Boston Lawyers Prepare Students to Deliver Oral Arguments

For the third consecutive fall, Boston lawyers Clive D. Martin and Kendra L. Berardi coached middle school students in the Discovering Justice program "Stand Up for Your Rights." Mr. Martin and Ms. Berardi taught fifth to eighth grade students from the Edward W. Brooke Charter School in Roslindale about the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the basic elements of legal procedure and oral argument, using a hypothetical case involving the search of a middle school student by the school principal. The program culminated on the evening of November 10, 2013, with teams of students, including 15 from the Brooke School, delivering oral arguments in the Moakley Courthouse before judges from the U.S. District Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, the Appeals Court, and the Land Court. The courtrooms were crowded with families, friends, teachers, and onlookers. Voulenteer judges assisted Chief Justice Karyn Scheier of the Massachusetts Land Court in commenting on and critiquing the Brooke School students. The student appellate lawyers acquitted themselves extremely well and made their coaches proud.

Pictured are the happy students after their oral arguments with their two R+C coaches, a third coach from the law firm Saul Ewing, Judge Scheier, and the two additional appellate advisory judges.

Construction Lawyer Serves as Panelist at AGC Workshop

Construction lawyer Joseph A. Barra participated in the panel "Who Owns the Risk?" on December 4, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts. Hosted by Associated General Contractors (AGC) Massachusetts, the panelists in this interactive workshop discussed how risk affects their company or organization. Ideas and concerns regarding risk were shared among the 90-plus attendees. Mr. Barra was joined by these other panelists: Robert Foster, Jr., senior vice president of development at Leggat McCall; Peter Hamill, vice president of operations at Turner Construction; Frederick Kramer, AIA, president of ADD, Inc.; Maureen McDonough, senior director of administration strategies at Harvard Planning & Project Management, and Robert Murray, president of BOND.

Construction Lawyer Presents Legal Exposure Session at CI

Construction lawyer Gregory R. Faulkner, co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Construction Practice Group, presented the session "Management of Legal Exposure" at the Construction Institute (CI) in Hartford, Connecticut, on December 17, 2013. In the presentation, which is part of the Project Management Certificate Series, Mr. Faulkner, along with Roy Cooper, P.E., of ARCADIS, discussed a comprehensive list of potential legal issues that can result from missteps of project participants. Given the success of the program, CI has decided to repeat the program in the spring.

The mission of CI is "to connect the professionals who contribute to the design, construction, and operation of the built environment and to promote mutual action to improve the delivery and management of our nation's facilities."

Robinson & Cole Elects Four New Partners and Promotes Six Counsel

Robinson & Cole is pleased to announce the election of four new partners and the promotion of six new counsel. The new partners are Matthew J. Lawlor, Brian D. Nichols, John E. O'Brien, Jr., and Todd R. Regan. The new counsel are Adam Anderson, Stephen O. Clancy, Dana M. Horton, Leigh K. Hughes, Benjamin C. Jensen, and Timothy C. Twardowski. The promotions are effective January 1, 2014.

"I am thrilled to congratulate our new partners and counsel," said John B. Lynch, Jr., managing partner. "These accomplished lawyers, from varied practice areas in our major markets, all have demonstrated a deep knowledge of their respective legal fields and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service and value to our clients. Their promotions position the firm to strengthen our client relationships even further and continue to enhance the depth of our practices."

Martin Onorato Moderates Diversity Program

Construction lawyer Martin A. Onorato moderated a program on diversity in the construction industry for the Connecticut Building Congress on November 12, 2013. The program featured Commissioner Donald DeFronzo of the Department of Administrative Services, who discussed the State of Connecticut's policies in support of greater opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the construction industry. The speakers also included representatives of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, which recently concluded a Phase 1 Disparity Study focusing on the set-aside programs currently in use on public works projects in Connecticut. Mr. Onorato and other speakers emphasized the importance of diversity, the evolving workforce demographics, and the need for a collective focus on practices that remove obstacles to achieving diversity.

Robinson & Cole Receives 34 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Three National Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers Survey

Robinson & Cole received 34 first-tier metropolitan rankings in the 2014 "Best Law Firms" list from U.S. News & World Report. The firm also received three national rankings, including Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Land Use & Zoning Law and a Tier 3 ranking for Real Estate Law.

The rankings are presented in tiers, either on the national or metropolitan lists, by practice area. The 2014 national rankings cover 74 practice areas while the metropolitan rankings cover as many as 120 practice areas. Both rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers were asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice areas.

Super Lawyers® Names 61 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2013 List

A total of 61 Robinson & Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Florida for 2013. 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, 19 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

Connecticut Landmarks Appoints Todd Regan to Board of Trustees

Connecticut Landmarks has appointed Robinson & Cole lawyer Todd R. Regan to its Board of Trustees. Its mission is to inspire interest and encourage learning about the American past by preserving selected historic properties, collections, and stories and presenting programs that meaningfully engage the public and our communities.

Boston Lawyer's Views on BIM Highlighted in Engineering News-Record

Construction lawyer Joseph A. Barra was featured in the section "Spotlight on Construction in New England" of the Engineering News-Record, published on July 15, 2013. In the article entitled "Contract Law Catching up with Construction Technology," Mr. Barra discusses his perspective on how the law is struggling to keep pace with the risks associated with building information modeling (BIM). The article explores the difficulties in fairly allocating risk and how the contract negotiation process needs to start with a full understanding of the model's purpose. Among other quotes, Barra concludes, "[t]he law typically lags technology. In my day, we used Leroy® pens to develop design documents. Computer-aided design (CAD) changed that. Today, CAD is the standard. Tomorrow, it will be BIM. Architects, engineers and contractors need to get on board the BIM train or else they will be left at the station."

A more comprehensive analysis of how the law applies to BIM risks can be found in Mr. Barra's brochure entitled Building Information Modeling: Now that you know how to spell BIM, is it right for you and your project?

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

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

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

Hartford Construction Lawyers Present at SFCI's Annual Meeting

Construction lawyers Dennis C. Cavanaugh and Todd R. Regan spoke at the 38th Annual Meeting & Seminars of the Surety & Fidelity Claims Institute (SFCI), held in Cambridge, Maryland, on June 28, 2013. Mr. Cavanaugh and Mr. Regan's presentation, entitled "Surety Law Update," covered recent developments and significant court decisions in surety and construction law.

Hartford Construction Lawyer Presents to the Connecticut Surety Association

Construction lawyer Peter E. Strniste, Jr., along with Donald Shubert, president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, recently presented to a group of forty construction professionals at the Connecticut Surety Association's Spring Meeting in Hartford, Connecticut. The presentation explored the Supreme Court's recent decision in State of Connecticut v. Lombardo Bros. Mason Contractors, Inc., holding that the statutes of limitations for asserting claims against construction contractors and professional designers does not apply to the State of Connecticut. Relying on the English Common Law principle nullum tempus occurrit regi (no time runs against the king), the Supreme Court permitted the State to assert claims against several contractors and designers arising from construction of the University of Connecticut's Law Library. The claims were filed twelve years after the State first occupied the building.

The Connecticut Surety Association is a sister organization of the American Surety Association and its members comprise construction bond agents and surety underwriters. Mr. Strniste has served as an officer of this organization for several years.

Joseph Barra to Present at Upcoming Massachusetts Construction Law Series

As part of the AGC of Massachusetts Construction Law Series, construction lawyer Joseph A. Barra will present the program "Building Information Modeling (BIM)" on Tuesday, June 25, in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Mr. Barra will talk about viewing BIM from a lawyer's point of view as well as address the factors to consider when deciding whether to use BIM and the associated legal provisions in a contract. Click here to view program details.

Hartford Construction Lawyer Presents at CBA Meeting

Construction lawyer Ryan M. Burns spoke at the Construction Law Annual Update meeting held in New Britain, Connecticut, on May 31, 2013. His presentation, "Developments in Bonding and Surety Law," was part of a CLE program of the Connecticut Bar Association's Construction Section. The program was designed to provide veteran construction lawyers, occasional practitioners, and owners and contractors with up-to-date information about the current state of construction law in Connecticut.

Robinson & Cole Sponsors Welcome Reception at ABA's 2013 Construction Forum Annual Meeting

Robinson & Cole was a proud sponsor of the Welcome Reception at the American Bar Association's (ABA) 2013 Forum on the Construction Industry Annual Meeting this past April. This year's annual meeting, which took place in Dana Point, California, featured sessions on the legal issues arising from new on-site construction technologies, new procurement and project management technologies, the future of construction insurance and bonding, preference programs on public projects and workforce issues, and the impact of globalization on construction dispute resolution.

Construction law lawyers Dennis C. Cavanaugh and Gregory R. Faulkner attended the two-day forum. Click here to view their picture in front of the sponsor sign at the Welcome Reception.

Boston Lawyer Receives CMAA's Distinguished Service Award

Construction lawyer Joseph A. Barra received one of the 2013 Distinguished Service Awards at the 19th Annual Project Achievement Awards Luncheon, presented by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), New England Chapter. Held in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 23, 2013, this event recognizes exceptional achievement in the New England construction management community. Mr. Barra was honored for his years of service, his support of the Standards of Practice course, and his valuable insight on the workings of the CMAA's New England Chapter.

Robinson & Cole Sponsors Annual Joint Dinner of the Design and Construction Industry

Construction lawyers Dennis C. Cavanaugh and Martin A. Onorato attended the 17th Annual Joint Dinner of the Design and Construction Industry on February 28, 2013, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, Connecticut. Robinson & Cole was the presenting sponsor of the event, which featured Governor Dannel Malloy as the keynote speaker.

This annual event creates an opportunity for members of more than 30 professional organizations to network and form career-building relationships.

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Selected for Top Women Attorneys in Massachusetts

Robinson & Cole lawyers Carla M. Moynihan, Amanda S. Eckhoff, and Danielle Andrews Long have been selected for the Top Women Attorneys in Massachusetts list being featured in the April 2013 issue of Boston magazine. All three attorneys were chosen based on their inclusion in the 2012 Super Lawyers® or Rising Star lists ( Super Lawyers is a registered trademark of Key Professional Media, Inc.).

Construction Lawyers Present at Seminar on Construction Defect Litigation

Construction lawyers Peter Strniste and Todd Regan presented at the full-day seminar "Construction Defect Litigation: From A to Z" in Hartford on February 5, 2013. The seminar was sponsored by the National Business Institute and attendees included in-house attorneys for construction management firms and municipal attorneys, among others.

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

The Connecticut Bar Foundation has elected Robinson & Cole lawyers Dennis C. Cavanaugh, Steven L. Elbaum, Gregory R. Faulkner, Christopher J. Hug, Eric Lukingbeal, Earl W. Phillips Jr., and Brian R. Smith as Fellows to the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. The program honors leaders in the legal profession and the judiciary in Connecticut. Membership in the Fellows is by invitation only. The program promotes a better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system and explores ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. The Fellows Program has approximately 850 to 900 members.

Robinson & Cole Receives 32 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in U.S.News - Best Lawyers Survey

Robinson & Cole received 32 first-tier rankings, across the cities of Hartford, Stamford, New London, Boston, and Providence, in the 2013 "Best Law Firms" list from U.S.News & World Report.

The firm also received four national rankings, including Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Litigation-Construction, and Tier 3 rankings for Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law.

The rankings are presented in tiers, either in the national list or metropolitan area, by practice area. The 2013 national rankings cover 80 practice areas, while the metropolitan lists cover as many as 118 practice areas. Both rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers were asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice area.

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.

Construction Partner Talks About Mediation on Panel Discussion

Construction partner Joseph A. Barra was a panelist for a discussion about situations that can derail mediation, “Lies, Diversions and Other Obstacles to Productive Mediation,” hosted by the Boston Bar Association on September 13, 2012.

The discussion covered process control, dealing with lies and diversionary tactics, issue prioritization, caucus management, alliance groups in multiparty mediation, and transition techniques when mediation does not resolve all disputes.

Law professor Dwight E. Golann of Suffolk University Law School and James E. McGuire of JAMS, the world’s largest private alternative dispute resolution provider, also spoke on the panel.

Robinson & Cole Expands Offices and Practice Areas with the Addition of New Associates

Robinson & Cole has expanded its reach geographically and in practice depth and breadth with the addition of four new associates to its Hartford, Stamford, and New York offices. Robert M. Barrack has joined the firm in Hartford, Jona Kim in Stamford, and Kristen N. Smith in New York City.

Ten Robinson & Cole Attorneys Selected as “Lawyers of the Year”

Robinson & Cole LLP congratulates its 2013 "Lawyers of the Year" as designated by The Best Lawyers in America® (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC).

Those honored, and their area of practice, include the following:

• Bruce B. Barth, Hartford Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year
• Dennis C. Cavanaugh, Hartford Litigation - Construction Lawyer of the Year
• Michael R. Enright, Hartford Litigation - Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year
• Richard A. Krantz, Stamford Securities Regulation Lawyer of the Year
• Dwight H. Merriam, Hartford Litigation - Land Use & Zoning Lawyer of the Year
• Earl W. Phillips, Jr., Hartford Environmental Law Lawyer of the Year
• Kathleen M. Porter, Boston Information Technology Law Lawyer of the Year
• Norman H. Roos, Hartford Banking and Finance Law Lawyer of the Year
• Robert H. Smith, Jr., Hartford Litigation - Trusts & Estates Lawyer of the Year
• James A. Wade, Hartford Litigation - Antitrust Lawyer of the Year

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

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

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

Robinson & Cole Welcomes Twelve New Attorneys in Five Offices Expanding its Presence across the Northeast

Robinson & Cole is pleased to announce that two partners and ten other lawyers have joined the firm's ranks across its Northeast offices. The new attorneys add a depth and breadth of experience to various practice areas, including business, labor & employment, finance, litigation, land use, and construction.

Robinson & Cole Construction Partners Contribute to Connecticut Construction Guidelines

Gregory R. Faulkner and Martin A. Onorato, partners of Robinson & Cole LLP's Construction Practice Group, were contributing authors to Connecticut Construction Guidelines: The Manual for Successful Building Projects, 2nd Edition, published by the Connecticut Construction Guidelines Coalition. Attorney Faulkner authored the "Requests for Information" guideline and edited numerous other guidelines. Attorney Onorato authored the "Retainage" guideline and also edited other guidelines.

Construction Partner Discusses Contract Law with Civil Engineers

Construction partner Gregory R. Faulkner delivered a presentation at the Engineering & Construction Law Seminar sponsored by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers at the Metropolitan District Commission Training Center in Hartford on March 30, 2012.

Mr. Faulkner presented “Contracts – Why They Are Important and What Are The Key Clauses of Which You Should Be Aware.” Construction associate Ryan M. Burns helped Mr. Faulkner prepare the presentation.

Construction Partner Delivers Presentation on Joint Ventures

Construction partner Joseph A. Barra was the keynote speaker at the dinner meeting of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers at the Ivy Garden in West Warwick on March 15, 2012. Mr. Barra talked about design-build joint ventures from formation through dissolution. He presented factors from company culture to opportunities a joint venture opens.

Super Lawyers® Renames Two Robinson & Cole Partners to Top 50 List in Connecticut

Robinson & Cole LLP is pleased to announce that Super Lawyers® ( Super Lawyers is a registered trademark of Key Professional Media, Inc.) has again named two partners from the Hartford, Connecticut, office to its 2011/2012 list of the top 50 lawyers in Connecticut. Land law lawyers Dennis C. Cavanaugh and Dwight H. Merriam received the honor.

Construction Lawyer Attends Firm Sponsored Joint Design and Construction Industries Dinner

Construction partner Martin A. Onorato attended the joint dinner for the design and construction industries on March 3, 2012, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Governor Dannel Malloy presented the after dinner remarks at the event, titled “Success Begins with Who You Know,” hosted by Robinson & Cole. The joint dinner provides these two interconnected industries with an evening of networking, collegiality, and relationship building. This annual event is an extraordinary business opportunity for members of the professional associations invited to participate.



Click here for a photo of Mr. Onorato and Governor Malloy.

Construction Partner Spoke on Panel for Design-Build Projects in New England

Construction partner Joseph A. Barra was a panelist for a breakfast presentation entitled “Design-Build Project Delivery: Is It Right For Your Project?” The New England chapters of the Construction Management Association of America and the Design-Build Institute of America sponsored the breakfast at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston on January 10, 2012. Mr. Barra’s talk focused on joint ventures for design-build projects.

Robinson & Cole Adds Two New Associates in Hartford

Robinson and Cole LLP welcomes associates Ryan M. Burns and Nicolas F. Perry to the firm's Hartford office. Mr. Burns joins the Construction Practice Group, concentrating his practice in construction law, commercial litigation, and surety and fidelity law. Mr. Perry joins the Business Litigation Practice Group, focusing on all matters of business litigation, including antitrust litigation, employment litigation, and white-collar criminal investigation.

Article on Massachusetts Lien Law by Construction Partner Published in Construction Management Association Newsletter

The New England chapter of the Construction Management Association of America published an article written by construction partner Joseph A. Barra in the association’s fall 2011 newsletter. The article, “Massachusetts Design Professionals Now File A Lien For Unpaid Design-Phase Services,” covered a new amendment to the Massachusetts lien law.

Robinson & Cole Announces Partner Promotions

Robinson & Cole LLP is pleased to announce the election of four attorneys to partner: William J. Egan, Peter E. Strniste Jr., Melissa Sullivan, and Jeffrey J. White, effective January 1, 2012.

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

Robinson & Cole LLP was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (© 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). In addition, the firm achieved the distinction of being the top-listed firm with the most listed attorneys in the state in the areas of Environmental Law, Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, and Litigation - Intellectual Property. The firm is also top-listed in Hartford, Connecticut, and in the areas of Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Litigation - Construction, and Trusts and Estates for the city.

Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 3.1 million confidential evaluations are submitted by attorneys on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

Construction Attorney Presents Paper and Moderates Discussion at Defense Research Institute's Fidelity and Surety Roundtable

Construction counsel Peter E. Strniste Jr. presented a paper and led a roundtable discussion at the Defense Research Institute’s Fidelity and Surety Roundtable in Chicago, Illinois, on May 13, 2011. Mr. Strniste coauthored the paper with fellow construction attorney Alexandra E. Baez. The paper is titled “A Nightmare on Main Street: Strategies for Resolving Subdivision Performance Bond and Maintenance Bond Disputes in Today’s Post Housing Bubble Crisis.”

The roundtable discussion focused on the defense of subdivision performance and maintenance bond claims in today’s post-residential housing bubble.

More than 60 in-house claims attorneys, outside counsel and consultants attended the event. The Fidelity and Surety Roundtable is held annually in May in Chicago. The event provides a forum for an informative discussion on various aspects of surety and fidelity claims handling practices.

Martin Onorato Elected President of Connecticut Building Congress

The Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) elected construction attorney Martin A. Onorato president for the 2011-2012 term, which begins on July 1, 2011. Mr. Onorato was most recently a member of the CBC’s Industry Practice and Ways and Means committees. CBC has been Connecticut’s premier networking organization for construction industry firms, including owners, engineers, architects, attorneys, contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, and others for nearly 60 years. Its mission is to provide a multidisciplinary environment that fosters relationships and enhances the building process for the enrichment of its members. In addition, the CBC Scholarship Fund grants scholarships to college-bound students studying in areas of benefit to the construction industry, including architecture, engineering, construction management, and construction technology.

Joseph Barra Gives Practical Tips at the MCLE Construction Law and Litigation Seminar

Construction partner Joseph A. Barra presented at the May 26, 2011, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education seminar “Practical Cutting-Edge Tips and Trends for the Experienced Construction Lawyer” in Boston, Massachusetts. The seminar agenda covered updates on construction law developments and trends, including hiring counsel, public-private partnerships, and the new Massachusetts Prompt Payment Act.

Construction Partner Moderates Connecticut Building Congress Panel Discussion

Construction partner Martin A. Onorato moderated a panel discussion, “Meet the Architects,” coordinated by the Connecticut Building Congress on May 10, 2011. The panel focused on the status of economic recovery, major market drivers for projects, and regional trends in design.

Construction Attorney Presents at Annual Commercial Construction & Renovation Summit

Construction counsel Peter Strniste Jr. delivered a presentation to more than 50 contractors and retailers at the Commercial Construction & Renovation Summit in Braselton, Georgia, on April 14, 2011. The presentation, “Liens, Laws and Bankruptcy,” explored strategies and processes for avoiding mechanic’s liens and other claims on retail construction projects. Mr. Strniste also explored techniques for identifying financially challenged subcontractors and ensuring that payments to these subcontractors flowed to their sub-subcontractors or suppliers, who were actually furnishing labor, materials, and equipment to the project at hand. Mr. Strniste examined variations in laws regarding mechanic’s liens from state to state and explained the benefits of strong trust fund provisions within the project documents. He also reviewed common trust fund statutes in several states and focused on the effects of various contractual provisions, liens, and claims in which one of the parties in the construction pyramid has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Peter Strniste Authors Article Regarding Risks Associated With Contractual LEED Certification Requirements

Construction counsel Peter E. Strniste Jr. wrote an article "Contractual Responsibility For LEED Certification: Allocating The Risks Associated With Going Green,” published in Schimenti Construction Company’s spring 2011 newsletter. Schimenti Construction is a client of the firm with offices in New York City and Fairfield County. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED - Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design - is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and constructed using strategies intended to improve performance in metrics, such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

The newsletter is distributed to hundreds of retailers and subcontractors throughout New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

Construction Attorneys Onorato and Cunha Present Webinar on Construction Management

Construction partner Martin A. Onorato copresented the webinar “Avoiding the Six Common Mistakes of CM Practice” with Frank C. White Jr. of Chubb Group on April 21, 2011, hosted by the Construction Management Association of America.

The webinar identified six common mistakes of construction management agency practice, examined the language in the Construction Management Association of America’s standard contract forms that apply to these mistakes, and reviewed the applicable provisions of an insurance policy designed for construction managers.

Attorney Writes Chapter About Performance Bonds and Contractor Default Insurance for Book

Construction Chair Dennis C. Cavanaugh coauthored the chapter titled “Performance Bonds and Contractor Default Insurance” for the book Construction Insurance: A Guide for Attorneys and Other Professionals published in April 2011 by the American Bar Association's Forum Committee on the Construction Industry. The publication is considered the handbook for construction lawyers, written by practitioners with considerable experience in construction and insurance. Construction associate Elizabeth K. Cunha assisted Mr. Cavanaugh to write the chapter.

Rebecca Levy-Sachs Discusses Green and Property Insurance at the FDCC Winter Meeting

Rebecca Levy-Sachs presented at the plenary program “Green Construction, LEED & Liability, A Primer for Counsel” at the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel winter meeting in Indian Wells, California, on March 2, 2011. The four-speaker panel addressed the growth and potential impact of green construction on design professionals, contractors and owners of green buildings; the potential redefining of standards of care in the construction industry; and “Leedigation,” recent cases challenging Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification and standards. Ms. Levy-Sachs specifically addressed green and property insurance, which explored green endorsements in property policies, the adoption of green building standards into state, local and municipal building codes, and the impact those green building codes will have on traditional law and ordinance coverage. The State of California was the first state to adopt the International Green Building Code as part of its state building code in January 2011. The International Building Code Council introduced the International Green Building Code in November 2010.

Ms. Levy-Sachs is chair of the Property Insurance Section of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, an international organization of experienced attorneys specializing in defense of civil litigation, corporate counsel, risk managers, and insurance claims executives.

Construction Attorney Gives Tips for the Expert Witness

Joseph A. Barra, construction partner in the firm’s Boston office, recently cowrote the third installment of his expert witness series, “So You’re Going to Be an Expert Witness…Part III – Cross-Examination.” The article, published in ACEC Insights, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts’ monthly publication, focuses on best practices for expert witnesses during cross-examination, including the role of opposing counsel, the role of the expert witness, common traps, and how to cope. The first article in this series was published in March 2010 and examined the process of becoming an expert witness. Part two was published in June 2010 and explored direct examination.

To read the full article of “So You’re Going to Be an Expert Witness…Part III – Cross-Examination,” click here.

Joseph A. Barra Joins Robinson & Cole’s Construction Group

Lawyer Joseph A. Barra has been elected partner in the Construction Group in Robinson & Cole LLP's Boston office. Mr. Barra brings significant experience handling disputes and transactional matters involving design and construction of commercial, retail, educational, industrial, transportation, and utility projects. With skills gained in his first career as a civil engineer, he has represented clients in the construction industry for the past 20 years.

Construction Attorney Participates in Two Panels

Construction Law Practice Group chair Dennis C. Cavanaugh recently participated in two panels on alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Cavanaugh was a panelist on the “Arbitration Discussion” panel at the Pearlman 2010 conference on September 9, 2010, at Gig Harbor, Washington. He also moderated the Connecticut Bar Association’s Construction Practice and Federal Practice Sections panel “Keeping Construction Arbitration from Morphing into Litigation” on September 29, 2010, at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut.

Robinson & Cole LLP Receives Most Connecticut First-Tier Rankings in Inaugural U.S.News - Best Lawyers Survey

U.S.News & World Report and the Best Lawyers in America® 2011 (© 2010 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) have released their Best Law Firms rankings for practice areas, and Robinson & Cole LLP has garnered the most first-tier rankings for metropolitan areas in Connecticut.

Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected General Chair of Connecticut Swimming, Inc.

Litigation attorney Christopher J. Hug been elected to a two-year term as general chair of Connecticut Swimming, Inc., a nonprofit youth swimming organization and an affiliate of USA Swimming, Inc., the governing body for competitive swimming in the United States. Mr. Hug’s term begins September 1, 2010.

Connecticut Swimming, Inc. has more than 5,000 athlete members and more than 70 different clubs servicing the geographical area of Connecticut.

Robinson & Cole Attorney Participates on Panel during Construction Program

Construction attorney Gregory R. Faulkner participated in a panel discussion during the Professional Women in Construction (PWC) program “Getting What You Bargained For in a Tough Economy.” Mr. Faulkner and the rest of the PWC panel discussed legal and practical options to insure payment and performance on construction projects. Founded in 1980, PWC is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization committed to advancing professional, entrepreneurial, and managerial opportunities for women and other non-traditional populations in construction and related industries.

Robinson & Cole Attorney Appointed to Rocky Hill Planning and Zoning Commission

Construction attorney Gregory R. Faulkner was recently appointed as a commissioner to the Rocky Hill Planning and Zoning Commission for a two-year term. Mr. Faulkner previously served as an elected member of the Rocky Hill Zoning Board of Appeals for two separate terms. The Planning and Zoning Commission is the primary agency responsible for overseeing development with the town and must approve all new development prior to construction. The commission also has an educational role in which it serves to stimulate interest in planning. In addition, it performs a coordinator role in working with other public and private agencies to integrate the total governmental planning effort.

Robinson & Cole Attorney Reelected Vice President of Connecticut Surety Association

Construction attorney Peter E. Strniste, Jr. has been reelected to a third term as vice president of the Connecticut Surety Association, a chapter of the national Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA). The SFAA is a trade association consisting of companies that collectively write the majority of surety and fidelity bonds in the United States. It also promotes preserving the use of fidelity and surety bonds to protect public and private interests. The Connecticut chapter is comprised mostly of surety underwriters, bonding agents and other construction professionals. Mr. Strniste has served on the executive board of this organization since 2004.

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present on Architectural Copyright Law

Construction partner Martin A. Onorato chaired a roundtable meeting of the Connecticut chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in New Haven with Intellectual Property chair Kathleen M. Porter. Mr. Onorato and Ms. Porter discussed recent developments in copyright protection of architectural works and drawings and the value of copyright to the practice of architecture. With nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA serves as the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for its members in service to society, carrying out its goal through advocacy, information, and community.

Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected to Board of Directors for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects

Construction partner Martin A. Onorato recently was elected to a two-year term to the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. AIA Connecticut is the professional association for Connecticut architects. The organization encourages design excellence and works to improve society through attention to the quality of the built and natural environments. Mr. Onorato also chairs the Professional Practice Committee for AIA-Connecticut.

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.

Robinson & Cole Partner Authors Chapter in Construction and Design Law Guide

Construction co-chair Dennis C. Cavanaugh recently authored the Connecticut chapter in the book A State-by-State Guide to Construction and Design Law: Current Statues and Practices, Second Edition.

Mr. Cavanaugh’s chapter provides a comprehensive review of Connecticut design and construction law and is a valuable resource for lawyers negotiating or reviewing construction or design contracts for projects outside their jurisdiction. The guide is published by the Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section of the American Bar Association. Construction partner Martin A. Onorato and associate Keane E. Aures assisted Mr. Cavanaugh with the drafting of this chapter.

Books by Robinson & Cole LandLaw Partners on Best Seller List

Books authored or edited by LandLaw partners Brian W. Blaesser, Thomas P. Cody, Michael S. Giaimo, and Dwight H. Merriam recently made the American Bar Association’s best seller list for the Section of State and Local Government Law. Mr. Giaimo co-edited the best seller RLUIPA Reader: Religious Land Uses, Zoning and the Courts and also authored a chapter in the book. Mr. Merriam also authored a chapter in the book and edited the best seller At the Cutting Edge: Land Use Law from the Urban Lawyer. Mr. Blaesser and Mr. Cody edited the best seller Redevelopment: Planning, Law, and Project Implementation and also authored several chapters in the book.