Rhonda Tobin

Rhonda J. Tobin

Managing Partner

Rhonda J. Tobin

Managing Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Rhonda Tobin is the firm’s Managing Partner. She is a highly-regarded trial lawyer with significant experience in state and federal courts who has spent her entire 30-year career at Robinson+Cole. Her practice focuses on representing insurance companies in complex insurance coverage litigation, arbitration and mediation including claims seeking extracontractual remedies. Rhonda has been a member of Robinson+Cole’s Managing Committee since 2009 and co-chaired the firm’s 100-attorney Litigation Section from 2007 until she became Managing Partner in 2021.

    Insurance Coverage Litigation

    Rhonda's insurance coverage practice includes the litigation and arbitration of a broad range of coverage issues under commercial general liability, commercial property, directors’ and officers’ liability, professional liability and excess and surplus lines policies.

    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.

    Rhonda's reinsurance experience includes the arbitration and litigation of reinsurance disputes related to property and casualty and workers' compensation reinsurance.

    Extracontractual Litigation

    Rhonda also has significant experience advising clients about potential extracontractual exposure and defending cases alleging bad faith and unfair claim handling practices through trial. She has been retained on the eve of trial to take over the defense of a bad faith case, and is regularly retained to monitor claims to provide input on good faith claim-handling and settlement practices. She regularly trains and counsels her clients on good faith claim investigation and settlement practices, and is a frequent speaker at insurance industry programs on both coverage and claim handling.

    Professional Liability Defense

    Rhonda’s professional liability defense work includes defending claims against lawyers, accountants, insurance agents and brokers, financial planners, and other professionals. She has a record of successful outcomes on behalf of professionals who have been the target of such claims.

    Rhonda is a Fellow in the highly-selective American College of Coverage Counsel. She was recognized by the National Law Journal as an Insurance Law Trailblazer in its inaugural listing in 2021. In addition, Rhonda was recognized in 2020 by Business Insurance as one of its 30 “Women to Watch” in North America, and by the Hartford Business Journal as one of its 15 “Women in Business” honorees. She has been listed as one of the Top 250 Women Litigators in the United States and a Local Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation since 2014 and included in the Connecticut Super Lawyers® list for 2007 and from 2017 to 2020.

     

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Litigated D&O insurer’s grounds to challenge court order requiring review and production of thousands of "other insured" claims files, at a cost certain to exceed $1 million, in declaratory judgment coverage dispute that included claims of bad faith settlement practices. Represented D&O insurer for third-party defendant in action brought to recover for services allegedly rendered in connection with a failed corporate acquisition. The third-party complaint sought to hold individual insured under D&O policy liable for alleged breaches of fiduciary obligations owed to board of directors of named insured. The coverage disputes included the application of the insured v. insured exclusion in the D&O policy, apportionment disputes between the individual insured and a noninsured entity represented by joint defense counsel, and the assertion of extracontractual claims under the applicable insurance claims-handling statute.

      • Represented insurers and reinsurers in efforts to obtain protective orders precluding discovery of communications with reinsurers and reinsurers' claim files.
      • Prevailed in reinsurance arbitration against program reinsurer over monies owed under multiple years’ contracts reinsuring commercial liability, property, and liquor liability losses. Arbitration included actuarial assessments of future losses and expert opinions regarding claim handling. Also obtained favorable rulings regarding prehearing security and attorneys' fees.
      • Representation of insurance agent in lawsuit brought by clients related to misrepresentations in application that voided coverage and duty to verify accuracy of information in application.
      • Representation of financial planner in lawsuit brought by investor client for inappropriate sale of annuities and life insurance products.
      • Representation of banking lawyer in suit by FDIC over failure of community bank and litigated issues related to scope of attorney’s duty regarding due diligence about borrower.
      • 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.
      • Representation of insurance agency in defense of errors and omissions claim that agent confirmed the existence of coverage by issuing Certificate of Insurance to contractor when coverage had been terminated.

      • Represented Lawyers Professional Liability insurer in coverage disputes regarding whether allegations against law firm involved billing practices of firm or the rendering of professional services.

      • Representation of D&O insurer in coverage litigation concerning six underlying actions alleging death spiral financing and fraud and concerning the applicability of late notice/prejudice issues, prior and pending litigation and prior knowledge exclusions, interrelated wrongful acts interpretation, and disputes regarding allocation of defense expenses among covered and uncovered parties and claims. Obtained summary judgment on late notice.
      • Successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of defendant in nationwide class action challenging defendant’s business practices concerning its administration of one of its annuity products. The plaintiff class consisted of members from 51 jurisdictions.
      • Represented a commercial property insurer in several multimillion-dollar cases involving business interruption and property damage losses due to the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Successfully briefed motion for summary judgment on the "period of restoration" and consequential damages (2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5389).
      • Representation of insurer in action brought by homeowners that arose from a fire at their residence. Following denial of future insurance proceeds to the plaintiffs because of the concealment and fraud provision of the subject policy, the insureds brought a cause of action for breach of contract, negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, unfair trade practices, and bad faith. The firm was retained a few months before the start of jury selection and was tasked with completing all expert discovery and preparing the case for trial. After five days of jury selection and five days of evidence, a favorable settlement was reached for the client.
      • Won multimillion-dollar summary judgment on behalf of insurer seeking payment involving a large risk alternative rating and insurance program agreement entered into with a national retail chain. Also recovered attorneys’ fees and costs for the costs of the litigation.
      • Successfully defended Connecticut state marshal in case of first impression regarding whether a civil capias grants authority to enter a home without consent or exigent circumstances. No court in the country had conclusively resolved whether a civil capias is equivalent to a Fourth Amendment arrest warrant. After extensive briefing on the history and origins of the capias warrant, the District of Connecticut granted summary judgment in favor of the state marshal on the basis of the qualified immunity doctrine. Milner v. Duncklee, 460 F. Supp. 2d 360 (D. Conn. 2006).
      • Successfully defended life insurance company in jury trial in federal court in Massachusetts concerning denial of life insurance benefits under cancelled insurance policy.
      • Successfully represented insurance company in parallel reinsurance disputes with its Bermuda reinsurer, obtaining almost $1 million of collateral required under several programs of insurance.

      • Obtained a significant jury verdict for an insurance company client following a nine-day trial in Connecticut federal court. The case arose out of a series of property insurance claims made in 2011, after a significant water loss was followed by a total fire loss at the plaintiff's home. We defended the case based on the insurance policy's concealment or fraud provision and also asserted counterclaims for breach of contract and fraud. The plaintiff sought approximately $2 million while our client counterclaimed for the money it paid the plaintiff prior to discovering the fraud. The jury found against the plaintiff on the breach of contract claim and found for our client on its counterclaims for fraud and misrepresentation. Our client was awarded $330,000 in damages.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      American College of Coverage Counsel
      Fellow and Co-Chair of CGL/Excess Liability Insurance Committee
      Former Co-Chair, ADR Committee

      Defense Research Institute
      Insurance Law Committee, Professional Liability Committee, Regional Editor of Covered Events for Insurance Law Committee newsletter (1992 - 1996)

      Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
      Member of Extra Contractual Committee

      Professional Liability Underwriting Society
      Hartford Chapter Steering Committee (2012 - 2017)

      United States Law Firm Group
      Chair of Litigation Committee (2007 - 2016)

      American Bar Association
      Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Section newsletter Professional Liability Update, New England Editor (1998 - 1999)
      Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Vice Chair of Professionals' Officers' and Directors' Liability Committee (2001 - 2010)

      Connecticut Bar Association
      Insurance Law Section
      Litigation Section

      Connecticut Defense Lawyers Association

      AIDA Reinsurance and Insurance Arbitration Society, ARIAS US

      American Bar Foundation
      Fellow

      Connecticut Bar Foundation
      James W. Cooper Fellow
      History of Connecticut Women in the Legal Profession Project

      University of Connecticut School of Law
      Adjunct Professor (2007 - 2009)

      Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services Cluster

      New York State Bar Association
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Selected by The National Law Journal as a 2021 Insurance Law Trailblazer 

      Business Insurance 2020 "Women to Watch" Honoree

      Hartford Business Journal 2020 "Women in Business" Honoree 

      Listed as one of the Top 250 Women Litigators in the United States by Benchmark Litigation since 2014.

      Listed in Benchmark Litigation as a Local Litigation Star for Connecticut in the areas of Insurance and Professional Liability since 2015 

      Connecticut Law Tribune, 2010, recognized in Women in the Law: High Achievers yearbook

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list in 2007 and from 2017 to 2020.

      Robinson+Cole Mentor of the Year Award recipient, 2005

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      Hartford Stage Company
      Board of Directors (2017 - Present)
      Co-chair, Governance Committee (2018 - Present)
      Executive Committee (2018 - Present)
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Connecticut Attorney Liability Rulings Bring Cheers, Jeers," published in Connecticut Law Tribune (2003)

      New England editor, Professional Liability Update, a publication of the American Bar Association's Litigation Section Professional Liability Committee (1998)

      "Surviving the '90s: Ethical Concerns in Today's Legal Market," published in Connecticut Law Tribune (1996)

      Regional editor, Covered Events, a publication of the Defense Research Institute's Insurance Law Committee (1992 to 1996)

      "Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence," published in A Practical Guide to Discovery & Depositions in Connecticut, co-authored with Jeffrey J. White; chapter covers the preservation and spoliation of evidence in the civil context in Connecticut state court; it is part of a new publication that is the most comprehensive coverage to date of discovery and deposition issues in Connecticut and was authored by leading practitioners at the largest firms in the state. The first edition was published in 2011, the second edition in 2013. (2011 & 2013)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "COVID-19-Related Liability Claims and Insurance Issues," as an organizer and the moderator of the American College of Coverage Counsel's webinar. (11/12/2020)
      • » more info

        • COVID-19-Related Liability Claims and Insurance Issues

        "COVID-19-Related Liability Claims and Insurance Issues," presented by Rhonda J. Tobin, as an organizer and the moderator of the American College of Coverage Counsel's webinar. (11/12/2020)

        Litigation Section co-chair, Rhonda Tobin, was one of the organizers of the American College of Coverage Counsel‘s (ACCC) COVID-19 Liability webinar presented jointly with the Insurance Law Center at UConn Law School and the Connecticut Bar Association Insurance Law Section on November 12, 2020. Rhonda is a Fellow of the ACCC. The program focused on the liability claims and related insurance issues that are emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 90 people attended the program, including representatives of insurance companies, judges, lawyers, academics and law students. The keynote presenter was Prof. Tom Baker of the University of Pennsylvania, who discussed the case law trends he has observed in the course of developing Penn’s COVID Coverage Litigation Tracker website with Lex Machina. The program also featured a presentation on insurance coverage for the emerging liability claims, followed by a roundtable discussion of liability and insurance coverage issues moderated by Rhonda.


      "Sorting Out the Rules & Responsibilities Of Primary and Excess Carriers in the Defense of "Bet the Company" Litigation," (September 10-11 & 24-25, 2020)
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        • Sorting Out the Rules & Responsibilities Of Primary and Excess Carriers in the Defense of "Bet the Company" Litigation

        "Sorting Out the Rules & Responsibilities Of Primary and Excess Carriers in the Defense of "Bet the Company" Litigation," presented by Rhonda J. Tobin (September 10-11 & 24-25, 2020)

        American College of Coverage Counsel 2020 Annual Meeting, Virtual Conference, Co-Presenter


      "The COVID-19 Crisis and CGL Insurance Coverage," co-presented with Stephen O. Clancy, J. Gregory Lahr, Lawrence Klein and Jonathan E. Small, which addressed claim scenarios that insurers are likely to face in the COVID-19 era. (5/4/2020)
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        • The COVID-19 Crisis and CGL Insurance Coverage

        "The COVID-19 Crisis and CGL Insurance Coverage," co-presented by Stephen O. Clancy, Rhonda J. Tobin, J. Gregory Lahr, Lawrence Klein and Jonathan E. Small, which addressed claim scenarios that insurers are likely to face in the COVID-19 era. (5/4/2020)

        Senior attorneys in our Insurance + Reinsurance Group hosted an interactive virtual forum on Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance coverage issues emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rhonda Tobin moderated a discussion with Stephen Clancy, Lawrence Klein, Gregory Lahr and Jonathan Small that addressed claim scenarios insurers are likely to face in the COVID-19 era, including examples from the Housing, Transportation, Manufacturing and Construction industries. Questions were invited during the program.

         

         


      "The Next Wave: Sexual Abuse Claims," panelist for program presented during the DRI Complex Coverage Forum in Hartford, CT (11/6/2019)
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        • The Next Wave: Sexual Abuse Claims

        "The Next Wave: Sexual Abuse Claims," presented by Rhonda J. Tobin, panelist for program presented during the DRI Complex Coverage Forum in Hartford, CT (11/6/2019)

        Recent actions by legislatures in New York, Pennsylvania, and other states abolishing the statute of limitations for civil suits arising out of incidents of sexual abuse are likely to result in a tidal wave of new litigation, including claims for coverage. Ms. Tobin was among the panelists that discussed the challenges presented by this new wave of litigation.


      "Fear of Trials: An In-House Perspective on the Vanishing Jury Trial and Outside Counsel’s Perspective on How to Manage a Bad Faith Case," to insurance professionals at the Defense Research Institute’s “Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability” seminar in Washington, D.C. (6/5/2019)

      "Policy Limit Demands— Protecting Insurers Against The Latest Strategy of Plaintiffs' Counsel," co-presented with Eugene P. Murphy and Lawrence Klein, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (6/13/2018)
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        • Policy Limit Demands— Protecting Insurers Against The Latest Strategy of Plaintiffs' Counsel

        "Policy Limit Demands— Protecting Insurers Against The Latest Strategy of Plaintiffs' Counsel," co-presented by Eugene P. Murphy, Rhonda J. Tobin and Lawrence Klein, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (6/13/2018)

        Attendees were lead through an interactive discussion on policy limit demands in an effort to coordinate a proper response. Mr. Klein, Mr. Murphy, and Ms. Tobin addressed identifying a policy limit demand, the continuing need to fully evaluate a claim for liability and damages following receipt of a policy limit demand, the potential legal consequences of failing to properly respond to a policy limit demand, and best practices and strategies for responding to a policy limit demand.

        The presentation is the third in the “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry.


      "Policy Limit Demands: The New Plaintiff’s Strategy and How to Protect Insurers and Defense Counsel," at the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Annual Conference in Houston, Texas (3/15/2018)
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        • Policy Limit Demands: The New Plaintiff’s Strategy and How to Protect Insurers and Defense Counsel

        "Policy Limit Demands: The New Plaintiff’s Strategy and How to Protect Insurers and Defense Counsel," presented by Rhonda J. Tobin, at the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Annual Conference in Houston, Texas (3/15/2018)

        The CLE program addressed the new wave of policy limit demands, how they impact the claim adjustment process, and the potential legal exposure they create. The session concluded with a review of best practices for insurers in responding to the demands. 


      "Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel," co-presented with Stephen O. Clancy and Gregory P. Varga, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (1/11/2018)
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        • Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel

        "Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel," co-presented by Rhonda J. Tobin, Stephen O. Clancy and Gregory P. Varga, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (1/11/2018)

        Attendees were led through an interactive discussion on the intricacies of recognizing situations in which attorney-client privilege is preserved and when it may be inadvertently waived in communications between in-house counsel and insurance claims adjusters.

        The presentation was the first in a newly launched “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry.


      "Underwriting Issues in Insurance Claims," co-presented with Eugene P. Murphy, at AIG Claims, Inc., in New York City (2/16/2017)
      • » more info

        • Underwriting Issues in Insurance Claims

        "Underwriting Issues in Insurance Claims," co-presented by Rhonda J. Tobin and Eugene P. Murphy, at AIG Claims, Inc., in New York City (2/16/2017)

        The presentation focused on underwriting issues, legal remedies concerning those issues, and underwriters as witnesses. The attendees included 50 lawyers who handle complex liability claims and their managers.


      "D&O Insurance by the Number$," at Connecticut Bar Association's Insurance Law Section (2011)

      "ABCs of D&O Insurance," at Connecticut Bar Association's Insurance Law Section (2003)

      "Third Party Coverage in Connecticut," at National Business Institute, responsible for directors' and officers' liability insurance portion (1996)

      "Effective Motion Practice in Connecticut," at Lorman Education Service (1995, 1996, 1997)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • April 5, 2021

        Rhonda Tobin Featured in Hartford Business Journal Article on Women Leaders at Greater Hartford Law Firms

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          Rhonda Tobin Featured in Hartford Business Journal Article on Women Leaders at Greater Hartford Law Firms

          Managing Partner Rhonda J. Tobin was featured in the article “Diversifying Leadership: Growing roster of women lead Greater Hartford law firms” published in the Hartford Business Journal on April 5, 2021. The article focuses on a national trend in the rise of female managing partners at U.S. law firms, including a third of the 15 largest law firms in Greater Hartford which are led by women serving as either office partners in charge or firmwide managing partners. Rhonda acknowledges that she could see a path to leadership upon joining Robinson+Cole in 1990. “I could see that I could be successful at the firm because there were already women litigators there who had been promoted to partner,” she said. The article examines some of the driving forces behind this new wave of female law firm leadership, including women representing a majority of American law school students, an increased emphasis on mentorship, and intentional diversity and inclusion initiatives coming to fruition. For example, Robinson+Cole recently achieved Mansfield 3.0 Diversity and Inclusion Certification in an effort to increase the representation of diverse lawyers in leadership positions. Read the article.

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      • March 1, 2021

        Media Covers News of Robinson+Cole’s First Woman Managing Partner

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          Media Covers News of Robinson+Cole’s First Woman Managing Partner

          The February 19, 2021 announcement of Robinson+Cole’s new Managing Partner, Rhonda J. Tobin, was covered in stories from several media outlets. The first woman to lead the Am Law 200 firm in its more than 175-year history, Rhonda was highlighted in The American Lawyer, BloombergLaw, The Global Legal Post, The Legal Intelligencer, the Connecticut Law Tribune, Business Insurance, Reuters, and the Hartford Business Journal. Read the feature story from Law360 here.

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      • December 10, 2020

        Rhonda Tobin Named to Business Insurance’s 2020 “Women to Watch” Class

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          Rhonda Tobin Named to Business Insurance’s 2020 “Women to Watch” Class

          Litigation Section co-chair and Managing Committee member Rhonda J. Tobin was selected by Business Insurance for inclusion in its 2020 “Women to Watch” recognition, which showcases an outstanding group of female executives in the insurance and risk management sector.

          Now in its 15th year, the awards honor 50 women annually from around the globe who have been selected through a rigorous nomination process focusing on expertise, leadership qualities and achievements. Ms. Tobin was chosen from hundreds of nominations to be featured in a winner profile published in the December issue of Business Insurance, along with recognition during the publication’s virtual Women to Watch Conference and Awards Ceremony on December 10, 2020. Read more in the press release.

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      • April 6, 2020

        Rhonda Tobin Profiled in Hartford Business Journal’s 2020 “Women in Business” Issue

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          Rhonda Tobin Profiled in Hartford Business Journal’s 2020 “Women in Business” Issue

          Litigation Section Co-chair Rhonda J. Tobin is featured in this week’s digital edition of the Hartford Business Journal as a 2020 “Women in Business” Honoree. Rhonda’s profile in the publication includes her biggest professional accomplishment so far, what legacy she wants to leave, and how she maintains success. A link to the profile is available on the firm’s LinkedIn page.

          The 2020 “Women in Business” class features 15 remarkable women, selected from a record-breaking 116 nominations, who are being recognized for making a significant difference within their organization and the community. The honorees will be awarded at the Annual Women's Business Luncheon on June 3, 2020 at the Hartford Marriott.

      • June 10, 2019

        Rhonda Tobin Presents at DRI Insurance Seminar in Washington, D.C.

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          Rhonda Tobin Presents at DRI Insurance Seminar in Washington, D.C.

          Litigation Section Co-Chair Rhonda Tobin presented to some 250 insurance professionals at the Defense Research Institute’s “Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability” seminar in Washington, D.C. on June 5, 2019. Rhonda presented with Naomi Kinderman, Assistant Vice President Claims, Senior Counsel at firm client W.R. Berkley Corporation, headquartered in Greenwich, CT. Their topic was “Fear of Trials: An In-House Perspective on the Vanishing Jury Trial and Outside Counsel’s Perspective on How to Manage a Bad Faith Case.” Representing the viewpoints of both in-house and outside counsel, they examined the growing perception that insurers are afraid to try cases and shared their perspectives on how to identify and defend those cases that can be won at trial. 

      • November 30, 2018

        Rhonda Tobin Quoted in Connecticut Law Tribune Article on Women in Big Law

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          Rhonda Tobin Quoted in Connecticut Law Tribune Article on Women in Big Law

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Rhonda J. Tobin was quoted in the article “Why Female Litigators Leave Big Law—And What Could Get Them to Stay,” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on November 26, 2018. The article highlighted three women attorneys, who were asked about “the obstacles women in law face, the successes they've had, and what still needs to be done.” The piece described the progress that has been made over the past 30 years, efforts to be more aware of implicit bias, and the importance of sponsorship and mentorship. “While mentoring has and continues to be an important part of most law firms, Tobin said the future lies in a different type of support. ‘Sponsorship is someone who has a direct role in advocating for you when you are not in the room,’ she said. ‘It might be advocating for you to work on a big case, and it might be advocating for you to be involved in a client pitch. It could also be advocating that you assume a leadership post in the firm or, ultimately, become partner.’” Read the full article.  

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      • October 18, 2018

        51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2018. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. View the list of recognized attorneys and their areas of practice.

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      • July 9, 2018

        Larry Klein, Gene Murphy, and Rhonda Tobin Present Program on Policy Limit Demands

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          Larry Klein, Gene Murphy, and Rhonda Tobin Present Program on Policy Limit Demands

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers Lawrence J. Klein, Eugene P. Murphy, and Rhonda J. Tobin presented the program “Policy Limit Demands— Protecting Insurers Against The Latest Strategy of Plaintiffs' Counsel” on June 13, 2018 at the firm. Attendees were lead through an interactive discussion on policy limit demands in an effort to coordinate a proper response. Mr. Klein, Mr. Murphy, and Ms. Tobin addressed identifying a policy limit demand, the continuing need to fully evaluate a claim for liability and damages following receipt of a policy limit demand, the potential legal consequences of failing to properly respond to a policy limit demand, and best practices and strategies for responding to a policy limit demand. The presentation was the third in a newly launched “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry. The next program in the series is scheduled to take place on September 6.

      • June 6, 2018

        Rhonda Tobin Presents Seminar on Policy Limit Demands

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          Rhonda Tobin Presents Seminar on Policy Limit Demands

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Rhonda J. Tobin presented a seminar on “Policy Limit Demands” to in-house counsel and claim professionals from W. R. Berkley Company, Berkley Professional, Berkley Custom Insurance Managers, Berkley Public Entity Managers, Berkley Global Product Recall, and Vela Insurance in New York City on May 22, 2018. Ms. Tobin covered the increased frequency of policy limit demands, the exposures to insurers for not properly responding to those demands, and insurer best practices.

      • March 21, 2018

        Rhonda Tobin Presents at Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Annual Conference

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          Rhonda Tobin Presents at Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Annual Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group Lawyer Rhonda J. Tobin co-presented a program on “Policy Limit Demands: The New Plaintiff’s Strategy and How to Protect Insurers and Defense Counsel” on March 15, 2018 at the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. The CLE program addressed the new wave of policy limit demands, how they impact the claim adjustment process, and the potential legal exposure they create. The session concluded with a review of best practices for insurers in responding to the demands. 

      • January 25, 2018

        Steve Clancy, Rhonda Tobin, and Greg Varga Present on Attorney-Client Privilege as Part of New Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series

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          Steve Clancy, Rhonda Tobin, and Greg Varga Present on Attorney-Client Privilege as Part of New Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers Stephen O. Clancy, Rhonda J. Tobin, and Gregory P. Varga presented a program on “Preserving the Privilege—The Erosion of Protections for Confidential Communications Between In-House Attorneys, Claim Professionals, and Outside Counsel” on January 11, 2018 at the firm. Attendees were led through an interactive discussion on the intricacies of recognizing situations in which attorney-client privilege is preserved and when it may be inadvertently waived in communications between in-house counsel and insurance claims adjusters. The program was followed by an informal networking reception.

          The presentation was the first in a newly launched “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry. The next program in the series is scheduled to take place on March 29, 2018.

      • February 21, 2017

        Rhonda Tobin and Eugene Murphy Speak on Underwriting Issues in Insurance Claims

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          Rhonda Tobin and Eugene Murphy Speak on Underwriting Issues in Insurance Claims

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers Rhonda J. Tobin and Eugene P. Murphy spoke to a group of in-house lawyers at AIG Claims, Inc., on February 16, 2017, in New York City. Their presentation, "Underwriting Issues in Insurance Claims," focused on underwriting issues, legal remedies concerning those issues, and underwriters as witnesses. The attendees included 50 lawyers who handle complex liability claims and their managers.

      • July 31, 2013

        Hartford Lawyers Co-author Chapter on Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence for Leading Publication on Discovery Issues

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          Hartford Lawyers Co-author Chapter on Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence for Leading Publication on Discovery Issues

          Robinson & Cole litigation partners Rhonda J. Tobin and Jeffrey J. White coauthored a chapter in A Practical Guide to Discovery and Depositions in Connecticut, published on April 25, 2013. The chapter, titled "Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence," updated the chapter they published in 2011, which covers the preservation and spoliation of evidence in the civil context in Connecticut state courts. The guide is published by MCLE New England, an imprint of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., dedicated to providing practical print and online resources for lawyers throughout New England.
      • January 24, 2012

        Partner Rhonda Tobin Quoted on Robinson & Cole’s Commitment to Advancing Women

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          Partner Rhonda Tobin Quoted on Robinson & Cole’s Commitment to Advancing Women

          Insurance and reinsurance partner Rhonda J. Tobin was quoted in the story, “Cracking the Glass Ceiling,” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on January 9, 2012. She discussed the advancement of women to partner and leadership positions at Robinson & Cole compared to a national survey.
      • February 16, 2011

        Rhonda Tobin Discusses Directors and Officers Insurance at CBA Program

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          Rhonda Tobin Discusses Directors and Officers Insurance at CBA Program

          Insurance and Reinsurance Practice Group Partner Rhonda J. Tobin recently spoke at the Connecticut Bar Association Insurance Law Section program “D&O Insurance by The Number$,” attended by more than 50 insurance professionals and lawyers. Ms. Tobin was one of three panelists who spoke about directors and officers insurance, the evolution of these insurance products, and the hot legal and coverage issues associated with these policies in the current economic climate.
      • February 10, 2011

        Attorneys Coauthor Chapter on Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence for Leading Publication on Discovery Issues

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          Attorneys Coauthor Chapter on Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence for Leading Publication on Discovery Issues

          Litigation attorneys Rhonda J. Tobin and Jeffrey J. White coauthored a chapter in A Practical Guide to Discovery & Depositions in Connecticut. The chapter, titled “Preservation and Spoliation of Evidence,” covers the preservation and spoliation of evidence in the civil context in Connecticut state courts. This new publication is the most comprehensive coverage to date of discovery and deposition issues in Connecticut, and was authored by leading practitioners at the largest firms in the state. The guide is published by MCLE New England, an imprint of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., which is dedicated to providing practical print and online resources for lawyers throughout New England.

          For more information or to order a copy, please click here.

      • September 10, 2010

        Women in the Law and in the News

      R+C News Releases

      • March 2, 2021

        Rhonda Tobin Named an “Insurance Law Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal

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          Rhonda Tobin Named an “Insurance Law Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal

          Robinson+Cole Managing Partner Rhonda J. Tobin is among those recognized in the 2021 Insurance Law Trailblazers list. Published in a special supplement of the National Law Journal, the inaugural list spotlights professionals who are agents of change in the area of insurance law. Read more in the press release. 

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      • February 19, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Elects Rhonda J. Tobin Managing Partner

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          Robinson+Cole Elects Rhonda J. Tobin Managing Partner

          Robinson+Cole’s partnership has elected Rhonda J. Tobin as its next Managing Partner, effective March 1. Tobin will be the first woman to lead the 175-year old AmLaw 200 firm, and will succeed Stephen E. Goldman, who has led the firm since the beginning of 2016. 

          “I’m extremely proud and humbled to be entrusted to lead our great firm of incredibly talented lawyers and professional staff,” said Rhonda J. Tobin. “We have achieved so much over the last few years, and I look forward to continuing the aggressive growth of our practices while also maintaining the essence of our identity. Our 175-year legacy is built on our strong collaborative and inclusive culture – among our lawyers and staff, with our clients, and in the communities where we live and work. I am honored to have this opportunity to build upon that legacy by continuing to embrace change in the years ahead. It is especially meaningful to take on this role at the firm that has been my home for the last 30 years.” Read more in the press release.

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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          47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

          A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 8, 2020

        Robinson+Cole Recognized in Benchmark Litigation

      • August 13, 2020

        Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

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          Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

          Litigation Section Co-chair Rhonda J. Tobin has been named one of Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2020. In this national list published on August 13, 2020, Ms. Tobin is the only female litigator chosen in the state of Connecticut. This is the sixth consecutive year she has received the distinction. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 9, 2020

        Rhonda Tobin Named to Hartford Business Journal’s 2020 “Women in Business” Class

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          Rhonda Tobin Named to Hartford Business Journal’s 2020 “Women in Business” Class

          Litigation Section co-chair Rhonda J. Tobin was selected by the Hartford Business Journal for inclusion in its 2020 “Women in Business” recognition. She is among 15 honorees who demonstrate business success, confidence in themselves and their organizations, and a strong track record of professional leadership.

          In lieu of a recognition event, which was canceled as a result of the current social distancing guidelines in effect, honorees were celebrated during a special two-part webinar series titled “Women in Business Leaders Power Hour Webinars: Leading, Inspiring & Motivating Through Change” hosted on June 2 and June 9. During the webinars, 2020 Women in Business honorees discussed their leadership roles as well as inspiring and motivating through change and growth. The honorees were each profiled in a special section published in the April 6, 2020 edition of the Hartford Business Journal. Read more in the press release.

           

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      • October 19, 2019

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 52 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2019. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

          The following lawyers were named to the Top 50: 2019 Connecticut Super Lawyers list: Denis C. Cavanaugh, Gregory R. Faulkner, Linda L. Morkan, Todd R. Regan, and Jeffrey J. White. Linda also appears on the Top 25: 2019 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

          The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 2, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • August 1, 2019

        Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

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          Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

          Litigation Section Co-chair Rhonda J. Tobin has been named one of Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2019. In this national list published on August 1, 2019, Ms. Tobin is the only female litigator chosen in the state of Connecticut. This is the fifth consecutive year she has received the distinction. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 24, 2018

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • July 23, 2018

        Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

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          Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

          Benchmark Litigation has named Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Rhonda J. Tobinone of its Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2018. In this national list published on July 19, 2018, she is one of only three female litigators chosen in the state of Connecticut. Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation recognizes the accomplishments of America’s leading female trial lawyers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read more in the press release.

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      • October 17, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 56 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2017. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

          See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

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      • September 29, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • August 2, 2017

        Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

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          Rhonda Tobin Among Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

          Benchmark Litigation has named Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Rhonda J. Tobin one of its Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2017. In this national list published on July 31, 2017, she is one of only three female litigators chosen in the state of Connecticut. Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation recognizes the accomplishments of America’s leading female trial lawyers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 14, 2017

        Rhonda Tobin Elected to Hartford Stage Board of Directors

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          Rhonda Tobin Elected to Hartford Stage Board of Directors

          Hartford Stage, one of the nation’s leading resident theatres, elected Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Rhonda J. Tobin to its Board of Directors during the theatre’s Annual Meeting on June 13, 2017. Hartford Stage is known for producing innovative revivals of classics and provocative new plays and musicals, including 73 world and American premieres, as well as offering a distinguished education program that reaches more than 20,000 students annually. Robinson+Cole has been a longtime supporter of Hartford Stage as a production sponsor for one of the theatre’s seasonal stage shows. Read more in the press release.

      • May 11, 2017

        Rhonda Tobin Elected Fellow of National Insurance Coverage Organization

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          Rhonda Tobin Elected Fellow of National Insurance Coverage Organization

          Rhonda J. Tobin has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel (ACCEC). ACCEC is a national organization that comprises almost 300 preeminent lawyers involved in coverage and extracontractual matters, with Fellows representing both policyholders and insurers as well as honorary members from academia. For its membership, the organization seeks lawyers who are distinguished for their skill, experience, and high standards of professional and ethical conduct in the practice of insurance coverage and extracontractual law and who are dedicated to excellence in this area of practice. Read more in the press release.

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      • November 3, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2016

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          Robinson+Cole Recognized in Benchmark Litigation 2016

          Robinson+Cole was again ranked as a "highly recommended" firm in Connecticut in the 2016 edition of Benchmark Litigation. The firm also had the most lawyers recognized as "Local Litigation Stars" in Connecticut. The nine lawyers who earned this honor are Wystan M. Ackerman, Bradford S. Babbitt, Joseph L. Clasen, Nuala E. Droney, Linda L. Morkan, Craig A. Raabe, Rhonda J. Tobin, Theodore J. Tucci, and James A. Wade.

          Benchmark Litigation is the only publication on the market to focus exclusively on litigation in the U.S. Benchmark results are based on comprehensive interviews with litigators and their clients. Firms listed as highly recommended received the most mentions by peers and clients and are held as dominate in their particular jurisdiction. Local litigation stars reflect lawyers who are consistently recommended as reputable and effective litigators by peers and clients. Benchmark is published by Euromoney's Legal Media Group. You can read more about their methodology here.

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      • October 30, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

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          Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

          Robinson+Cole's Business Litigation Group was again ranked as "highly recommended" in Connecticut in the 2015 edition of Benchmark Litigation. The firm also had the most lawyers recognized as "Local Litigation Stars" in Connecticut. Wystan M. Ackerman, Bradford S. Babbitt, Joseph L. Clasen, Nuala E. Droney, Linda L. Morkan, Craig A. Raabe, Rhonda J. Tobin, Theodore J. Tucci, and James A. Wade all earned this honor. It is the first year Ms. Droney, Ms. Tobin, and Mr. Tucci earned this recognition.

          Benchmark Litigation is the only publication on the market to focus exclusively on litigation in the U.S. Benchmark results are based on comprehensive interviews with litigators and their clients. Read more in the press release here.

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      • August 6, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Included in Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Included in Benchmark Litigation’s Top 250 Women in Litigation

          Benchmark Litigation has named Robinson+Cole lawyers Linda L. Morkan and Rhonda J. Tobin among its Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2014. In this national list published on July 15, 2014, they represent two of the four female litigators chosen in Connecticut.

          Benchmark Litigation's Top 250 Women in Litigation recognizes the accomplishments of America's leading female trial lawyers from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. The decision to feature a distinguished female litigator is based primarily on targeted research completed during the U.S. Benchmark Litigation review process, with peer review and overall depth of the individual's litigation career important factors. Read more in the press release here.

           

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