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.

Robinson+Cole Receives 43 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Robinson+Cole received 43 first-tier metropolitan rankings, including 30 in the city of Hartford, in the 2023 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Robinson+Cole also received four national rankings: Tier 1 ranking for Land Use & Zoning Law, Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Real Estate Law, and a Tier 3 ranking in Labor Law - Management. Read more in the press release. 

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.

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!

Robinson+Cole Receives 40 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Robinson+Cole received 40 first-tier metropolitan rankings, including 28 in the city of Hartford, in the 2022 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Robinson+Cole also received four national rankings: Tier 1 ranking for Land Use & Zoning Law, Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Real Estate Law, and a Tier 3 ranking in Labor Law - Management. Read more in the press release. 

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.

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.

Alisha Sullivan and Emily Zaklukiewicz Appointed to Key Positions in CBA-YLS Women in the Law Committee

Employee Benefits and Compensation Group member Alisha N. Sullivan and Labor and Employment Group member Emily A. Zaklukiewicz have been appointed to key roles within the Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (CBA-YLS) Women in the Law Committee for the 2020-2021 bar year. Effective July 2020, Emily serves as co-chair of the Committee, while Alisha steps into a new role within the Committee as Director. YLS leadership is encouraging her to mold the position, which functions to lead and guide the Women in the Law Committee co-chairs. Previously, Alisha served as co-chair of the Women in the Law Committee for both the 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 bar years and was even presented with a CBA-YLS Star of the Year Award in recognition of her leadership.

The Young Lawyers Section has as its primary goals the promotion of justice, the encouragement of public service, and the promotion of diversity and education of young lawyers and newly admitted practitioners. The Section serves a valuable social and networking role in fostering connections among young lawyers and assisting them in their transition into the legal practice in Connecticut. It includes all members of the CBA who are 37 years old or younger or who have been admitted to the Bar for less than six full bar years.

The Women in the Law Committee of the Young Lawyers Section monitors the progress and works to enhance the status and opportunities available to women in the legal profession; provides women attorneys in Connecticut an opportunity to share concerns, communicate, and network with one another in a supportive forum; and promotes the participation of the CBA in substantive areas of law and legislation that present issues of particular concern to women in the profession, and to those who seek legal services. 

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.

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.

Alisha Sullivan Moderates Panel on Careers in Tax-Related Areas of Practice

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Alisha N. Sullivan moderated a panel focused on the practice of tax law at Quinnipiac University’s School of Law on March 4, 2019. The discussion was sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyer’s Section (YLS) Tax Section, of which Alisha is the Chair, the Tax Section and Estates & Probate Section of the CBA and Quinnipiac University School of Law’s Tax Law Society. The four-person panel was comprised of lawyers from the tax and estate planning divisions of three law firms in Connecticut and New York as well as a representative from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. They offered perspectives on the practice of tax law, including what tax lawyers do, challenges to breaking into tax law and how to overcome them, career trajectories and decision points, and what the future holds for this area of the law.

Robinson+Cole Promotes Nine Lawyers to Counsel

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the promotion of nine associates to counsel, effective January 1, 2019. The new counsel are J. Tyler Butts, Karla L. Chaffee, Kevin P. Daly, Soo Y. Kim, Matthew P. Mazzola, Emilee Mooney Scott, Taylor A. Shea, and Jovana Vujovic.

“Each of these lawyers has significantly enhanced some of our core practices in three of our key markets,” said Stephen E. Goldman, Robinson+Cole’s Managing Partner. “The elevation of this group furthers the development of our lawyers and the firm’s continued success in these strategic areas. It’s my pleasure to congratulate our new counsel on their well-deserved advancement.” Read more in the press release.

Bruce Barth Presents During Fall Meeting of Actuaries' Club of Hartford & Springfield

Benefits lawyer Bruce B. Barth presented a program on “Legislative Changes Impacting the Defined Benefit World” during the Fall 2018 meeting of the Actuaries' Club of Hartford & Springfield at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut on November 8, 2018. The session provided an overview of updates with regard to the latest employee benefits legislation and case law affecting defined benefit plans, including current developments from the Internal Revenue Service, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and tax reform. Bruce also shared an update with respect to what trends have been prevalent in 2018 in the defined benefit realm, and what can be expected moving forward.

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.

Robinson+Cole Receives 36 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – “Best Law Firms” Survey

Robinson+Cole received 36 first-tier metropolitan rankings in the 2019 “Best Law Firms” list published in U.S. News & World Report. The firm also received four national rankings: Tier 2 rankings for Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law and Tier 3 rankings for Information Technology Law and Labor Law - Management.

The rankings are presented in tiers, on both the national and metropolitan lists, by practice area. Rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers are asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice areas. The full methodology can be found at http://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/methodology.aspx.

View the complete list of first-tier metropolitan rankings.

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.

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.

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.

Bruce Barth Presents DOL Fiduciary Rule Program at Personal Financial Planning Conference

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Bruce B. Barth presented a session on the "DOL Fiduciary Rule: Risks and Opportunities for Advisors" on December 7, 2017 at the CTCPA Education Center in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The program was part of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (CTCPA) Personal Financial Planning Conference and covered the practical impacts of the DOL Fiduciary Rule as it relates to client advice and implementation of portfolios. Mr. Barth offered insight on how advisers can comply with the DOL Fiduciary Rule, the risks of non-compliance, and the potential for growing your advice practice if implemented successfully.

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.

Bruce Barth Presents to Pension Professionals at NIPA Forum

Employee Benefits and Compensation Group lawyer Bruce B. Barth spoke at a National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA) event, "An Education Forum for Pension Professionals," in Hartford, Connecticut, on September 20, 2017. Geared toward pension professionals, the forum addressed the state of the new Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule, how cybersecurity is becoming one of the biggest threats to pension plans, and regulatory and compliance issues. The audience included accountants, lawyers, third-party administrators, retirement consultants, actuaries, and trust administrators, among others. 

Patrick Begos and Greg Bennici Co-author Article Published in For the Defense

Business Litigation Group lawyers Patrick W. Begos and Gregory J. Bennici co-wrote the article "The Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction," published in the August 2017 issue of For the Defense, the member magazine for DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar. The article focuses on how understanding the "probate exception," it's history, and the split among the circuits about whether it applies in cases for which federal question jurisdiction exists can aid in explaining to a judge why it should not apply to ERISA claims. Mr. Begos and Mr. Bennici also discuss the important distinguishing factors to be cognizant of when contemplating what effect the probate exception might have on any particular claim. Click here to view the entire article. 

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.

Bruce Barth Speaks at FIA Annual Client Conference

Employee Benefits and Compensation lawyer Bruce B. Barth presented at the Fiduciary Investment Advisors (FIA) 2017 Client Conference in Newport, Rhode Island, on June 23. He was a member of a panel on "Keeping Your Defined Contribution Plan Afloat in a Sea of Litigation," which focused on the impact and implications of the Department of Labor's new fiduciary rule, general fiduciary duties of plan sponsors and administrative committees, and current pending litigation involving 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

Alisha Sullivan Appointed to CBA’s Young Lawyers Section Roles

Employee Benefits and Compensation Group lawyer Alisha N. Sullivan has been appointed to the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Young Lawyers Section’s (YLS) Executive Committee, and she has been named the co-chair for the YLS Women in the Law Committee. Both appointments are for the 2017-18 bar year. The goals of the YLS are to promote justice, encourage public service, and promote diversity and education of young lawyers and newly admitted practitioners. These goals are achieved through educational, public service, and community programs, servicing both junior and senior members of the CBA. The Section, made up of over 2,000 members, also serves a valuable social and network role in introducing young lawyers and assisting them in their transition to the Connecticut legal practice. The Women in the Law Committee plays a key role in planning two of the most well-attended CBA events: The Annual Women’s Professional Golf Event, and in conjunction with the CBA Women in the Law Section, the annual Pathways to Leadership for Women Lawyers dinner where the YLS honors the Ladder Award recipient.

Bruce Barth Speaks on Regulatory and Legislative Benefits

Employee Benefits and Compensation lawyer Bruce B. Barth spoke recently about how 2017 will be a year of fluctuation and change in the world of employee benefits. Barth covered the topic at the WEB Network (Worldwide Employee Benefits) in Hartford on April 27, 2017. Barth discussed how the new administration’s focus on the repeal and replacement of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as well as tax reform, will impact employee benefits. Barth covered new Internal Revenue Service procedures, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules regarding wellness plan incentives, and the Department of Labor’s new ERISA disability claim regulations. Barth’s presentation also tackled the impact and the effect of recent U.S. Supreme Court cases related to employee benefit matters.

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. 

Robinson+Cole Welcomes New Litigation Partner

Robinson+Cole’s Business Litigation Group welcomes Patrick W. Begos as a partner in the firm’s Stamford office. Mr. Begos has nearly 30 years of commercial and insurance litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation experience, representing companies and individuals in a wide array of industries.

“We are excited to welcome Pat to the firm,” said Theodore J. Tucci, chair of the firm’s Health and Benefits Litigation Group. “His addition to Robinson+Cole significantly expands our litigation depth and geographic reach in representing clients in pension and life, health, and disability benefits matters.” Read more in the full 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.

Bruce Barth Speaks at ABA Fall CLE Meeting

Employee benefits lawyer Bruce B. Barth was among the panelists who discussed the proposed regulations issued under section 457(f) during the “Employee Benefits Exempt Organization and Governmental Plans Update” program on September 30, 2016, as part of the 2016 Joint Fall CLE Meeting, hosted by the ABA Section of Taxation and the Trust and Estate Law Division of the ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. Mr. Barth is a chair of the Subcommittee on Exempt Organization and Governmental Plans, which presented the program. The program also included other recent guidance and decisions relating to tax-exempt, church, and governmental plans.

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

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

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

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

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.

We are Pleased to Welcome Devin Karas to the Firm

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Cynthia Christie Quoted in Law360

Cynthia R. Christie, employee benefits and compensation lawyer, was quoted in Law360's Employment Section on June 26, 2014. In the article "Lawyers Weigh in on High Court's ERISA Ruling," several lawyers addressed the significance of Fifth Third Bancorp v. Dudenhoeffer, where the US Supreme Court decided that a fiduciary's decision to permit the investment of retirement plan assets in employer stock is not entitled to a presumption of prudence. Ms. Christie stated that "[a]lthough the court's ruling will have a seismic impact on the [employee stock ownership plan] community, it is not clear how dramatically the fiduciary landscape will be altered once the dust settles." Please click here to view the article.

Law360's Employment Section reports on the latest news in labor and employment law, legislation, and regulation. It also follows employment-related litigation concerning major domestic and international companies in US federal courts, government enforcement actions, and arbitration proceedings.

Hartford Lawyers Present at CTCPA Conference

At the Employee Benefit Plans Conference, sponsored by the Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA), employee benefits and compensation lawyers Bruce B. Barth and Cynthia R. Christie presented the session "Everybody Makes Mistakes: Retirement Plan Correction Options under EPCRS" in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on May 20, 2014. The program covered common errors made in drafting, administrating, and operating retirement plans—and how to fix those errors. Mr. Barth and Ms. Christie described a framework for correcting plan errors using the Internal Revenue Service's Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS).

In addition, Mr. Barth participated in the "Ask the Experts Panel," along with three other experts in the field. Each panel member addressed frequently encountered issues in the marketplace, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

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.

Hartford Lawyers Hold Workshop on Affordable Care Act

Hartford Symphony Orchestra Elects Bruce B. Barth to Board of Directors

Hartford Lawyer Elected to Board of UConn's Law School Alumni Association

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

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."

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Answer Health Care Reform Questions

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Support The Stowe Center

Bruce Barth Speaks on Issues of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Virginia McGarrity Quoted in Connecticut Law Tribune

Jean Tomasco Presents Webinar for HR Professionals

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

Jean Tomasco Interviewed for CBIA's Business Minutes

Jean Tomasco Presents Update on Employment Law to CBIA’s HR Council

Bruce Barth Presents Annual Benefits Legislative Update to WEB

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

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.

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

• 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

Bruce Barth Delivers Webinar on Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

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

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."

Theodore J. Tucci to Participate in the Metro Hartford Alliance’s Panel Discussion on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling on Health Care Reform

• Theodore J. Tucci, Partner, Robinson & Cole LLP
• Kevin Counihan, Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange
• J. Bruce Boisture, Of Counsel, Day Pitney LLP

Employee Benefits and Compensation Partner on Two Panels at Society for Human Resource Management Conference

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

Bruce Barth Presents Annual Benefits Legislative Update to WEB

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.

Robinson & Cole Announces Pro Bono Award Recipients

Virginia McGarrity Accepts Award on Behalf of Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association

Reflexite Combines with ORAFOL to Create Leading Global Reflective Materials, Graphic Products, and Industrial Tapes Group

ORAFOL’s press release.

Bruce Barth Discusses Defined Contribution Plans at FIA Conference

Bruce Barth Weighs-in on Pension Plan Ruling in CT Law Tribune

CHBA President Virginia McGarrity Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune Article

Bruce Barth Presents on New Health Care Reform Laws

Benefits Attorneys Present at CBIA’s 2011 Compensation & Benefits Conference

The CBIA also featured a Q&A with Mr. Barth on health care reform in their recent newsletter.

Bruce Barth Provides Annual Legislative and Regulatory Update for WEB

Bruce Barth Panelist on “Health Care Reform: What HR Needs to Know”