Virginia McGarrity Featured in 2023 Best Lawyers Connecticut Issue “Lawyer of the Year” Spotlight

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity was featured in the “Lawyer of the Year” section of the 2023 Best Lawyers Connecticut issue released on April 7, 2023. Virginia was listed in The Best Lawyers in America© as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law for 2023. The write-up spotlights Virginia’s practice, including what she finds most rewarding and challenging. “I enjoy working with and developing long-term relationships with a broad range of clients across multiple industries while meeting the challenge of a constantly evolving employee benefits landscape. Over the past year, employers and benefits professionals were grappling with employee recruitment and retention, rising benefits costs, hybrid and remote work models, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, there has been significant judicial and regulatory developments in the field of employee benefits affecting employers and their businesses. It is my role to help clients successfully navigate these complex planning considerations, and avoid compliance pitfalls, so they can better focus on everyday business concerns.”

The 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. Virginia previously received the Lawyer of the Year designation in 2021.

R+C Plays Key Advisory Role in Keywords Studios’ Acquisition of Helpshift, Inc.

Keywords Studios (Keywords), an international technical and creative services provider to the global video games industry, announced that it has conditionally agreed to acquire Helpshift Inc., a privately held, consumer-facing digital platform that develops mobile customer support software, for up to $75 million. Keywords is being advised by a team of Robinson+Cole lawyers, including Business Transactions Group co-chair Brian Flaherty, Adam Anderson, Jonathan Cabot, Virginia McGarrity, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Nicole Diodati, Michael Kearney and Katherine Skonberg. The deal, first reported in Law360 on December 5, 2022, is expected to close before the end of the year. The proposed buyout will involve a portion of the purchase price to be paid upon satisfaction of certain conditions and financial performance metrics. Established in 1998, Keywords has more than 70 facilities in 26 countries in Asia, Australia, the Americas and Europe.

Virginia McGarrity Named a “Top Latino Lawyer” by Latino Leaders Magazine

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity has been named a 2022 “Top Latino Lawyer” by Latino Leaders magazine and is featured in the Law and Education 2022 issue, which was released on November 11, 2022. Virginia is among 55 lawyers across the US chosen for the recognition by the publication’s Selection Committee based on ownership of/partnership in their own practice or law office, relevant successful cases, professional activities, community involvement, and award recognitions. Those listed in the comprehensive national list “depict the talent built over the years, demonstrating that professionalism and talent are the common denominators of the lawyers of 2022.” Virginia is Vice Chair of R+C’s Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Committee and is the Past President of the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association (CHBA). View the 2022 Top Latino Lawyers list.

Virginia McGarrity Named to Hartford Business Journal’s 2022 “40 Under Forty” Class

Employee Benefits + Compensation Partner Virginia E. McGarrity has been selected by the Hartford Business Journal for inclusion in its 2022 “40 Under Forty” class. The Hartford Business Journal's 2022 “40 Under Forty” class showcases up-and-coming professionals who are leading their organizations and represent the promising future of the city, region, and state. The honorees were each profiled in a special section published in the August 15, 2022, edition of the Hartford Business Journal and recognized during a special ceremony on September 27, 2022. Read more in the press release.

Virginia McGarrity Elected to The Connecticut Forum Board of Directors

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity was elected to serve a three-year term on The Connecticut Forum Board of Directors effective September 22, 2022. Founded in 1992, The Connecticut Forum is a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Connecticut and beyond with live, unscripted panel discussions among renowned experts and celebrities, and community outreach programs including the award-winning Connecticut YOUTH Forum. Forums are presented four times per year to audiences of 2,800 at The Bushnell theater in Hartford. Robinson+Cole is pleased to be a sponsor of the Forum’s 2022 season. Learn more about The Connecticut Forum.

Virginia McGarrity Profiled in Hartford Business Journal’s 2022 “40 Under Forty” Issue

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity was profiled in a special issue of the Hartford Business Journal commemorating the publication’s 2022 “40 Under Forty” winners. In addition to providing a brief bio, Virginia’s profile shares her community service involvement, the biggest professional accomplishment so far in her career, a "fun fact" about her and more. View the profile.

The Hartford Business Journal's 2022 “40 Under Forty” class showcases a diversity of up-and-coming professionals who are leading their organizations and represent the promising future of the city, region, and state. This year’s class will be recognized during a special event on September 22, 2022 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium/Rentschler Field.

Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan Author HBJ Article on CT’s Mandatory Worker Retirement Plans

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group members Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan authored the article “Here’s what employers need to know about CT’s mandatory worker retirement plans,” published in the “Experts Corner” section of the Hartford Business Journal on April 8, 2022. The article focuses on the Connecticut Retirement Security Authority (CRSA), which was enacted by legislation in 2016. Virginia and Alisha write that the CRSA was charged with “designing and implementing a state-sponsored retirement savings program through which private-sector employees can participate if their employer does not offer a retirement savings plan.” The CSRA’s response was to create MyCTSavings, the retirement savings program that assists the more than 600,000 employees in the state who have no access to employer-sponsored retirement savings plans. The program requires both nonprofit and for-profit private-sector employers with five or more employees - each of whom has been paid more than $5,00 in the calendar year - to participate if they do not offer a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan. Read the full article.

Business Transactions Team Represents Hydrofera, LLC in Sale to Essity

Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Team represented Hydrofera, LLC, a U.S. company based in Manchester, Connecticut, and the developer of Hydrofera Blue Antibacterial Wound Dressing, an advanced line of wound care products designed to shorten healing times, lower treatment costs, and deliver better patient outcomes, in connection with its sale to Essity, a global hygiene and health company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Our team included Adam Anderson, Christine Bromberg, Rachel Kushel, Ryan Leichsenring, John Lynch, Virginia McGarrity, Kathy Porter, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Emilee Scott, Kiernan Ignacio, Patrick Mulpeter, Kayla O'Leary and Kayla West. Read more about the transaction in the press release.

National Law Review Spotlights EB+C Practice Group for 2021 "Go-To Thought Leadership Award"

The National Law Review (NLR) has selected Robinson+Cole’s Employee Benefits + Compensation practice group for a “Go-To Thought Leadership Award” for its COBRA Subsidy News coverage in the category of Employment Law as it relates to the tax implications and steps employers need to take concerning COBRA subsidies required by the American Rescue Plan Act. The EB+C practice group writers, consisting of Bruce Barth, Virginia McGarrity, Alisha Sullivan and Jean Tomasco, have published a number of articles on when COBRA subsidies expire, the management of responsibilities with third-party administrators, and related COVID-19 guidance, which have provided key insights for employers and employees alike.

The NLR’s “Go-To Thought Leadership Awards” recognized 87 exceptional legal authors drawn from more than 30 legal practice areas who were selected from a pool of the authors of more than 14,000 legal news articles published by the NLR in 2021. Award recipients, representing less than one percent of those who publish with the NLR, were acclaimed for having “contributed timely and well-thought-out legal news that were well read, regularly quoted or cited by other media.” Read the NLR press release. Congratulations to our outstanding team!

Business Transactions Team Represents SmartEquip in Sale to Ritchie Bros.

Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Team represented SmartEquip, Inc., a multi-manufacturer technology platform that provides customers with service and diagnostic support to each asset in their fleet, as well as enabling the electronic procurement of parts from OEMs and their dealers, in connection with its sale to Ritchie Bros., a global asset management and disposition company, for a purchase price of approximately $175 million. The R+C team included Adam Anderson, Stephen E. Cooper, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Virginia E. McGarrity, Christopher F. Homsy, Kayla C. O’Leary, Kathleen M. Porter, Michael J. Kearney, Jr. and Eric M. Kogan. The sale closed on November 2, 2021. Read more about the transaction.   

Virginia McGarrity Updates LexisNexis Practical Guidance Practice Note on ACA Employer Shared Responsibility

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity updated the article “ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Mandate,” published as a practice note in LexisNexis Practical Guidance® in August 2021. Virginia authored the note originally published in March 2019, which describes the shared responsibility rules for so-called applicable large employers (ALE) implemented by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Commonly referred to as the employer mandate or pay-or-play provisions of the ACA, the rules were designed to promote employers’ traditional role in providing access to health insurance for their employees despite rising health care costs, and to complement the ACA’s individual mandate, which requires individuals to obtain health coverage or pay an excise tax. Read the practice note.

Virginia McGarrity Focus of Connecticut Law Tribune Q&A Feature

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity was the focus of the article “Robinson & Cole's McGarrity on Some of the 'Toughest Workplace Challenges' Her Clients Have Ever Faced” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on July 29, 2021. In the Q&A feature, Virginia discusses some challenges faced due to the new climate amid the COVID-19 pandemic, trends in employee benefits and compensation and anticipated opportunities in 2022. She also describes her “biggest concern right now” and offers insight on the biggest lesson with regard to diversity in the legal profession in 2020. Read the article.

Transactional Health Law Team Represents Visiting Nurse Association and BlackTree/Simione in Recent Deals

Robinson+Cole’s Transactional Health Law Group, led by co-chair Leslie J. Levinson, represented Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), a 125-year-old nonprofit in Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA in the purchase of its home health and hospice operations by Amedisys, a leading national provider of home health, hospice, and personal care. Les served as prime counsel and led the team of Michael J. Kearney, Ryan V. Leichsenring, Virginia E. McGarrity, Kathryn M. Rattigan, Conor O. Duffy, Samuel C. Maduabueke and R+C alum Adam Tamzoke. The transaction is expected to close on or around July 1, 2021. Read more in the VNA press release.

In addition, the Transactional Health Law Group represented Connecticut-based Simione Healthcare Consultants and Pennsylvania-based BlackTree Healthcare Consulting in the execution of “a strategic and equal combination” to form SimiTree Healthcare Consulting. SimiTree will help post-acute healthcare organizations achieve clinical and financial excellence through consulting, outsourcing, and talent solutions. The merger is backed by Chicago-based health care PE firm Sheridan Capital, which focuses on lower-middle market buyouts and growth equity in the U.S. and Canada. Les led the team of Adam Anderson, Shant H. Chalian, Michael Kearney, Eric M. Kogan, Virginia McGarrity, Endicott Peabody IV, Kathryn Rattigan, Frank W. Eucalitto, and Michael G. Lisitano. Read more in Home Health Care News.

Transactional Health Law Team Represents ViaQuest in Significant Investment Agreement

Robinson+Cole’s Transactional Health Law Group, led by co-chair Leslie J. Levinson, represented ViaQuest Holdings, Ltd. (ViaQuest) as legal counsel in connection with investment in the healthcare services provider by Council Capital, a healthcare-focused private equity firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. The R+C team also included Adam Anderson, Christine Bromberg, Ian Clarke-Fisher, Frank Eucalitto, Michael Kearney, Eric Kogan, Michael Lisitano, Virginia McGarrity, Kit Peabody, Kathryn Rattigan and Emilee Mooney Scott. ViaQuest, headquartered in Dublin,Ohio, is a leading provider of quality, highly-individualized and specialized cost-effective care, solutions and services focused on individuals with development disabilities; hospice care; and behavioral and mental health. All are seen as growing areas of the healthcare market. ViaQuest operates in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Read the Press Release HERE.

Eric Keen, General Partner at Council Capital, was enthusiastic about the alignment of the two companies, seeing a good fit with Council Capital’s mandate of investing “on the right side of change” – where growth accelerates as cost pressure and quality demands increase. The private equity firm leverages its Council Model, which draws upon the experience and resources of its CEO Council, Strategic Healthcare Investors, and Value Creation Team, to attract and support leading management teams and portfolio companies. Keen noted that ViaQuest is “highly regarded and well-positioned within its service specialties.”

ViaQuest founder and CEO, Rich Johnson, will remain a significant investor and continue to lead the management team. Johnson said Council Capital’s “experience in our markets and the expertise and support provided through their CEO Council…and network of portfolio companies” were significant attractions that will support ViaQuest’s mission of offering “health, happiness and hope” as it continues to grow. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This is the first platform investment from Council Capital IV, a $200 million fund that closed in November 2020.

Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan Co-Author Checklist on Terminating a Defined Benefit Plan Published in Lexis Practice Advisor

Employee Benefits + Compensation group lawyers Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan co-authored the article “Terminating a Defined Benefit Plan Checklist,” published in Lexis Practice Advisor. Following strong market returns and larger-than-expected employer contributions in anticipation of future corporate rates from tax reform, many employers are finding now to be an optimal time to terminate their pension plans. This checklist provides a detailed and centralized list of the necessary requirements to be used by the various actuarial, legal, and plan administration practitioners tasked with advising an employer through the plan termination process. View the full article.

Virginia McGarrity Authors Article on ACA Employer Shared Responsibility

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia McGarrity authored the article “ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Mandate,” published as a Practice Note in Lexis Practice Advisor® on March 19, 2019. The article describes the shared responsibility rules for so-called applicable large employers (ALE) implemented by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Commonly referred to as the employer mandate or pay-or-play provisions of the ACA, the rules were designed to promote employers’ traditional role in providing access to health insurance for their employees despite rising health care costs, and to complement the ACA’s individual mandate, which requires individuals to obtain health coverage or pay an excise tax. And while tax reform legislation enacted in November 2017 effectively repeals the individual mandate as of 2019, the employer shared responsibility rules remain intact. Click here to read the full article. 

Virginia McGarrity Is Honored at Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Annual Meeting

Virginia McGarrity and Lauren Sigg attended the 2019 Annual Meeting of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford on May 14, 2019. Virginia was honored by the Board of Trustees for her years of service to the Stowe Center. She retired from the Board after fulfilling two three-year terms, serving as Secretary during the second term. At the Annual Meeting, the Board of Trustees welcomed new board members, elected new officers, and honored funders and volunteers. The Stowe Center is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the Hartford home of Harriet Beecher Stowe – known worldwide as the author of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” - promoting discussion of her life and work, and inspiring continued pursuit and commitment to social justice and positive change.

Virginia McGarrity Presents Program on Municipal Defined Contribution Plans

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity presented a program on “Municipal Defined Contribution Plans: The Evolving Fiduciary Landscape,” during the Government Finance Officers Association of Connecticut (GFOA-CT) Fall 2018 Quarterly Meeting at St. Clements Castle in Portland, Connecticut on November 8, 2018. GFOA-CT is comprised of over 400 state and local government finance officers and others interested in public finance. The Association’s purpose is to promote the improvement of the methods of governmental financing in Connecticut.

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.

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.

Ed Heath, Virginia McGarrity, and Joanne Rapuano Present During MLG Roundtable Discussion

Business Litigation Group lawyers Edward J. Heath and Joanne J. Rapuano, along with Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity, presented during the MLG Roundtable on June 14, 2018 at the firm. Mr. Heath and Ms. Rapuano presented an interactive program on “FCPA in 2018,” which provided an overview of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and its common misconceptions. They also shared best practices for training and investigating employees in light of those common misconceptions. Ms. McGarrity's program on “The Latest Trends and Practices in Employee Benefits” covered emerging employee benefit trends shaping 2018, including pension de-risking strategies, tax reform changes to executive compensation and benefits, and the latest developments in health care reform.

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.

Virginia McGarrity Co-presents on Section 409A and Executive Compensation During CBA CLE Program

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity co-presented the program “Section 409A and Executive Compensation” on February 28, 2018 in Hamden, Connecticut. Presented by the Connecticut Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section, the CLE program focused on executive compensation issues that arise on termination of employment, including treatment of equity awards and deferred compensation under Section 409A. Ms. McGarrity offered a summary of key 409A concepts and covered the separation pay exception, contingent releases, and issues counsel should consider at the time of "exit" for senior executives.

Natale DiNatale, Les Levinson, Virginia McGarrity, and Brian Nichols Present Health Law Webinar

Health Law Group lawyers Leslie J. Levinson and Brian D. Nichols and Labor + Employment Group lawyers Natale V. DiNatale and Virginia E. McGarrity presented a program on “Getting Your Health Care Entity Ready for a Purchase or Sale Transaction: Steps for Success” on February 27, 2018. The webinar provided practical takeaways and key considerations in planning for a purchase or sale transaction of a health care entity including: regulatory issues related to hospitals, physician practices, and post-acute health care providers; resource management, deal process considerations, and transaction timing; and labor, employee benefit, and environmental issues.

Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan Co-author Article Published in ABA Labor and Employment Law Newsletter

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyers Virginia E. McGarrity and Alisha N. Sullivan co-authored the article "Disaster Relief in the Workplace," published in the Fall 2017 edition of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Labor and Employment Law Newsletter. In the article, Ms. McGarrity and Ms. Sullivan cover the benefits and resources available to employees by human resource management to assist those who have been affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Click here to read the article

Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan Co-author Article Published in the Public Fiduciary

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyers Virginia E. McGarrity and Alisha N. Sullivan co-authored the article "Proposed Expansion of the PBGC's Missing Participant Program," published in the Fall 2017 edition of the Public Fiduciary, the official newsletter for Fiduciary Investment Advisors (FIA). FIA is an independent, employee-owned investment consulting firm that works with fiduciary clients including retirement plan sponsors, institutions, non-profit organizations, and private clients.

Virginia McGarrity and Alisha Sullivan Co-author Article Published in the Hartford Business Journal

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyers Virginia E. McGarrity and Alisha N. Sullivan co-authored the article "Trump admin. allows employers to opt out of ACA's contraception mandate," published in the November 6, 2017 issue of the Hartford Business Journal. The article offers a pointed update about the expansion of the contraceptive exemption offered to public and private companies citing a religious or moral conviction against providing contraceptive coverage to its employees. Click here to view the entire article.

Virginia McGarrity Discusses the Future of Health Care Reform Under the Trump Administration

Employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity presented a program entitled “The Affordable Care Act: Where Do We Go From Here?” on April 25, 2017. Hosted by Robert Hensley & Associates LLC (RH&A), a leading provider for financial and insurance services in the Farmington Valley, the program focused on the state of healthcare reform. Ms. McGarrity provided RH&A’s clients and prospective clients with some background information on the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She also discussed current attempts to repeal and replace the ACA, as well as anticipated healthcare trends under the Trump Administration.  

Employee Benefits Lawyers Speak at AICUM Spring Symposium 2017

Employee Benefits and Compensation Group lawyers Bruce B. Barth and  Virginia E. McGarrity presented at the AICUM Spring Symposium 2017 in Worcester, Massachusetts, on March 23, 2017. In their session, "403(b) plans under attack: Fiduciary breach class actions brought against multiple plans," Mr. Barth and Ms. McGarrity discussed a spate of class action lawsuits brought on behalf of plan participants against a dozen well-respected universities who sponsor large 403(b) and 401(k) plans. AICUM is the leading voice on public policy issues that affect independent higher education in Massachusetts. 

Virginia McGarrity Presents at CTCPA Conference

Employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity presented at the Connecticut Society of CPAs' (CTCPA) Employee Benefit Plans Conference on May 25, 2016, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. In the session "Fiduciary Update: Best Practices in Light of Recent Court Cases," Ms. McGarrity spoke about the impact of recent court decisions and government actions on retirement plans and their fiduciaries. In addition, she discussed the lawsuits relating to 401(k) plan investment options and the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Elected to CHBA Board

The Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association (CHBA) recently announced its new board members for the 2016–2017 year. Labor and employment lawyer Sandra Marin was elected and employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity was reelected to the association's Board of Directors. Ms. Marin served as treasurer of the CHBA board for the 2015-2016 year. Ms. McGarrity is a former CHBA president.

The CHBA's goal is to enhance the visibility of Hispanic lawyers throughout Connecticut, to facilitate communication and sharing of information and resources among its members, to mentor new attorneys and law students, and to help the public and private sectors achieve diversity in their law firms and legal departments. In addition, the CHBA assists the Hispanic community in gaining access to the courts, achieving judicial diversity, and facing social challenges.

Robinson+Cole Sponsors Stowe Center's Big Tent Jubilee

Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the Fifth Annual Big Tent Jubilee at the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, held on June 4, 2015, in Hartford, Connecticut. The third biennial Stowe Prize for Writing to Advance Social Justice was presented to Ta-Nehisi Coates, national correspondent for The Atlantic. Mr. Coates "consistently and thoughtfully examines cultural, social and political issues." This prize, awarded biennially to a U.S. author whose written work has significantly affected a critical social justice issue, as Stowe did in her book Uncle Tom's Cabin, was established in 2011 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Stowe's birth. Employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity represented the firm at the event. Among the many attendees were Governor Dannel Malloy and John Dankosky, news director of WNPR.

Ms. McGarrity is secretary of the Stowe Center's Board of Trustees and has served on the board since January 2013. Proceeds from the Big Tent Jubilee benefit the Stowe Center's education programs, which inspire civic responsibility for children and adults.

Virginia McGarrity Presents to Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Board

Virginia E. McGarrity, employee benefits lawyer in the Hartford office, spoke to the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors meeting at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, on May 21, 2015. Ms. McGarrity spoke about health care reform, focusing on its impact on the business community. She provided an overview of the progress and potential of private exchanges and gave an update on the impending "Cadillac Tax," scheduled to go into effect in 2018. The approximately 60 attendees represented a wide array of businesses, including large and small, for-profit and nonprofit, and governmental.

Hartford Lawyers Elected to CHBA Board Positions

The Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association (CHBA) recently announced its new officers and board members for the 2015–2016 year. Labor and employment lawyer Sandra Marin was elected as CHBA's treasurer, and employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity was reelected to its Board of Directors. Ms. McGarrity is a former CHBA president.

Throughout Connecticut, the CHBA's goal is to enhance the visibility of Hispanic lawyers throughout the state, to facilitate communication and sharing of information and resources among its members, to serve as mentors to new attorneys and law students, and to help the public and private sectors achieve diversity in their law firms and legal departments. In addition, the CHBA assists the Hispanic community in gaining access to the courts, achieving judicial diversity, and facing social challenges.

Virginia McGarrity Is Guest Lecturer at SCOTUS Symposium

Virginia E. McGarrity, employee benefits lawyer in the Hartford office, was a guest lecturer for a Supreme Court symposium at Quinnipiac University School of Law on March 30, 2015. Her topic, King v. Burwell, is the latest challenge to a key component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—the premium tax subsidy. The symposium was part of a 14-week course on the Supreme Court of the United States that focuses on seven blockbuster cases before the Court this term. Each case is discussed in two classes: in the first class, guests lecture on the case's factual and legal background, as well as on its vulnerability for each side, and in the second class, students present moot court-style oral arguments.

Virginia McGarrity Presents on Health Care Reform

Employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity presented a continuing education session sponsored by ConnectiCare to a group of approximately 40 large group brokers on March 2, 2015. The session, "Advising Your Clients on Health Care Reform," covered common issues and questions brokers will face from large employers concerning control group rules, employer mandate penalties, and the Cadillac tax.

In addition, Ms. McGarrity co-conducted with Tim Harlan from Express Scripts an in-house training session, "Large Group Health Care Reform and Pharmacy Trends," for ConnectiCare on February 4. 2015. Participants included large group sales staff, actuaries, and benefits managers as well as account managers, underwriters, product management staff, and medical analytics staff.

Virginia McGarrity Assesses High Court's Silence on Same-Sex Marriage

On October 6, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear petitions requesting review of lower court rulings that struck down same-sex marriage bans in five states. In response, Law360 asked lawyers to explain the implications of the decision. One of them, employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity, shared her view on the topic. Please click here to find out what she had to say.

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear the petitions ultimately makes gay marriage legal in Indiana, Wisconsin, Utah, Virginia, and Oklahoma.

Virginia McGarrity Elected Secretary of Stowe Center Board

Employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity has been elected as secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Author of the antislavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe helped change our country's impression of the divisive issue of slavery. Her life has served as an example of how one person can make a significant difference. The Stowe Center "preserves and interprets Stowe's Hartford home and the Center's historic collections, promotes vibrant discussion of her life and work, and inspires commitment to social justice and positive change."

Ms. McGarrity has been a member of the Stowe Center's Board of Trustees since January 2013.

Hartford Lawyers Speak at CONNACCA Conference

Employee benefits lawyers Bruce B. Barth and Virginia E. McGarrity spoke to the Connecticut Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel's (CONNACCA) In-House Paralegal Conference on March 27, 2014. Mr. Barth and Ms. McGarrity, along with Thomas McGuire, senior deputy general counsel at UnitedHealthcare, presented the session "Perspective on the Affordable Care Act."

Representing northern Connecticut, CONNACCA has more than 120 members from the local companies of United Technologies Corporation and the Henkel Corporation. The organization holds CLE programs throughout the year, with topics ranging from navigating employment law to commercial insurance and business method patents.

Virginia McGarrity Speaks at CBIA Conference

Employee benefits lawyer Virginia McGarrity recently presented at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association's (CBIA) 2014 Human Resources Conference on March 20, 2014, in Cromwell, Connecticut. Ms. McGarrity partnered with Michelle Zettergren, senior vice president, chief sales, and marketing officer at ConnectiCare, Inc., to present "Benefits: What to Prepare for in 2015." The session provided HR professionals with key information on how to effectively manage the current health care environment. The conference attracted approximately 100 human resource professionals from across Connecticut.

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Answer Health Care Reform Questions

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Support The Stowe Center

Robinson+Cole Sponsors Crawford Annual Dinner

Ms. Palmer currently serves on Crawford's Board of Directors.

Virginia McGarrity Quoted in Connecticut Law Tribune

Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association Honors Virginia McGarrity

Virginia E. McGarrity Delivers Presentation to Connecticut Association for Independent Schools

Virginia McGarrity Writes Article on Defense of Marriage Act in American Bar Association Newsletter

Virginia McGarrity Quoted in an Article About the Connecticut Bar Association’s Diversity Efforts

Virginia McGarrity Begins Serving as Past President of Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association

Virginia McGarrity Moderates Panel Discussion at Attorneys of Color Symposium

Virginia McGarrity Weighs In on the Connecticut Bar Association’s Latest Diversity Initiative

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in the Connecticut Society of CPAs’ Annual Tax Conference

Attorneys Felicia S. Hoeniger, Virginia E. McGarrity, and Kelley Galica Peck participated in the panel discussion “To Love, Honor and Share Tax Deductions…?” at the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (CSCPA) Tax360º Conference on November 9, 2011, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. While marriage for same-sex couples is now legal in Connecticut, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized by the federal government and most states, creating new, significant estate and financial planning challenges for CPAs, financial planners, attorneys, and other professionals. The panel discussed tax and estate planning techniques to address the unique needs of same-sex couples and the challenges to recognizing same-sex relationships in private employer benefit plans.

Employment and Benefits Attorneys Publish ERISA Health Plan Fiduciaries Article

Connecticut Law Tribune Recognizes Four Robinson & Cole Attorneys

Virginia McGarrity Accepts Award on Behalf of Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association

CHBA President Virginia McGarrity Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune Article

Virginia McGarrity Named President of the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association

The CHBA is an organization comprised of attorneys, law students, and paralegals, as well as professors and members of the judiciary. The CHBA has undertaken substantial efforts to serve the bar and the Hispanic community in Connecticut and is a member and supporter of the Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity. Over the years the CHBA has awarded thousands of dollars in academic scholarships to law students.

Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected Secretary of Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Coauthor Chapter in Bureau of National Affairs Publication

Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to Board of Directors of Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

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

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

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robinson+Cole Elects New Partners

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the election of five new partners, effective January 1, 2017. The new partners are Brian M. Flaherty, Michael W. Kaufman, Virginia E. McGarrity, Rickie M. Sonpal, and Brian J. Wheelin.

“The development and advancement of our more junior lawyers is critical to our continuing success,” said Stephen E. Goldman, Robinson+Cole’s Managing Partner. “The advancement of these five new partners is representative of the ways in which the firm continues to grow and be successful. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate our new partners as well as our R+C community for helping them to be successful.” 

Read more in the press release.

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “New Leaders in the Law” by the Connecticut Law Tribune

The Connecticut Law Tribune has recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Virginia McGarrity, Andrea Donovan Napp, Evan Seeman, and Brian Wheelin as New Leaders in the Law. They will be honored at an awards dinner on November 10 at The Bond Ballroom in downtown Hartford, along with the other lawyers being recognized. This distinction spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity.

Read more in the news release.

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.

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.

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.

Virginia McGarrity Elected to Harriet Beecher Stowe Center’s Board of Trustees

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.

Robinson & Cole Announces Pro Bono Award Recipients