Family Law

• Child Custody and Visitation
  The Task Force’s mission was set forth in the underlying legislation to identify the consequences of the lack of competent legal counsel to assist Connecticut residents in dealing with the civil—as distinct from criminal—legal system and to make specific recommendations for action where the need for civil counsel is particularly felt. The most salient needs the Task Force identified included (a) the civil process for orders of protection against domestic violence, (b) child custody and detained removal (deportation) matters, and (c) defense of residential evictions.Â
• Adoption

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
• Wrongful Death
  Representation of TPA in errors and omissions claims by client who provided notice of fatality occurrence and subsequent wrongful death action to TPA but not to insurer, resulting in insurer denying coverage based on late notice.
• Sex Crimes
  Business Litigation Group lawyer Steven J. Boyajian has been elected to the Board of Directors of Day One, Rhode Island’s leading organization committed to reducing sexual abuse and violence and supporting those affected by it. Day One, formerly known as the Rape Crisis Center of Rhode Island, has undertaken groundbreaking initiatives to ease the psychological burdens of the criminal justice process for victims of childhood sexual abuse and has been a leader in combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children. The organization offers a 24-hour helpline, legal and law enforcement advocacy programs, counseling, professional training sessions, and prevention education.
• Misdemeanors
  Business Transactions Group lawyer Joseph B. White was reappointed judge for a ninth term in the Municipal Court of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, where he has served 18 years on the bench. The Municipal Court handles zoning, housing, and traffic cases, as well as ordinance violations and misdemeanors. In addition, Mr. White was recently recognized by the ABA's Special Judicial Division for his work with the National Safety Council in implementing an online driver safety program now being used in numerous cities and towns throughout the State of Rhode Island.
• Murder
  In the wake of the recent tragedy in Middletown, Connecticut, involving the murder of a baby by his father, business litigation partner Edward J. Heath co-authored with Jamey Bell, executive director of Greater Hartford Legal Aid (GHLA), the article "A Call to Action: Connecticut Lawyers Partner with Legal Aid and Area Shelters to Help Victims of Domestic Violence." Appearing in the June 2015 issue of the Connecticut Bar Association's
• Restraining Order
  The period after the end-of-year holidays is often spent taking stock of the past year and planning for the year ahead. As a firm, the year’s performance is typically evaluated by profitability and financial strength, the solidity of old and new client relationships, the number of terrific new attorneys to join our ranks and initiatives launched and concluded. Another key measure is the number of individuals and non-profits that have received pro bono support from our lawyers and staff. This metric does not factor in our financial performance, and in fact may negatively impact our bottom line. But when we consider how “successful†we have been as a law firm in the past year, these efforts are a vital part of the calculus. The fact that we operate as a profitable business while also providing critical legal services without pay to those individuals and organizations that otherwise would not have access to the justice system is a tribute to all our pro bono volunteers and the firm’s management supporting these efforts. We will calculate the number of pro bono hours and the value of those services when that information is available at the beginning of 2023. But as we close the book on 2022, the Pro Bono Committee thanks all the Robinson+Cole pro bono volunteers who made the time to help a veteran stave off an eviction, a child stay in the United States, a victim of domestic violence obtain a restraining order, or a prisoner assert his or her statutory rights, and generally provide legal counsel to an individual or organization that would not otherwise have an attorney. By that measure, it’s been another very successful year!
• Money Laundering
  Ben and Trevor examine the Department of Justice’s newly formed National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team’s first public action that targeted the Hong-Kong-based exchange, Bitzlato, Ltd., which allegedly served as a haven for money laundering and cybercrime. The action is noteworthy for numerous reasons: because Bitzlato does not accept users in the U.S. and the investigation was coordinated through numerous agencies from several foreign countries. The Bitzlato enforcement action signals a change in the U.S. government’s approach to monitoring cryptocurrency and fighting money laundering activities, both within and outside the U.S. Ben and Trevor suggest that traditional financial institutions should also be cautious if dealing in cryptocurrency. Those institutions should consider refraining from trading on exchanges that permit anonymous or near anonymous trading as it could inadvertently entangle them in funding criminal enterprises.

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  LFCA is a leading child advocacy organization, working to protect the rights of children who are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment, by providing the highest level of direct pro bono legal representation. LFCA’s annual awards evening celebrates the work of volunteer attorneys, corporate law departments and law firms serving Connecticut children in need.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  David W. Leibovitch focuses his practice on the prosecution of utility and design patent applications, freedom-to-operate and invalidity opinions, post-grant proceedings at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and District Court patent litigation. David assists Fortune 500 companies, medium-sized enterprises, small businesses and micro-entities with a range of patent matters. He also conducts intellectual property due diligence investigations to assist with mergers and acquisitions. David is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property + Technology Group.
• Business Formation
  John H. Mutchler advises clients on their intellectual property rights with specific experience in patent, trademark and copyright prosecution, patent appeals before the USPTO Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and Intellectual Property litigation. His practice includes patent prosecution and reexamination proceedings, licensing, U.S. government and private company contracting, copyright and trademark consulting and litigation, portfolio management, and IP due diligence in bankruptcy proceedings, asset purchase and sales agreements, business formation, and mergers and acquisitions.
• Business Disputes
  Andrew DePeau is a member of the firm's Business Litigation and Bankruptcy + Reorganizations Groups, with a focus on business litigation, bankruptcy, and dispute resolution. He represents clients in the banking, finance, and manufacturing industries and has handled matters involving business torts, contract disputes, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, and real estate issues.
• Business Transactions
  To adapt to the needs of our clients and ensure that high-quality service continued as a top priority, Robinson+Cole prepared for the twenty-first century by embracing technology and innovation and building on its long-established practice of training and developing the careers of a diverse array of new lawyers. While expanding its geographical footprint to include Providence, Los Angeles, Wilmington and Philadelphia, the firm expanded existing practices such as litigation, business transactions, bankruptcy and real estate and added new practices, such as affordable housing finance, health care and immigration.Â
• Construction Contracts
  "Understanding Your Construction Contracts & Know Your Rights Webinar," co-presented with Martin A. Onorato, hosted by the Minority Construction Council Inc. (9/29/2021)
• Trade Secrets
• Intellectual Property
  Kyle Hepner represents clients in a broad range of areas concerning Intellectual Property, with a practice focus on patent litigation, Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings, and building and managing U.S. and international patent portfolios. Kyle also has a strong background in patent landscape and risk analysis. His experience includes successful outcomes in patent and trademark district court litigation, Federal Circuit appeals, and PTAB proceedings. He advises clients on the emerging Intellectual Property issues and offers critical insights and experience in a range of areas, including mechanical and electromechanical devices, blockchain and NFT technology, manufacturing systems and methods, smart home and smart grid system, vehicle sensor diagnostics and control systems, and designs. Kyle is a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property + Technology Group.
• Unfair Competition
  Bill has been first chair and/or lead counsel in a number of high-profile cases. These include a successful, precedent-setting appeal regarding the interpretation of 28 U.S.C. 1447(c); serving as lead counsel for the defendant/third party claimant in a patent infringement and antitrust countersuit related to battery-powered smoke detectors; securing a stay of litigation pending outcome of reexamination proceedings for multiple broadcasting industry defendants in a patent infringement suit regarding digital music radio broadcasting, resulting in substantial amendments to the patents and the plaintiff dismissing the suit; and serving as lead counsel for defendants in a patent infringement and unfair competition action related to enclosures for underground utilities.
• Antitrust
  Jen is active in the American Bar Association’s Section of Antitrust Law, where she serves as Vice Chair of the Section’s Corporate Counseling Committee and Vice Chair to the Section’s U.S. Comments and Policy Committee during the 2022-2023 Section year.

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Rhonda's reinsurance experience includes the arbitration and litigation of reinsurance disputes related to property and casualty and workers' compensation reinsurance.
• Wrongful Termination
  Sandra also represents businesses and other employers in claims involving discrimination, wrongful termination, noncompetition and confidentiality agreements, contracts, investigations, wage and hour, and other employment disputes. She has also represented employers in related federal and state administrative proceedings, including proceedings at the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division on Human Rights, and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.
• Employment Contract
  Journal on Emerging Issues in Litigation. As a result of the pandemic, disruption to the global supply chain has heightened scrutiny regarding its impact on the economy, labor market, delivery of goods and services, and national security. In her article, Jen illustrates recent supply chain disruptions and reactions from the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission, as well as the government’s efforts to support competition in the U.S. labor market by eliminating non-compete agreements in employment contracts. Jen also suggests best practices that manufacturing companies can implement to proactively stave off government investigations. They include conducting thorough compliance training addressing fraud, antitrust, and other legal matters for high-level executives and staff; targeted compliance training for employees who have direct contact with competitors; and updating materials to reflect the Antitrust Division’s recent focus on price-fixing in the labor market and currently evolving state laws on restrictive covenants. Read the article.
• Employment Litigation
  The full-day virtual event focused on public health law, and covered health care and employment issues as they pertain to the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as privacy and security issues in public health.Â
• Non-compete Agreement
  The program addressed employment-related topics including: Recreational Marijuana and Background Checks; Pay Transparency; Restrictions on Noncompete Agreements; Union Organizing; Managing Multi-State Leave Laws and Accommodations; and more.Â
• Severance Agreement

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Freidheim v. McLaughlin. In a decision made on February 28, 2023, the Connecticut Appellate Court reversed the trial court's decision to grant the defendant summary judgment. The Court agreed that a view easement existed, and it remanded the case for further proceedings. The plaintiff and the defendants are neighbors in Greenwich who were at odds over protecting open views of Greenwich Harbor and Long Island Sound, which were being obstructed by recent plantings of evergreen trees that did not abide by an established view easement in the property deeds. Linda did the oral argument and wrote the appellate brief with Brian supporting on the nuances of real estate law. The
• Construction Litigation
  Construction Law Zone  provides insights on regulatory and legal developments affecting the industry that are useful to construction professionals, as well as consultants, industry trade groups, the media, and others interested in construction law.
• Real Estate Transactions
  Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Austin G. Provost was interviewed about his pathway to becoming a lawyer as part of a series of 16 alumni videos for Plainville High School’s Career Center. In the video, Austin describes what made him want to become a lawyer, why he chose to pursue a real estate transactions practice, suggests what courses and skills students should focus on if interested in pursuing a legal career, and the things he loves most about his legal career. The Career Center offers assistance to Plainville High School students preparing for jobs/job shadows/careers during, and after, high school. View the video.
• Eminent Domain
  Evan’s experience includes representing clients in cases involving inverse condemnation, easements, restrictive covenants, First Amendment and equal protection issues, landlord/tenant disputes, and real property tax appeals. Evan also represents property owners in eminent domain matters, challenging both the condemning authority’s right to take property and the authority’s compensation for the property. He represented a landowner whose plans for a mixed-use development were thwarted when part of his land was condemned by a state agency. Evan was part of a team that tried the case and obtained nearly double the amount of damages assessed by the agency (almost $400,000 more in damages). He also has experience in advising condemning authorities in the eminent domain process.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
  Evan Seeman is a member of the firm’s Real Estate + Development Group who concentrates his practice in land use and zoning, real property litigation, and municipal law. Evan offers his clients – including developers, corporations, landowners, municipalities, and advocacy groups – strategic counsel on a broad range of often-complex real estate and land use matters. He works directly with planning professionals to help bring a project across the finish line.
• Property Damage
  She has substantial experience in commercial property claims-related litigation, including high profile insurance coverage litigation arising out of the September 11 catastrophe. Rhonda represented a commercial property insurer in several multi-million dollar cases involving business interruption and property damage losses in the wake of the terrorist attack. She has significant coverage litigation and trial experience in connection with sexual abuse claims against religious institutions and schools, as well as coverage disputes involving claims arising out of the #MeToo Movement and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration Law

• Citizenship and Naturalization
• Business Immigration
  Immigration Group member, Jennifer L. Shanley, was highlighted in a recent United Way Women United social media spotlight. In the "#WomenRockWednesday" profile, Jen enthuses about her business immigration practice and career highlights, as well as her love of family life as the mother of two boys. She is a member of the board of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and leads its New Member sub-committee of the Engagement Committee. In addition to her work with United Way, Jen is an active volunteer with Special Olympics Connecticut. She also is a member of the firm’s Women’s Committee and Safety & Health Committee. The spotlight is available on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Kathryn is a member of the firm’s Drone Compliance Team. As such, she advises clients on all legal issues surrounding the use of commercial drones, including navigation of Federal Aviation Administration regulations, commercial registration requirements, and Part 107 waivers. She reviews and prepares employee and subcontractor agreements for the piloting and use of drones. She advises commercial businesses on insurance options for adequate coverage for drone use. Kathryn is well versed on various local and state laws, regulations, and ordinances which apply to a business’ drone use. She assists clients with privacy and cybersecurity policies, procedures and programs to mirror the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s voluntary best practices, as well as other industry standards. Kathryn also handles drone-related litigation, such as claims involving manufacturing defects, personal injury, or property damage. She has given numerous presentations about implementing UAS into company infrastructure and privacy and cybersecurity issues related to drone use.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Top Author on the subjects of cybersecurity and class action defense. Additionally, her article "FBI warns of continued use of Cryptowall ransomware schemes" is noted as one of the most popular cybersecurity articles in 2015; her article "Privacy Tip #10 – What are digital assets and why should I care?" was one of the most popular estate planning articles; and her article "Uber class action case hits roadblock" was one of the most popular class action defense articles.
• Wills
• Trusts
  Massachusetts, New York, and Florida. The lawyers bring additional breadth to a variety of our practices, including business transactions, environmental and utilities, finance, insurance, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, nonprofit organizations, and trusts and estates. Additionally, the firm is pleased to welcome two recent law school graduates. Read about our new lawyers here.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
  Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the election of Benjamin M. Daniels, Andrew A. DePeau, Sandra Marin Lautier, Kathryn M. Rattigan and Evan J. Seeman as partners as well as the promotion of Lisa B. Andrzejewski to counsel, effective January 1, 2023. These elevations reflect Robinson+Cole’s continued strategic growth in key areas, including business and bankruptcy litigation, data privacy and security, construction and real estate and development.
• Foreclosure
  Andrew represents banks, investment management companies, insurance companies, and others in the financial services industry. He has represented investment management companies and their officers against claims of negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and intentional mismanagement. Andrew also has successfully assisted clients in complying with third-party subpoenas and responding to threats of litigation. He also works with a variety of financial institutions in breach of contract actions, foreclosures, and post-judgment enforcement. Â
• Tax Law
  Up until the 1930s, lawyers handled all facets of the law, from trying cases and taking appeals to drawing wills and handling title searches and closings. After that, in response to significant changes in the mood and stability of the country, Robinson+Cole transformed from a small, family-directed operation to a large, diversified organization. Our lawyers focused on business law, in particular law related to banks, insurance companies, and manufacturers, as well as on trial, probate, real estate, and tax law. Further, many of the firm’s lawyers took on pro bono cases for various charities and formed ties with civic, cultural, and charitable organizations.Â