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Real Estate + Development

Our Real Estate + Development practice group covers a broad spectrum of transactions, ventures, and matters that are critical to our clients’ success. We represent public and private clients, including multinational corporations; institutional, public, and private lenders; retailers; state agencies; bonding authorities; schools; commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily developers; health care institutions; hotel chains; and manufacturers.

Our clients appreciate both the breadth and depth of our practice and the way we are able to integrate our work across disciplines in our complementary environmental, energy and utilities and construction practice groups, providing a seamless continuum of services for everything having to do with the development, permitting, financing, use, and operation of real property.

Our Services

We have a robust, broad-based real estate and development practice that includes:

  • Commercial leasing
  • Acquisitions and dispositions
  • Financing, both conventional and affordable
  • Land use litigation at all levels
  • Project development, re-development and permitting and entitlements

Our lawyers have a deep understanding of complex transactions, ventures, and matters that include the following:

  • Affordable housing
  • Common interest communities
  • Public/private ventures
  • Sale-leaseback transactions
  • Tax-advantaged transactions
  • Telecommunications matters
  • Waterfront development

Nationally, our team of real estate lawyers handles the following types of transactions and matters:

  • Acquisition +Sales on Behalf of Purchasers + Sellers of All Asset Classes
    • Improved commercial and industrial properties
    • Multifamily housing complexes
    • Health care facilities
  • Leasing + Subleasing on Behalf of Landlords + Tenants of All Asset Classes
    • Brokerage matters on behalf of landlords, tenants, and brokers, including commission and agency agreements and commission claims
    • Cable television and telecommunications licensing on behalf of landlords and tenants in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings
    • Industrial and manufacturing facilities
    • Office and retail space
    • Restaurants
    • Warehouse and distribution facilities
  • Development + Substantial Rehabilitation of Multi-family, Commercial, + Industrial Properties
    • Representing lead developers and sponsors of mixed-use and affordable housing properties in development and substantial rehabilitation projects, including obtaining federal and state tax credit equity investment
    • Drafting and negotiating construction contracts on behalf of property owners, landlords, and tenants (working closely with our Construction Practice Group colleagues)
    • Handling zoning and land use matters, from the acquisition and planning phases through the operation of commercial, retail, industrial, residential, and mixed-use facilities
  • Real Estate Finance on Behalf of Lenders + Borrowers
    • Acquisition, development, and construction loans
    • Creditors' rights, workouts, restructuring of loans, and mortgage banking issues
    • Negotiating and documenting tax credit investments on behalf of developer clients
    • Mezzanine and conduit loans
    • Construction and permanent commercial mortgage loans

Our Team

We work collaboratively with our colleagues throughout Robinson+Cole, especially including the Land Use, Construction, Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications, Business Transactions, and Tax + Exempt Organizations practice groups. We also maintain strong working relationships with industry professionals, and with local and federal governmental housing authorities nationwide.

Our real estate lawyers are active participants in national and local legal associations and real estate trade groups. We regularly speak and write on real estate topics, and have assumed leadership roles in these organizations:

  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL)
  • American College or Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA)
  • CoreNet
  • Counselors of Real Estate (CRE)
  • International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
  • NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association
  • Real Estate Finance Association (REFA)

Our Real Estate + Development practice group is a team of highly experienced attorneys equipped to provide legal services to meet your needs and achieve your goals.

Experience

Private Equity: $150 Million Credit Facility for Transitional Housing

Represented a private equity fund as lender under a $150 million credit facility that, over the course of two years, funded the acquisition, construction, and operation of 11 transitional housing developments across New York City.

Private Equity: $65 million Loan for Charter School

Represented a private equity fund as lender for $65 million loan to fund the acquisition and construction of a charter school campus development in South Carolina, including negotiating and drafting nonstandard terms related to participating bank funding mechanics.

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Represented Purchaser in $35M Affordable Housing Acquisition + Redevelopment

Assisted in representing a purchaser of an existing 148-unit affordable housing development in a $35M acquisition and redevelopment project, including low-income housing tax credit equity.*

*Attorney Lopes was counsel in this representative transaction prior to joining Robinson+Cole.

Read More

Publications

Legal Update: New Laws to Promote Affordable Housing Development teaser
December 3, 2025

Legal Update: New Laws to Promote Affordable Housing Development

July/August 2025

The Next Era of Commercial Real Estate Finance and Lending

Probate & Property

The article discusses how climate risk is reshaping commercial real estate and lending; the impact of high climate risk on loan terms; how investors are protecting CRE assets; sustainable building and energy-efficient design; insurance and financial risk mitigation; lead and tenant adaptation strategies; and exit planning and asset positioning strategies. Additional insight provided by case examples, how buildings contribute to climate change, and how the Inflation Reduction Act aimed to address thigh climate risk issues.

January/February 2025

The Affordable Homes Act and Changes to Chapter 40A: Legalizing ADUs, Expanding Appeal Bond Authority, and Promoting Veteran Preferences in Affordable Housing

Massachusetts Bar Association Section Review

In the article, Matt and Kevin discuss the implications of the recently passed Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (the Act). “The commonwealth is ‘bleeding early-career young people,’” they write. “High purchase prices and rental costs have caused net migration out of Massachusetts to increase by 1,100%.” With Massachusetts facing “a worsening shortage of affordable housing” and housing prices outpacing wages, forcing “an ever-growing number of people out of the general housing market,” the Act aims to address these issues by revising the commonwealth’s Zoning Act, specifically focusing on allowing accessory dwelling units—otherwise known as “in-law apartments”—revisions for the zoning relief appeals process, and increasing “affordable housing opportunities for low-income veterans” by allowing municipalities to enter “agreements with developers to provide a preference for veterans for up to 10% of the affordable units in a given project.” Read the article.

Legal Update: New Laws to Promote Affordable Housing Development teaser
December 3, 2025

Legal Update: New Laws to Promote Affordable Housing Development

July/August 2025

The Next Era of Commercial Real Estate Finance and Lending

Probate & Property

The article discusses how climate risk is reshaping commercial real estate and lending; the impact of high climate risk on loan terms; how investors are protecting CRE assets; sustainable building and energy-efficient design; insurance and financial risk mitigation; lead and tenant adaptation strategies; and exit planning and asset positioning strategies. Additional insight provided by case examples, how buildings contribute to climate change, and how the Inflation Reduction Act aimed to address thigh climate risk issues.

January/February 2025

The Affordable Homes Act and Changes to Chapter 40A: Legalizing ADUs, Expanding Appeal Bond Authority, and Promoting Veteran Preferences in Affordable Housing

Massachusetts Bar Association Section Review

In the article, Matt and Kevin discuss the implications of the recently passed Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (the Act). “The commonwealth is ‘bleeding early-career young people,’” they write. “High purchase prices and rental costs have caused net migration out of Massachusetts to increase by 1,100%.” With Massachusetts facing “a worsening shortage of affordable housing” and housing prices outpacing wages, forcing “an ever-growing number of people out of the general housing market,” the Act aims to address these issues by revising the commonwealth’s Zoning Act, specifically focusing on allowing accessory dwelling units—otherwise known as “in-law apartments”—revisions for the zoning relief appeals process, and increasing “affordable housing opportunities for low-income veterans” by allowing municipalities to enter “agreements with developers to provide a preference for veterans for up to 10% of the affordable units in a given project.” Read the article.

Legal Update: Massachusetts EOHLC Issues Draft ADU Regulations teaser
December 27, 2024

Legal Update: Massachusetts EOHLC Issues Draft ADU Regulations

Legal Update: Effective October 1: New Laws Benefit CT Affordable Housing Market teaser
October 1, 2024

Legal Update: Effective October 1: New Laws Benefit CT Affordable Housing Market

June 25, 2024

How Justices’ Chevron Ruling May Influence Wind Projects

Law360

The article covers recent challenges to offshore wind projects, and how an anticipated ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court may upend long-standing principles of deference to federal agency decision making. “The court’s decision could influence the agencies’ rulemaking process, how agencies interpret their statutory authority, and the deference that courts apply to those interpretations,” they write. “While the statutes and regulations governing the approval process for offshore wind projects will remain constant, at least for the time being, the federal courts’ framework for reviewing agencies’ decision making based on those rules could be subject to upheaval.” Read the article.

Spring 2024

Supercharging Office to Housing Conversions

ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law eReport Spring
February 14, 2024

‘Yellowstone’ Injunctions: Navigating the Wild West of Commercial Lease Disputes

New York Law Journal

The Yellowstone injunction is implicated in nearly every lease for commercial real property in the state of New York, yet most landlords and tenants do not know what it is or how it affects them. Below is a succinct overview of its implications so that commercial landlords and tenants can better navigate lease disputes. Stopping the Clock on a Cure Period Yellowstone injunctions take their name not from the popular neo-Western drama series but from the New York Court of Appeals case of First National Stores v. Yellowstone Shopping Center that created this limited-purpose injunction. In that case, the landlord and tenant disagreed about who was responsible for installing a sprinkler system, which the court ultimately decided was the tenant’s responsibility. Although the tenant was able and willing to make the installation once the court said so, the tenant had not asked to pause the cure period, and the landlord had terminated the lease for default. New York’s highest court decided it was not empowered to extend the tenant’s deadline to cure its default and upheld the lease termination. This case conceptualized and gave rise to the remedy referred to a Yellowstone injunction. Its purpose is to stop the running of the applicable cure period: it prevents a commercial landlord from prematurely terminating a lease for default until a court decides whether the alleged default is proper or not. Only a commercial tenant can ask for such an injunction, and it must demonstrate that: (1) it has received a notice of default, notice to cure, or a threat of termination; (2) it has made its request to the court for an injunction prior to the termination of the lease; and (3) it is willing and able to cure the alleged default. Since these three factors are relatively easy to prove, such injunctions are commonly granted. Although Yellowstone injunctions are a tenant’s remedy, they are not always one-sided and can provide protections for a landlord. New York courts have imposed conditions on injunctions meant to protect the landlord during the period of the stay. For example, in disputes concerning defaults unrelated to the payment of rent, courts have conditioned the injunction on the continued payment of rent or the posting of a bond. In disputes concerning the payment of rent, courts have required the tenant to deposit rent arrears in a jointly held escrow account and deposit monthly sums equal to rent in the account for the duration of the injunction. Practical Implications From a tenant’s perspective, time is often of the essence. Because most cure periods can be quite short (7 to 10 calendar days is typical), a tenant must act quickly if it receives a notice of default or notice of cure. This should involve having an attorney review the notice and the lease, assess whether an injunction remedy is available, and, if so, make an emergency application in court to stop the clock on the cure period. Acting quickly not only preserves the tenant’s right to cure its default down the road if the court decides against the tenant, but it also provides the tenant some leverage by engaging the landlord in urgent litigation. From a landlord’s perspective, these practical implications have led many landlords to require a tenant to waive its right to seek such an injunction. These waivers often go beyond Yellowstone injunctions to waive a tenant’s right to bring a lawsuit for a “declaratory judgment”—meaning a lawsuit brought in the Supreme Court of New York seeking an interpretation of the lease and giving the parties access to full discovery. As a result of such a waiver, tenants are typically limited to bringing their claims in an expedited, streamlined proceeding in the landlord-tenant part of the local court, which does not typically allow for discovery (and is, thus, less costly for the landlord). However, a wave of new laws arose in 2019 with respect to declaratory judgment waivers, making it prudent for landlords to take stock of their commercial leases well before a dispute arises. In 2019, the Court of Appeals upheld the enforceability of a lease provision waiving a commercial tenant’s right to bring an action for a declaratory judgment. In the case decided by the court, the Yellowstone injunction requested by the tenant as part of the action was also denied as waived. Almost immediately, in response to the Court of Appeals decision, the New York State Legislature passed a law prohibiting such declaratory judgment waivers effective Dec. 20, 2019. Section 235-h of the New York Real Property prohibits and nullifies any provision in a commercial lease “waiving or prohibiting the right of any tenant to bring a declaratory judgment action with respect to any provision, term or condition” of its commercial lease. Section 235-h raises more questions than it answers. First, Section 235-h has been interpreted to only apply to leases signed after Dec. 20, 2019. Therefore, waivers of declaratory judgment actions contained in older leases can still be enforceable. Second, the prohibition’s scope is unclear and has not yet been tested in court.  Section 235-h prohibits waiving the remedy of a “declaratory judgment action,” but a Yellowstone injunction can still be available to tenants in other types of actions as well. This creates opportunities and risks for both tenants and landlords. From a tenant’s perspective, a tenant whose lease only waives “declaratory judgment” actions can try to frame its lawsuit as one for breach of contract (i.e., a breach of the lease) and seek a Yellowstone injunction in that context. Although this type of action may not be ideal for the tenant, it is a potential workaround of the waiver that creates the same urgency and leverage that can promote an out-of-court resolution. From a landlord’s perspective, a landlord may still try to require a more limited waiver of only a Yellowstone injunction (not declaratory judgments broadly) because Section 235-h does not call out Yellowstone injunctions specifically. Tenants, in turn, may try to resist or negotiate such a waiver depending on their relative bargaining power. Negotiations could include lengthening the cure period in exchange for a waiver or requiring the parties to participate in a mediation before the lease can be terminated. Yellowstone injunctions and related waivers are frequently litigated, making it essential to stay updated on changes in the law. Janet Kljyan is a member of Robinson+Cole’s business litigation group and Charles F. Martin III is a partner in the firm’s real estate and development group. Reprinted with permission from the February 14, 2024 edition of the New York Law Journal© 2023 ALM Global Properties, LLC. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited, contact 877-256-2472 or asset-and-logo-licensing@alm.com

July 31, 2023

Litigating Residential Real Estate Disputes in Massachusetts Land Use Litigation

MCLE Litigating Residential Real Estate Disputes in Massachusetts, ch. 11, 3rd ed.
Legal Update: Massachusetts EOHLC Issues Draft ADU Regulations teaser
December 27, 2024

Legal Update: Massachusetts EOHLC Issues Draft ADU Regulations

Legal Update: Effective October 1: New Laws Benefit CT Affordable Housing Market teaser
October 1, 2024

Legal Update: Effective October 1: New Laws Benefit CT Affordable Housing Market

June 25, 2024

How Justices’ Chevron Ruling May Influence Wind Projects

Law360

The article covers recent challenges to offshore wind projects, and how an anticipated ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court may upend long-standing principles of deference to federal agency decision making. “The court’s decision could influence the agencies’ rulemaking process, how agencies interpret their statutory authority, and the deference that courts apply to those interpretations,” they write. “While the statutes and regulations governing the approval process for offshore wind projects will remain constant, at least for the time being, the federal courts’ framework for reviewing agencies’ decision making based on those rules could be subject to upheaval.” Read the article.

Spring 2024

Supercharging Office to Housing Conversions

ABA Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law eReport Spring
February 14, 2024

‘Yellowstone’ Injunctions: Navigating the Wild West of Commercial Lease Disputes

New York Law Journal

The Yellowstone injunction is implicated in nearly every lease for commercial real property in the state of New York, yet most landlords and tenants do not know what it is or how it affects them. Below is a succinct overview of its implications so that commercial landlords and tenants can better navigate lease disputes. Stopping the Clock on a Cure Period Yellowstone injunctions take their name not from the popular neo-Western drama series but from the New York Court of Appeals case of First National Stores v. Yellowstone Shopping Center that created this limited-purpose injunction. In that case, the landlord and tenant disagreed about who was responsible for installing a sprinkler system, which the court ultimately decided was the tenant’s responsibility. Although the tenant was able and willing to make the installation once the court said so, the tenant had not asked to pause the cure period, and the landlord had terminated the lease for default. New York’s highest court decided it was not empowered to extend the tenant’s deadline to cure its default and upheld the lease termination. This case conceptualized and gave rise to the remedy referred to a Yellowstone injunction. Its purpose is to stop the running of the applicable cure period: it prevents a commercial landlord from prematurely terminating a lease for default until a court decides whether the alleged default is proper or not. Only a commercial tenant can ask for such an injunction, and it must demonstrate that: (1) it has received a notice of default, notice to cure, or a threat of termination; (2) it has made its request to the court for an injunction prior to the termination of the lease; and (3) it is willing and able to cure the alleged default. Since these three factors are relatively easy to prove, such injunctions are commonly granted. Although Yellowstone injunctions are a tenant’s remedy, they are not always one-sided and can provide protections for a landlord. New York courts have imposed conditions on injunctions meant to protect the landlord during the period of the stay. For example, in disputes concerning defaults unrelated to the payment of rent, courts have conditioned the injunction on the continued payment of rent or the posting of a bond. In disputes concerning the payment of rent, courts have required the tenant to deposit rent arrears in a jointly held escrow account and deposit monthly sums equal to rent in the account for the duration of the injunction. Practical Implications From a tenant’s perspective, time is often of the essence. Because most cure periods can be quite short (7 to 10 calendar days is typical), a tenant must act quickly if it receives a notice of default or notice of cure. This should involve having an attorney review the notice and the lease, assess whether an injunction remedy is available, and, if so, make an emergency application in court to stop the clock on the cure period. Acting quickly not only preserves the tenant’s right to cure its default down the road if the court decides against the tenant, but it also provides the tenant some leverage by engaging the landlord in urgent litigation. From a landlord’s perspective, these practical implications have led many landlords to require a tenant to waive its right to seek such an injunction. These waivers often go beyond Yellowstone injunctions to waive a tenant’s right to bring a lawsuit for a “declaratory judgment”—meaning a lawsuit brought in the Supreme Court of New York seeking an interpretation of the lease and giving the parties access to full discovery. As a result of such a waiver, tenants are typically limited to bringing their claims in an expedited, streamlined proceeding in the landlord-tenant part of the local court, which does not typically allow for discovery (and is, thus, less costly for the landlord). However, a wave of new laws arose in 2019 with respect to declaratory judgment waivers, making it prudent for landlords to take stock of their commercial leases well before a dispute arises. In 2019, the Court of Appeals upheld the enforceability of a lease provision waiving a commercial tenant’s right to bring an action for a declaratory judgment. In the case decided by the court, the Yellowstone injunction requested by the tenant as part of the action was also denied as waived. Almost immediately, in response to the Court of Appeals decision, the New York State Legislature passed a law prohibiting such declaratory judgment waivers effective Dec. 20, 2019. Section 235-h of the New York Real Property prohibits and nullifies any provision in a commercial lease “waiving or prohibiting the right of any tenant to bring a declaratory judgment action with respect to any provision, term or condition” of its commercial lease. Section 235-h raises more questions than it answers. First, Section 235-h has been interpreted to only apply to leases signed after Dec. 20, 2019. Therefore, waivers of declaratory judgment actions contained in older leases can still be enforceable. Second, the prohibition’s scope is unclear and has not yet been tested in court.  Section 235-h prohibits waiving the remedy of a “declaratory judgment action,” but a Yellowstone injunction can still be available to tenants in other types of actions as well. This creates opportunities and risks for both tenants and landlords. From a tenant’s perspective, a tenant whose lease only waives “declaratory judgment” actions can try to frame its lawsuit as one for breach of contract (i.e., a breach of the lease) and seek a Yellowstone injunction in that context. Although this type of action may not be ideal for the tenant, it is a potential workaround of the waiver that creates the same urgency and leverage that can promote an out-of-court resolution. From a landlord’s perspective, a landlord may still try to require a more limited waiver of only a Yellowstone injunction (not declaratory judgments broadly) because Section 235-h does not call out Yellowstone injunctions specifically. Tenants, in turn, may try to resist or negotiate such a waiver depending on their relative bargaining power. Negotiations could include lengthening the cure period in exchange for a waiver or requiring the parties to participate in a mediation before the lease can be terminated. Yellowstone injunctions and related waivers are frequently litigated, making it essential to stay updated on changes in the law. Janet Kljyan is a member of Robinson+Cole’s business litigation group and Charles F. Martin III is a partner in the firm’s real estate and development group. Reprinted with permission from the February 14, 2024 edition of the New York Law Journal© 2023 ALM Global Properties, LLC. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited, contact 877-256-2472 or asset-and-logo-licensing@alm.com

July 31, 2023

Litigating Residential Real Estate Disputes in Massachusetts Land Use Litigation

MCLE Litigating Residential Real Estate Disputes in Massachusetts, ch. 11, 3rd ed.

News

April 28, 2026

Jessica Bardi Featured in “2026 Ones to Watch – Rising Stars” Spotlight

Real Estate + Development group member Jessica Bardi was selected for inclusion in the New England Real Estate Journal’s “2026 Ones to Watch – Rising Stars” spotlight published on April 24, 2026. The spotlight features up and coming real estate professionals who have made valuable contributions to the industry and their firm over the last 12 months. In the Q&A, Jess shares what sparked her passion for land use and environmental issues and reflects on key career accomplishments, including guiding clients through complex zoning and permitting challenges. She highlights her work balancing development objectives with community priorities and environmental considerations—most notably securing land use approvals for the redevelopment of the former Medfield State Hospital campus into a 334-unit mixed-income apartment community with a substantial affordable housing component. Jess also offers her perspective on the trends shaping the land use industry, noting: “[t]he intersection of land use, environmental regulation, and development is evolving rapidly, particularly around coastal resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and housing development. I see significant opportunity in helping clients navigate these challenges through proactive permitting strategies and creative problem-solving.” Read the feature.

New England Real Estate Journal
April 10, 2026

Chuck Martin Elected to the NAIOP South Florida Chapter’s Board of Directors

NAIOP South Florida Chapter
April 2, 2026

John Casey Appointed to the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center’s Pro Bono Council

April 28, 2026

Jessica Bardi Featured in “2026 Ones to Watch – Rising Stars” Spotlight

Real Estate + Development group member Jessica Bardi was selected for inclusion in the New England Real Estate Journal’s “2026 Ones to Watch – Rising Stars” spotlight published on April 24, 2026. The spotlight features up and coming real estate professionals who have made valuable contributions to the industry and their firm over the last 12 months. In the Q&A, Jess shares what sparked her passion for land use and environmental issues and reflects on key career accomplishments, including guiding clients through complex zoning and permitting challenges. She highlights her work balancing development objectives with community priorities and environmental considerations—most notably securing land use approvals for the redevelopment of the former Medfield State Hospital campus into a 334-unit mixed-income apartment community with a substantial affordable housing component. Jess also offers her perspective on the trends shaping the land use industry, noting: “[t]he intersection of land use, environmental regulation, and development is evolving rapidly, particularly around coastal resilience, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and housing development. I see significant opportunity in helping clients navigate these challenges through proactive permitting strategies and creative problem-solving.” Read the feature.

New England Real Estate Journal
April 10, 2026

Chuck Martin Elected to the NAIOP South Florida Chapter’s Board of Directors

NAIOP South Florida Chapter
April 2, 2026

John Casey Appointed to the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center’s Pro Bono Council

January 5, 2026

Robinson+Cole Promotes New Partners and Counsel in Strategic Practices and Markets

Firm names three partners and eight counsel in New York, Boston, Hartford, Providence, and Stamford
December 23, 2025

Evan Seeman Appointed to the American Planning Association’s Amicus Curiae Committee

December 2, 2025

Eight Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “Top Lawyers 2025”

Boston Magazine
Eight Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “Top Lawyers 2025” teaser
November 14, 2025

Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®

Firm earns 6 national and 46 first-tier rankings in Boston, Hartford, New York, Rhode Island, and Stamford Markets
Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms® teaser
November 6, 2025

Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers®

Recognition spans key regions and highlights the firm’s seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders in many business transactions and litigation practices
Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
August 26, 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026

Firm receives top listing in Connecticut lawyer count in national peer review survey
78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026 teaser
January 5, 2026

Robinson+Cole Promotes New Partners and Counsel in Strategic Practices and Markets

Firm names three partners and eight counsel in New York, Boston, Hartford, Providence, and Stamford
December 23, 2025

Evan Seeman Appointed to the American Planning Association’s Amicus Curiae Committee

December 2, 2025

Eight Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “Top Lawyers 2025”

Boston Magazine
Eight Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “Top Lawyers 2025” teaser
November 14, 2025

Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®

Firm earns 6 national and 46 first-tier rankings in Boston, Hartford, New York, Rhode Island, and Stamford Markets
Robinson+Cole Secures Top Rankings in 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms® teaser
November 6, 2025

Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers®

Recognition spans key regions and highlights the firm’s seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders in many business transactions and litigation practices
Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
August 26, 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026

Firm receives top listing in Connecticut lawyer count in national peer review survey
78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026 teaser

Events

Upcoming

Resilient by Design: Building Climate-Ready Affordable Housing

May 4 2026
National Women’s Affordable Housing Network’s 2026 Summit
Upcoming

PACE Players Involved and Their Roles

May 6 2026
Council of Development Finance Agencies' Intro Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE) Finance Course
Upcoming

Resilient by Design: Building Climate-Ready Affordable Housing

May 4 2026
National Women’s Affordable Housing Network’s 2026 Summit
Upcoming

PACE Players Involved and Their Roles

May 6 2026
Council of Development Finance Agencies' Intro Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE) Finance Course
Past

2026 40 Under Forty Fairfield County

Apr 30 2026
The Stamford Hotel
Past

Impact Fund Workouts: Clean Energy, Affordable Housing, and Mission-Aligned Restructurings

Apr 28 2026
BARBRI Webinar
Past

Renewable Energy Site Control: Title Curative Strategies for Defects, Leases, Easements, and Minerals

Mar 26 2026
Past

Housing in Practice: Practitioner Perspectives on the RENTAL Act

Nov 12 2025
Housing& Seminar: “DC’s Housing Future: What’s Next After the RENTAL Act”
Past

2026 40 Under Forty Fairfield County

Apr 30 2026
The Stamford Hotel
Past

Impact Fund Workouts: Clean Energy, Affordable Housing, and Mission-Aligned Restructurings

Apr 28 2026
BARBRI Webinar
Past

Renewable Energy Site Control: Title Curative Strategies for Defects, Leases, Easements, and Minerals

Mar 26 2026
Past

Housing in Practice: Practitioner Perspectives on the RENTAL Act

Nov 12 2025
Housing& Seminar: “DC’s Housing Future: What’s Next After the RENTAL Act”

Firm Highlights

News
Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research

Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200 firm to adopt the platform—the firm has continued to expand its AI capabilities as part of a broader strategy focused on secure deployment, ethical use, and seamless integration into daily legal work. The integration enables Robinson+Cole attorneys to conduct complex, multi‑step legal research and receive verifiable, citation‑backed responses grounded in trusted Thomson Reuters content. By embedding Deep Research into Newcode.ai, Robinson+Cole continues to build on its deliberate, governance‑first approach to AI adoption while delivering meaningful, practice‑ready innovation for its lawyers and clients. “Innovation at Robinson+Cole is grounded in client service, security, and practicality,” said J. Michael Wirvin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “By incorporating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, we are providing our lawyers with advanced research capabilities in a secure environment fully controlled by the firm that aligns with our standards for data governance, accuracy, and responsible AI use. This integration reflects our continued focus on adopting technology thoughtfully to support our attorneys and deliver value to our clients.” The addition of Deep Research allows attorneys to: Perform sophisticated legal research using agentic workflows that mirror real‑world legal reasoning Receive structured, verifiable responses grounded in Thomson Reuters data Streamline research processes while maintaining rigorous quality and accuracy standards Work entirely within Robinson+Cole’s firm‑controlled AI environment  “Our integration of the Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research API with Newcode represents a defining moment in our AI strategy,” said Chief Data Officer Jim Merrifield. "We are incredibly proud to be the first firm to bring this capability to life—unlocking the power of trusted legal data directly within the workflows our lawyers and business professionals rely on every day. This is exactly how we maximize our technology investments: by connecting best-in-class data sources through APIs into a unified platform, so the technology meets our people where they work, enhances their judgment, and accelerates better outcomes for our clients.” Robinson+Cole’s AI program is guided by firmwide policies, mandatory training, and ongoing oversight to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. The firm’s approach emphasizes measured adoption, strong information governance, and alignment with client expectations, rather than one‑off experimentation. This latest enhancement underscores Robinson+Cole’s commitment to remaining forward‑thinking in its use of technology, while ensuring that innovation serves the firm’s clients, lawyers, and long‑term strategic goals.

News
Natalie Ramsey Honored with Prestigious 2026 David T. Sykes Award

Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair Natalie Ramsey was recognized as the 2026 David T. Sykes Award recipient at the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference’s (EDPABC) 36th Annual Forum on February 26, 2026. The award, which was co-presented by the EDPABC and the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project (CBAP), is named after renowned bankruptcy attorney David T. Sykes and reflects Natalie’s excellence and integrity as a bankruptcy attorney, unsurpassed professionalism, mentorship of younger professionals, upholding of the reputation of the local bankruptcy bar, unwavering dedication to the bankruptcy community and the less fortunate in Philadelphia, and courtesy and respect for all. Natalie has been a member of the EDPABC since 1991 and served on its Board of Directors from 1999 - 2006, including as Chair in 2006. In addition, she has also been a member of the CBAP since 1993 and served as its President from 2012 - 2013.

News
Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair

Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.

News
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Authors Key U.S. Sections for 2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide
News
Robinson+Cole Ushers in New Leadership for Nationally-Recognized Insurance + Reinsurance Practice

Robinson+Cole announced New York Partner Erica J. Kerstein has been named Chair of its Insurance + Reinsurance group, effective January 1, 2026. She succeeds Gregory P. Varga, who chaired the group since 2019. The strategic change to the leadership reinforces the firm’s thoughtful growth plan beyond its founding roots in Hartford and its commitment to providing exceptional client-focused service. “It’s a privilege to lead the firm’s nationally-recognized Insurance + Reinsurance group, a practice that has helped shape the insurance industry and this firm for generations,” said Kerstein. “Building on Greg’s leadership, I’m honored to carry this work forward and to do so as part of a team whose diversity and depth are a competitive advantage for our clients and their evolving needs navigating complex insurance coverage issues.” Celebrating over 180 years of practice, Robinson+Cole’s legacy in insurance law began alongside the establishment of leading insurance companies in the 19th century. The firm’s work was closely tied to these institutions, helping shape the legal landscape of the insurance industry from its earliest days. Over the decades, the firm’s lawyers have built a tradition of excellence and enduring relationships with leading insurers—a legacy now carried forward by more than 40 Insurance + Reinsurance lawyers practicing across six of Robinson+Cole’s office locations.   Insurance + Reinsurance group lawyers are helping to shape the insurance industry, representing and advising clients in disputes nationally and internationally involving cutting-edge issues, including on how to navigate the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence across the insurance ecosystem. As insurers accelerate their investment in artificial intelligence to address risk, efficiency, and regulatory complexity, Robinson+Cole has likewise made focused investments in AI‑enabled capabilities that enhance how its lawyers analyze data, manage complex matters, and deliver advice. Driven by client demand—including insurers seeking guidance on responsible, effective use of AI in claims, coverage, and litigation—the firm is integrating these technologies thoughtfully into its legal services while maintaining rigorous professional judgment, transparency, data security, and client confidentiality. Kerstein’s incisive, efficient, and responsive approach has enabled her to successfully litigate and arbitrate complex insurance matters—particularly in financial lines and commercial general liability, both domestically and internationally. Her experience also encompasses providing strategic counsel to clients in high-profile matters. Kerstein represents national and global insurers and reinsurers in state and federal courts across the United States, handling a wide range of complex coverage and bad faith disputes. Beyond her legal practice, Kerstein is an active member of The Bridge, an organization supporting the development of female talent in financial lines. “Greg Varga’s tenure as Chair of the firm’s Insurance practice has been exceptionally successful,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Managing Partner at Robinson+Cole. “His vision, leadership, and experience not only elevated the practice and garnered national recognition, but it also opened new avenues for the firm’s growth and provides a strong foundation for Erica to carry forward.” Drawing on three decades of experience, Varga represents insurance companies in complex coverage and bad faith litigation, as well as arbitrations and appraisals. He chaired Robinson+Cole’s Insurance practice for 14 years over two terms, leading a team of more than 40 lawyers firmwide. Under his leadership, the group earned national recognition for its client-focused approach and became a thought leader in multiple areas of insurance law. “With Erica at the helm, our Insurance + Reinsurance group is poised to meet clients where they operate, extending our national and international reach,” said Varga. “Through working alongside her and leading the practice with her for the last few years, I am supremely confident that the group will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come as we continue to provide exceptional service to our valued clients. She will invest in data‑informed strategies, trial‑tested advocacy, and collaborative problem solving to keep our firm at the forefront of insurance law and practice.”

News
Robinson+Cole Remains A “Best Place to Work in Connecticut”
News
Robinson+Cole’s People-First Culture Recognized in Vault’s 2027 Rankings
News
Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards
News
Julianna Charpentier Recognized as an “Up & Coming Lawyer”
News
Robinson+Cole Names J. Michael Wirvin as Managing Partner

Robinson+Cole’s partnership has elected Boston Business Transactions Partner J. Michael Wirvin as its next Managing Partner, marking a pivotal moment in the firm’s 180-year history. Effective March 1, Wirvin will become the firm’s first Managing Partner based outside of Hartford, CT, reflecting Robinson+Cole’s continued evolution and expanding geographic footprint. His election underscores the firm’s deliberate, forward‑looking approach to leadership succession and long‑term strategic growth. Wirvin has served on Robinson+Cole’s Managing Committee since 2014, where he has played a central role in firm governance, strategic planning, and leadership succession, working closely with three managing partners through periods of unprecedented growth, market expansion, and changes in the legal industry. He is widely recognized for advising clients on complex domestic and cross‑border mergers and acquisitions, financings, and corporate structuring matters, with a particular focus on assisting U.S. and offshore companies navigate the legal, commercial, and cultural complexities of operating across jurisdictions. Wirvin also co‑chairs the firm’s International team. Wirvin has served as partner-in-charge of Robinson+Cole’s Boston office since 2014, reinforcing the firm’s culture, mentoring lawyers at all stages of their careers, and fostering cross‑disciplinary teamwork that strengthens client service. He recently helped lead the relocation of Robinson+Cole’s Boston office to 53 State Street, a premier downtown tower, creating a modern, light‑filled space designed to support employee well‑being with an energizing environment along with enhanced technology and workspaces that facilitate seamless remote and on-site collaboration and team building, while also promoting focused work. “It is a profound honor to be elected by my partners to serve as Managing Partner and lead this extraordinary team of lawyers and business professionals who raise the bar every day,” said Wirvin. “Our 180-year history is defined not merely by longevity, but by the trust we have earned, the results we have delivered, and the professionalism, mutual respect, and collegiality that have long defined our culture. As Managing Partner, I aim to build on that foundation—bringing strategic clarity and disciplined growth to our priorities, strengthening our national and international profile, investing in our people, and ensuring Robinson+Cole remains agile, cohesive, and well positioned to deliver practical, business‑minded solutions for clients in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.” Wirvin succeeds Rhonda J. Tobin, the firm’s first female Managing Partner, who led Robinson+Cole since 2021 and guided the firm through a period of significant transformation, growth, and innovation. Elected during the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Tobin brought to the role more than a decade of firm leadership experience, including service on the Managing Committee for 17 years and leadership of the firm’s Litigation Section for 14 years. During Tobin’s five-year tenure, Robinson+Cole successfully advanced and executed on a new Strategic Plan, improving profitability; expanding the firm’s New York, Boston, and Philadelphia offices; opening and growing offices in Washington, DC, and Austin, TX; and deepening leading national practices in affordable housing finance, bankruptcy, business transactions, capital markets and securities, intellectual property and technology, health care, managed care litigation, immigration, insurance, public finance, and real estate and development. Under Tobin’s leadership, the firm also strengthened its commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and talent development; launched meaningful DEIB initiatives; and made significant investments in technology, information governance, and workplace innovation. Additionally, the firm achieved top national rankings in Vault’s Best Law Firms to Work For six consecutive years. Robinson+Cole became the first Am Law 200 firm to strategically partner with agentic AI builder Newcode.ai and the first law firm in the United States to earn ARMA’s Verified Organization status, further reinforcing its position as an industry leader in innovation and information governance. Tobin’s leadership has been widely recognized, including being named Regional Managing Partner of the Year in Law.com’s 2025 New England Legal Awards and Managing Partner of the Year in the 2022 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards. She will continue to serve as chair of the firm’s lateral growth committee and will continue her leadership roles and active involvement in Connecticut’s non-profit community and as Chairperson of the Connecticut Judicial Review Council. Commenting on Wirvin’s election, Tobin stated, “Mike’s deeply rooted presence and extensive leadership experience at Robinson+Cole make him an outstanding choice to lead our firm. I have known and worked closely with Mike for more than two decades, and there is no question that he is the right person to guide us forward as technological advancements and an evolving professional landscape present new opportunities. Mike is an exceptionally talented and experienced lawyer, and a trusted confidant whose insight I consistently relied on when facing strategic decisions. He is deeply respected by our lawyers and business professionals and brings a thoughtful, strategic perspective that will greatly benefit the firm. I look forward to the firm’s continued growth and success under his leadership.” Robinson+Cole also announced several additional leadership updates reflecting the firm’s continued focus on thoughtful succession planning, geographic expansion, and strategic growth. Davis Lee Wright, who is based in the firm’s Wilmington office, has been elected to the Managing Committee, joining Britt‑Marie K. Cole‑Johnson and Edward J. Heath who are resident in the Hartford office, Eric M. Kogan in Stamford, and Charles F. Martin III in Miami. The firm recently named New York partner Erica J. Kerstein as chair of its Insurance + Reinsurance group, Stamford partner Patrick W. Begos co-chair of its Managed Care + ERISA Litigation group, and Hartford partners  Conor O. Duffy and Robert S. Melvin and as Health Law group co-chair and Land Law Section co-chair, respectively. In addition, Kendra L. Berardi will succeed Wirvin as partner in charge of the Boston office.

News
Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research

Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200 firm to adopt the platform—the firm has continued to expand its AI capabilities as part of a broader strategy focused on secure deployment, ethical use, and seamless integration into daily legal work. The integration enables Robinson+Cole attorneys to conduct complex, multi‑step legal research and receive verifiable, citation‑backed responses grounded in trusted Thomson Reuters content. By embedding Deep Research into Newcode.ai, Robinson+Cole continues to build on its deliberate, governance‑first approach to AI adoption while delivering meaningful, practice‑ready innovation for its lawyers and clients. “Innovation at Robinson+Cole is grounded in client service, security, and practicality,” said J. Michael Wirvin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “By incorporating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, we are providing our lawyers with advanced research capabilities in a secure environment fully controlled by the firm that aligns with our standards for data governance, accuracy, and responsible AI use. This integration reflects our continued focus on adopting technology thoughtfully to support our attorneys and deliver value to our clients.” The addition of Deep Research allows attorneys to: Perform sophisticated legal research using agentic workflows that mirror real‑world legal reasoning Receive structured, verifiable responses grounded in Thomson Reuters data Streamline research processes while maintaining rigorous quality and accuracy standards Work entirely within Robinson+Cole’s firm‑controlled AI environment  “Our integration of the Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research API with Newcode represents a defining moment in our AI strategy,” said Chief Data Officer Jim Merrifield. "We are incredibly proud to be the first firm to bring this capability to life—unlocking the power of trusted legal data directly within the workflows our lawyers and business professionals rely on every day. This is exactly how we maximize our technology investments: by connecting best-in-class data sources through APIs into a unified platform, so the technology meets our people where they work, enhances their judgment, and accelerates better outcomes for our clients.” Robinson+Cole’s AI program is guided by firmwide policies, mandatory training, and ongoing oversight to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. The firm’s approach emphasizes measured adoption, strong information governance, and alignment with client expectations, rather than one‑off experimentation. This latest enhancement underscores Robinson+Cole’s commitment to remaining forward‑thinking in its use of technology, while ensuring that innovation serves the firm’s clients, lawyers, and long‑term strategic goals.

News
Natalie Ramsey Honored with Prestigious 2026 David T. Sykes Award

Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair Natalie Ramsey was recognized as the 2026 David T. Sykes Award recipient at the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference’s (EDPABC) 36th Annual Forum on February 26, 2026. The award, which was co-presented by the EDPABC and the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project (CBAP), is named after renowned bankruptcy attorney David T. Sykes and reflects Natalie’s excellence and integrity as a bankruptcy attorney, unsurpassed professionalism, mentorship of younger professionals, upholding of the reputation of the local bankruptcy bar, unwavering dedication to the bankruptcy community and the less fortunate in Philadelphia, and courtesy and respect for all. Natalie has been a member of the EDPABC since 1991 and served on its Board of Directors from 1999 - 2006, including as Chair in 2006. In addition, she has also been a member of the CBAP since 1993 and served as its President from 2012 - 2013.

News
Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair

Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.

News
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Authors Key U.S. Sections for 2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide
News
Robinson+Cole Ushers in New Leadership for Nationally-Recognized Insurance + Reinsurance Practice

Robinson+Cole announced New York Partner Erica J. Kerstein has been named Chair of its Insurance + Reinsurance group, effective January 1, 2026. She succeeds Gregory P. Varga, who chaired the group since 2019. The strategic change to the leadership reinforces the firm’s thoughtful growth plan beyond its founding roots in Hartford and its commitment to providing exceptional client-focused service. “It’s a privilege to lead the firm’s nationally-recognized Insurance + Reinsurance group, a practice that has helped shape the insurance industry and this firm for generations,” said Kerstein. “Building on Greg’s leadership, I’m honored to carry this work forward and to do so as part of a team whose diversity and depth are a competitive advantage for our clients and their evolving needs navigating complex insurance coverage issues.” Celebrating over 180 years of practice, Robinson+Cole’s legacy in insurance law began alongside the establishment of leading insurance companies in the 19th century. The firm’s work was closely tied to these institutions, helping shape the legal landscape of the insurance industry from its earliest days. Over the decades, the firm’s lawyers have built a tradition of excellence and enduring relationships with leading insurers—a legacy now carried forward by more than 40 Insurance + Reinsurance lawyers practicing across six of Robinson+Cole’s office locations.   Insurance + Reinsurance group lawyers are helping to shape the insurance industry, representing and advising clients in disputes nationally and internationally involving cutting-edge issues, including on how to navigate the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence across the insurance ecosystem. As insurers accelerate their investment in artificial intelligence to address risk, efficiency, and regulatory complexity, Robinson+Cole has likewise made focused investments in AI‑enabled capabilities that enhance how its lawyers analyze data, manage complex matters, and deliver advice. Driven by client demand—including insurers seeking guidance on responsible, effective use of AI in claims, coverage, and litigation—the firm is integrating these technologies thoughtfully into its legal services while maintaining rigorous professional judgment, transparency, data security, and client confidentiality. Kerstein’s incisive, efficient, and responsive approach has enabled her to successfully litigate and arbitrate complex insurance matters—particularly in financial lines and commercial general liability, both domestically and internationally. Her experience also encompasses providing strategic counsel to clients in high-profile matters. Kerstein represents national and global insurers and reinsurers in state and federal courts across the United States, handling a wide range of complex coverage and bad faith disputes. Beyond her legal practice, Kerstein is an active member of The Bridge, an organization supporting the development of female talent in financial lines. “Greg Varga’s tenure as Chair of the firm’s Insurance practice has been exceptionally successful,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Managing Partner at Robinson+Cole. “His vision, leadership, and experience not only elevated the practice and garnered national recognition, but it also opened new avenues for the firm’s growth and provides a strong foundation for Erica to carry forward.” Drawing on three decades of experience, Varga represents insurance companies in complex coverage and bad faith litigation, as well as arbitrations and appraisals. He chaired Robinson+Cole’s Insurance practice for 14 years over two terms, leading a team of more than 40 lawyers firmwide. Under his leadership, the group earned national recognition for its client-focused approach and became a thought leader in multiple areas of insurance law. “With Erica at the helm, our Insurance + Reinsurance group is poised to meet clients where they operate, extending our national and international reach,” said Varga. “Through working alongside her and leading the practice with her for the last few years, I am supremely confident that the group will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come as we continue to provide exceptional service to our valued clients. She will invest in data‑informed strategies, trial‑tested advocacy, and collaborative problem solving to keep our firm at the forefront of insurance law and practice.”

News
Robinson+Cole Remains A “Best Place to Work in Connecticut”
News
Robinson+Cole’s People-First Culture Recognized in Vault’s 2027 Rankings
News
Robinson+Cole Recognized at 2026 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards
News
Julianna Charpentier Recognized as an “Up & Coming Lawyer”
News
Robinson+Cole Names J. Michael Wirvin as Managing Partner

Robinson+Cole’s partnership has elected Boston Business Transactions Partner J. Michael Wirvin as its next Managing Partner, marking a pivotal moment in the firm’s 180-year history. Effective March 1, Wirvin will become the firm’s first Managing Partner based outside of Hartford, CT, reflecting Robinson+Cole’s continued evolution and expanding geographic footprint. His election underscores the firm’s deliberate, forward‑looking approach to leadership succession and long‑term strategic growth. Wirvin has served on Robinson+Cole’s Managing Committee since 2014, where he has played a central role in firm governance, strategic planning, and leadership succession, working closely with three managing partners through periods of unprecedented growth, market expansion, and changes in the legal industry. He is widely recognized for advising clients on complex domestic and cross‑border mergers and acquisitions, financings, and corporate structuring matters, with a particular focus on assisting U.S. and offshore companies navigate the legal, commercial, and cultural complexities of operating across jurisdictions. Wirvin also co‑chairs the firm’s International team. Wirvin has served as partner-in-charge of Robinson+Cole’s Boston office since 2014, reinforcing the firm’s culture, mentoring lawyers at all stages of their careers, and fostering cross‑disciplinary teamwork that strengthens client service. He recently helped lead the relocation of Robinson+Cole’s Boston office to 53 State Street, a premier downtown tower, creating a modern, light‑filled space designed to support employee well‑being with an energizing environment along with enhanced technology and workspaces that facilitate seamless remote and on-site collaboration and team building, while also promoting focused work. “It is a profound honor to be elected by my partners to serve as Managing Partner and lead this extraordinary team of lawyers and business professionals who raise the bar every day,” said Wirvin. “Our 180-year history is defined not merely by longevity, but by the trust we have earned, the results we have delivered, and the professionalism, mutual respect, and collegiality that have long defined our culture. As Managing Partner, I aim to build on that foundation—bringing strategic clarity and disciplined growth to our priorities, strengthening our national and international profile, investing in our people, and ensuring Robinson+Cole remains agile, cohesive, and well positioned to deliver practical, business‑minded solutions for clients in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.” Wirvin succeeds Rhonda J. Tobin, the firm’s first female Managing Partner, who led Robinson+Cole since 2021 and guided the firm through a period of significant transformation, growth, and innovation. Elected during the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Tobin brought to the role more than a decade of firm leadership experience, including service on the Managing Committee for 17 years and leadership of the firm’s Litigation Section for 14 years. During Tobin’s five-year tenure, Robinson+Cole successfully advanced and executed on a new Strategic Plan, improving profitability; expanding the firm’s New York, Boston, and Philadelphia offices; opening and growing offices in Washington, DC, and Austin, TX; and deepening leading national practices in affordable housing finance, bankruptcy, business transactions, capital markets and securities, intellectual property and technology, health care, managed care litigation, immigration, insurance, public finance, and real estate and development. Under Tobin’s leadership, the firm also strengthened its commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and talent development; launched meaningful DEIB initiatives; and made significant investments in technology, information governance, and workplace innovation. Additionally, the firm achieved top national rankings in Vault’s Best Law Firms to Work For six consecutive years. Robinson+Cole became the first Am Law 200 firm to strategically partner with agentic AI builder Newcode.ai and the first law firm in the United States to earn ARMA’s Verified Organization status, further reinforcing its position as an industry leader in innovation and information governance. Tobin’s leadership has been widely recognized, including being named Regional Managing Partner of the Year in Law.com’s 2025 New England Legal Awards and Managing Partner of the Year in the 2022 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards. She will continue to serve as chair of the firm’s lateral growth committee and will continue her leadership roles and active involvement in Connecticut’s non-profit community and as Chairperson of the Connecticut Judicial Review Council. Commenting on Wirvin’s election, Tobin stated, “Mike’s deeply rooted presence and extensive leadership experience at Robinson+Cole make him an outstanding choice to lead our firm. I have known and worked closely with Mike for more than two decades, and there is no question that he is the right person to guide us forward as technological advancements and an evolving professional landscape present new opportunities. Mike is an exceptionally talented and experienced lawyer, and a trusted confidant whose insight I consistently relied on when facing strategic decisions. He is deeply respected by our lawyers and business professionals and brings a thoughtful, strategic perspective that will greatly benefit the firm. I look forward to the firm’s continued growth and success under his leadership.” Robinson+Cole also announced several additional leadership updates reflecting the firm’s continued focus on thoughtful succession planning, geographic expansion, and strategic growth. Davis Lee Wright, who is based in the firm’s Wilmington office, has been elected to the Managing Committee, joining Britt‑Marie K. Cole‑Johnson and Edward J. Heath who are resident in the Hartford office, Eric M. Kogan in Stamford, and Charles F. Martin III in Miami. The firm recently named New York partner Erica J. Kerstein as chair of its Insurance + Reinsurance group, Stamford partner Patrick W. Begos co-chair of its Managed Care + ERISA Litigation group, and Hartford partners  Conor O. Duffy and Robert S. Melvin and as Health Law group co-chair and Land Law Section co-chair, respectively. In addition, Kendra L. Berardi will succeed Wirvin as partner in charge of the Boston office.

News
Robinson+Cole Integrates Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research into Newcode.ai Platform to Advance Secure, Verifiable Legal Research

Robinson+Cole has expanded its firmwide artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by integrating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, the agentic AI platform implemented last year by the firm to support legal workflows across practices. With this integration, Robinson+Cole is one of only two law firms with direct access to the Deep Research API—and the only firm deploying it through Newcode.ai. Building on its 2025 partnership with Newcode.ai —making Robinson+Cole the first Am Law 200 firm to adopt the platform—the firm has continued to expand its AI capabilities as part of a broader strategy focused on secure deployment, ethical use, and seamless integration into daily legal work. The integration enables Robinson+Cole attorneys to conduct complex, multi‑step legal research and receive verifiable, citation‑backed responses grounded in trusted Thomson Reuters content. By embedding Deep Research into Newcode.ai, Robinson+Cole continues to build on its deliberate, governance‑first approach to AI adoption while delivering meaningful, practice‑ready innovation for its lawyers and clients. “Innovation at Robinson+Cole is grounded in client service, security, and practicality,” said J. Michael Wirvin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “By incorporating Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research directly into Newcode.ai, we are providing our lawyers with advanced research capabilities in a secure environment fully controlled by the firm that aligns with our standards for data governance, accuracy, and responsible AI use. This integration reflects our continued focus on adopting technology thoughtfully to support our attorneys and deliver value to our clients.” The addition of Deep Research allows attorneys to: Perform sophisticated legal research using agentic workflows that mirror real‑world legal reasoning Receive structured, verifiable responses grounded in Thomson Reuters data Streamline research processes while maintaining rigorous quality and accuracy standards Work entirely within Robinson+Cole’s firm‑controlled AI environment  “Our integration of the Thomson Reuters’ Deep Research API with Newcode represents a defining moment in our AI strategy,” said Chief Data Officer Jim Merrifield. "We are incredibly proud to be the first firm to bring this capability to life—unlocking the power of trusted legal data directly within the workflows our lawyers and business professionals rely on every day. This is exactly how we maximize our technology investments: by connecting best-in-class data sources through APIs into a unified platform, so the technology meets our people where they work, enhances their judgment, and accelerates better outcomes for our clients.” Robinson+Cole’s AI program is guided by firmwide policies, mandatory training, and ongoing oversight to ensure responsible use of emerging technologies. The firm’s approach emphasizes measured adoption, strong information governance, and alignment with client expectations, rather than one‑off experimentation. This latest enhancement underscores Robinson+Cole’s commitment to remaining forward‑thinking in its use of technology, while ensuring that innovation serves the firm’s clients, lawyers, and long‑term strategic goals.

News
Natalie Ramsey Honored with Prestigious 2026 David T. Sykes Award

Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair Natalie Ramsey was recognized as the 2026 David T. Sykes Award recipient at the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference’s (EDPABC) 36th Annual Forum on February 26, 2026. The award, which was co-presented by the EDPABC and the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project (CBAP), is named after renowned bankruptcy attorney David T. Sykes and reflects Natalie’s excellence and integrity as a bankruptcy attorney, unsurpassed professionalism, mentorship of younger professionals, upholding of the reputation of the local bankruptcy bar, unwavering dedication to the bankruptcy community and the less fortunate in Philadelphia, and courtesy and respect for all. Natalie has been a member of the EDPABC since 1991 and served on its Board of Directors from 1999 - 2006, including as Chair in 2006. In addition, she has also been a member of the CBAP since 1993 and served as its President from 2012 - 2013.

News
Erica Kerstein Brings Credibility and Business Perspective to New Role as Practice Group Chair

Insurance + Reinsurance group chair Erica J. Kerstein was featured in a Law.com column titled, “How I Made Practice Group Chair,” published on April 15, 2026. In the article, Erica discusses her new role as a practice group chair and how it has expanded her insight into not only the firm’s strategic vision and goals, but the reality of running a business and ensuring that current planning aligns with future goals. “The role provides a window into how individual practices fit into the firm’s overall strategy,” said Erica. “You’re thinking not just about today’s matters, but about where clients are headed, how the industry is changing, and how the firm positions itself to meet those needs.” In addition, Erica also identified “…strengthening client relationships, investing in our people, and staying ahead of emerging issues—particularly around technology and artificial intelligence in the insurance space…” as key priorities for the practice. Read the article.

News
Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Group Authors Key U.S. Sections for 2025 Chambers Insolvency Global Practice Guide
News
Robinson+Cole Ushers in New Leadership for Nationally-Recognized Insurance + Reinsurance Practice

Robinson+Cole announced New York Partner Erica J. Kerstein has been named Chair of its Insurance + Reinsurance group, effective January 1, 2026. She succeeds Gregory P. Varga, who chaired the group since 2019. The strategic change to the leadership reinforces the firm’s thoughtful growth plan beyond its founding roots in Hartford and its commitment to providing exceptional client-focused service. “It’s a privilege to lead the firm’s nationally-recognized Insurance + Reinsurance group, a practice that has helped shape the insurance industry and this firm for generations,” said Kerstein. “Building on Greg’s leadership, I’m honored to carry this work forward and to do so as part of a team whose diversity and depth are a competitive advantage for our clients and their evolving needs navigating complex insurance coverage issues.” Celebrating over 180 years of practice, Robinson+Cole’s legacy in insurance law began alongside the establishment of leading insurance companies in the 19th century. The firm’s work was closely tied to these institutions, helping shape the legal landscape of the insurance industry from its earliest days. Over the decades, the firm’s lawyers have built a tradition of excellence and enduring relationships with leading insurers—a legacy now carried forward by more than 40 Insurance + Reinsurance lawyers practicing across six of Robinson+Cole’s office locations.   Insurance + Reinsurance group lawyers are helping to shape the insurance industry, representing and advising clients in disputes nationally and internationally involving cutting-edge issues, including on how to navigate the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence across the insurance ecosystem. As insurers accelerate their investment in artificial intelligence to address risk, efficiency, and regulatory complexity, Robinson+Cole has likewise made focused investments in AI‑enabled capabilities that enhance how its lawyers analyze data, manage complex matters, and deliver advice. Driven by client demand—including insurers seeking guidance on responsible, effective use of AI in claims, coverage, and litigation—the firm is integrating these technologies thoughtfully into its legal services while maintaining rigorous professional judgment, transparency, data security, and client confidentiality. Kerstein’s incisive, efficient, and responsive approach has enabled her to successfully litigate and arbitrate complex insurance matters—particularly in financial lines and commercial general liability, both domestically and internationally. Her experience also encompasses providing strategic counsel to clients in high-profile matters. Kerstein represents national and global insurers and reinsurers in state and federal courts across the United States, handling a wide range of complex coverage and bad faith disputes. Beyond her legal practice, Kerstein is an active member of The Bridge, an organization supporting the development of female talent in financial lines. “Greg Varga’s tenure as Chair of the firm’s Insurance practice has been exceptionally successful,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Managing Partner at Robinson+Cole. “His vision, leadership, and experience not only elevated the practice and garnered national recognition, but it also opened new avenues for the firm’s growth and provides a strong foundation for Erica to carry forward.” Drawing on three decades of experience, Varga represents insurance companies in complex coverage and bad faith litigation, as well as arbitrations and appraisals. He chaired Robinson+Cole’s Insurance practice for 14 years over two terms, leading a team of more than 40 lawyers firmwide. Under his leadership, the group earned national recognition for its client-focused approach and became a thought leader in multiple areas of insurance law. “With Erica at the helm, our Insurance + Reinsurance group is poised to meet clients where they operate, extending our national and international reach,” said Varga. “Through working alongside her and leading the practice with her for the last few years, I am supremely confident that the group will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come as we continue to provide exceptional service to our valued clients. She will invest in data‑informed strategies, trial‑tested advocacy, and collaborative problem solving to keep our firm at the forefront of insurance law and practice.”

News
Robinson+Cole Remains A “Best Place to Work in Connecticut”