled "Employee Free Speech in Connecticut: The Unsettled Landscape of Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51q," featured in the April 2013 publication of Connecticut Lawyer. In the article, Mr. Aronson and Mr. Clarke-Fisher address the unsettled state of employee free speech protections in Connecticut under the state's employee free speech statute. They analyze conflicting court rulings based on differences between the free speech rights under the federal Constitution compared with those rights under the Connecticut Constitution. Mr. Aronson and Mr. Clark-Fisher conclude that the landscape of employee free speech rights will remain in flux in Connecticut until further court rulings can guide employers and employees on the limits of free speech rights in the workplace.
      • February 21, 2013

        The Connecticut Law Tribune Publishes Article by Steve Aronson and Ian Clarke-Fisher

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          The Connecticut Law Tribune Publishes Article by Steve Aronson and Ian Clarke-Fisher

          Employment litigation attorneys Stephen W. Aronson and Ian T. Clarke-Fisher authored the article "In Search of a Balance: When Employees Are Misclassified, There Are Competing Ways to Calculate Damages,” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on October 22, 2012. The article examines the recent rise in actions filed under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by current and former salaried employees claiming they were misclassified as exempt from the FLSA and emphasizes the need for Connecticut employers to keep tabs on their own situations as misclassification actions continue through the courts.
      • June 5, 2012

        Stephen Aronson Comments on Supreme Court Ruling in Hartford Courant

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          Stephen Aronson Comments on Supreme Court Ruling in Hartford Courant

          The Hartford Courant quoted Stephen W. Aronson, a partner, in an article about the Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that employers may be liable if they fail to protect employees from harassment based on sexual orientation. The court issued the ruling on May 4, 2012.

          The article, “Employers Liable For Anti-Gay Harassment, Connecticut Supreme Court Rules,” published on May 7, 2012, quoted Mr. Aronson saying, “Connecticut companies and companies doing business in Connecticut will sit up and take notice of this.” He also said that this decision “will make them look to see if their workplace practices are in accordance with the court's ruling.” As explained by Mr. Aronson, "At the root of all this, you want to create a workforce of people that get along regardless of national origin, sexual orientation, race, creed, color" or other protected classifications.
      • June 3, 2011

        Labor and Employment Attorneys Discuss Legal Considerations of Telework Arrangements

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          Labor and Employment Attorneys Discuss Legal Considerations of Telework Arrangements

          Employment and health care attorney Stephen W. Aronson and labor and employment attorney Jean E. Tomasco presented the Webinar “Managing a Mobile Workforce: Complying with Wage and Hour Laws and Protecting Company Interests” on May 25, 2011. In the Webinar, they provided an overview of key considerations for employers managing teleworkers, including how to navigate potential issues while protecting company business objectives. Topics included how to properly record and compensate telecommuting employees for hours worked, how to safeguard company property when it is “off-site” in an employee’s home, and the importance of developing a sound Fair Labor Standards Act-compliant telecommuting policy and drafting teleworker agreements. Attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson moderated the Webinar.
      • May 25, 2011

        Stephen Aronson Writes Professional Discipline Digest

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          Stephen Aronson Writes Professional Discipline Digest

          Employment and health care partner Stephen W. Aronson wrote the Professional Discipline Digest published in the Connecticut Bar Association’s Connecticut Lawyer magazine. Mr. Aronson, a member of the Professional Discipline Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association, has written regular updates to the digest for more than 15 years. The digest appears on pages 10, 11, and 33 of the April 2011 issue.
      • May 20, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Featured in Health Care Reform Book

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Featured in Health Care Reform Book

          Health care attorneys Stephen W. Aronson and Lisa M. Boyle have been cited as contributors in the book CCH’s Law, Explanation and Analysis of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a Wolters Kluwer publication. Mr. Aronson discussed changes to laws regarding health insurance exchange eligibility rules. Ms. Boyle discussed changes to laws regarding improvements to the physician quality reporting system, physician and supplier documentation of referrals to programs at high risk of fraud and abuse, and physician self-referral disclosure protocol.
      • April 28, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Regional Economic Development Forum

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Regional Economic Development Forum

          Health care and employment attorney Stephen W. Aronson recently spoke on "Health Care Reform: Economic Opportunities for MetroHartford" at the Regional Economic Development Forum sponsored by the MetroHartford Alliance. Mr. Aronson discussed some of the economic development opportunities in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act that are scheduled to be implemented within the next three years.
      • March 30, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Continuing Legal Education Seminar on the Discovery Process in Employment Litigation

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Continuing Legal Education Seminar on the Discovery Process in Employment Litigation

          Employment litigator Stephen W. Aronson spoke at the Continuing Legal Education seminar “Effective and Practical Uses of Discovery in Preparing Your Case for Summary Judgment and Trial,” hosted by the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. The program discussed effective use of discovery in employment litigation and provided practical tips and strategies on how to use and manage the discovery process. Mr. Aronson served on the panel and also led a discussion on "Electronic Discovery Issues in Employment Litigation: Efficient Management and Best Practices."
      • November 30, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Receive Spotlight Award for Community Work

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Receive Spotlight Award for Community Work

          Labor & Employment attorney Stephen W. Aronson, Land Use attorney Brian R. Smith, and retired attorney Diana MacPherson received the 2009 Spotlight Award, presented annually by Footlights Inc. to people who have given their time and expertise to better the nonprofit organization. They were honored on November 9, 2009 during the Mad Hot Hartford Ballroom event at the Hartford Stage. Congratulations to them! Click here to view a photo.
      • November 20, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Educational Seminar on the Impact of Smoking on Businesses

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          Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Educational Seminar on the Impact of Smoking on Businesses

          Health Care attorney Stephen W. Aronson recently spoke at the educational breakfast seminar “No Butts About It... Smoking Affects Your Business” sponsored by the Waterbury Regional Chamber. The seminar discussed widespread issues associated with smoking in the workplace and how they affect not only employees who smoke but their co-workers, the employer, the work environment, and the bottom line of the business.
      • November 12, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present on Employment Program to Connecticut Chapter of American Institute of Architects

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present on Employment Program to Connecticut Chapter of American Institute of Architects

          Employment partner Stephen W. Aronson and Construction partner Martin A. Onorato spoke at a recent educational program for the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) entitled "Employment Practices: Difficult Times Bring Difficult Issues." Mr. Aronson talked about reductions-in-force and other cost-saving techniques, misclassification of contractors and employees, response to the swine flu and business continuity approaches, protecting confidential information, and establishing a positive work environment. Mr. Onorato, chair of the AIA Connecticut Professional Practice Committee, moderated the program.
      • April 7, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present Webinar to Fuel Industry

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present Webinar to Fuel Industry

          Labor and Employment partner Stephen W. Aronson and Labor and Employment counsel Alida Bográn-Acosta presented a webinar entitled, "Employment Law 2009: Trends and Best Practices" to the New England Fuel Institute, whose members include gasoline, natural gas, and fuel oil delivery companies. The topics presented included reducing payroll expenses, minimizing risks of wage and hour, discrimination, retaliation, and other common employment claims, new federal and state employment laws, and protecting confidential information and trade secrets.

      • January 23, 2008

        Robinson & Cole Partner Authors "Digest" for Connecticut Lawyer Magazine

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          Robinson & Cole Partner Authors "Digest" for Connecticut Lawyer Magazine

          Stephen W. Aronson, a member of the firm's Labor & Employment section recently authored the "Professional Discipline Digest" appearing in the December 2007/January 2008 issue of the Connecticut Lawyer magazine. Mr. Aronson has been a member of the Professional Discipline Committee for more than 15 years.

      R+C News Releases

      • 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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      • September 30, 2022

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • 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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      • October 8, 2020

        Robinson+Cole Recognized in Benchmark Litigation

      • 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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      • October 2, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • May 2, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Honored as “Volunteer of the Year” by Pro Bono Partnership

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          Robinson+Cole Honored as “Volunteer of the Year” by Pro Bono Partnership

          Robinson+Cole was honored with the “Volunteer of the Year” distinction by the Pro Bono Partnership (the Partnership) during an event hosted by the organization in celebration of volunteer lawyers who provided free legal services to nonprofit organizations throughout Connecticut in 2018. In addition to the firm’s Hartford law department being recognized, employment litigator and counselor Stephen W. Aronson was presented with an individual “Volunteer of the Year” honor for his outstanding individual contributions. This is the first time the Partnership has had an individual honoree come from the law firm honoree. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 24, 2018

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • 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.

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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.

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      • 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
    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "New York Inches Closer to Banning Non-Compete Agreements" co-authored with Ian T. Clarke-Fisher and Trevor L. Bradley (6/23/23)

      "Health Law Diagnosis" co-authored with Erin C. Howard, Michael G. Lisitano, Conor O. Duffy and Nathaniel T. Arden (6/14/2023)

      "FTC Proposes Rule Prohibiting Employee Noncompete Agreements and Broadly-Worded Non-Disclosure Agreements" co-authored with Janet Kljyan and Ian T. Clarke-Fisher (1/6/23)

      "Important Considerations for Connecticut Employers in Anticipation of Election Day" co-authored with Kayla N. West, Sapna K. Jain and Natale V. DiNatale (10/25/2022)

      "Pre-Dispute Arbitration Agreements and Class Action Waivers Now Invalid and Unenforceable for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Claims" co-authored with Kayla N. West and Natale V. DiNatale (3/7/2022)

      "Considerations for Employers Thinking about COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates" co-authored with Natale V. DiNatale, Kayla N. West and Jean E. Tomasco (9/1/2021)

      "2021 Labor and Employment-Related Legislation from the Connecticut General Assembly" co-authored with Kayla N. West, Jean E. Tomasco and Natale V. DiNatale (6/24/2021)

      "Employer-Mandated Disclosure of Wage Ranges and Expansion of Equal Pay Law Enacted in Connecticut" co-authored with Rachel V. Kushel, Abby M. Warren and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz (6/15/2021)

      "EEOC Issues Updated Guidance on Vaccinations in the Workplace" co-authored with Virginia E. McGarrity, Alisha N. Sullivan, Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, Kayla N. West and Abby M. Warren (6/3/2021)

      "Status of Noncompete Agreements in 2021: Consider Alternatives to Protect Your Business Interests" co-authored with Natale V. DiNatale, Jean E. Tomasco, Abby M. Warren, Kayla N. West and Emily A. Zaklukiewicz (3/17/2021)

      "The CROWN Act: What Connecticut Employers Need to Know" co-authored with Kayla N. West, Abby M. Warren and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson (3/9/2021)

      "New FMLA Model Notices and Forms Issued by the U.S. DOL Reflect Significant Changes" co-authored with Emily A. Zaklukiewicz, Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Jean E. Tomasco and Abby M. Warren (9/18/2020)