Brian Smith

Brian R. Smith

(he/him/his)

Partner

Brian R. Smith

(he/him/his)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Brian Smith concentrates his practice in land use and real estate matters, and he handles litigation related to these topics. He is the chair of the firm's LandLaw Section.

    Land Use - Zoning

    Brian represents municipalities, developers, and neighbors in land use, planning, wetland, and coastal resources issues. He regularly appears before local land use and wetland boards and commissions in Connecticut, and before state and federal permitting agencies, in order to help his clients gain the necessary approvals for their projects. He is a co-author of Public Access to the New York Shoreline and has appeared in a number of matters on behalf of clients concerning coastal areas and shoreline protection.  

    Brian has worked as lead counsel in obtaining land use approvals for hospitals, higher educational facilities, retail centers, factories, and performing arts venues. As lead counsel, he helped a Connecticut hospital obtain all permits and approvals it needed to build a 310,000-square-foot addition, including a new helicopter landing pad and expanded parking garage.Brian also handles land use matters related to environmental conservation. For example, he represents a land trust, which he has helped to preserve open space and protect Bald Eagle nesting sites near the Connecticut River.

    Litigation

    Brian handles land use matters that result in litigation, such as appeals of land use boards’ decisions. He has served as lead counsel in numerous trials and appeals, involving permits, approvals and denials. He also handles litigation involving eminent domain, title disputes and disputes between landlords and tenants.

    He successfully defended a Connecticut town after a developer sued it over the denial of its application for a large-scale affordable housing project. Four related cases went all the way to the Connecticut Supreme Court, and ultimately the litigation was resolved when the developer pursued a more modest development instead. He also has over two decades of experience representing public health agencies on various issues, including enforcing lead abatement issues in court.

    Pro Bono

    For more than three years, Brian worked on a pro bono basis to help St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, Inc., a ministry of Norwich, Connecticut's Roman Catholic Diocese, in its efforts to provide free food through its soup kitchen and food pantry. He negotiated a settlement that allowed the organization to remain open and continue helping the needy in the Norwich area.

    Brian has lectured regularly on the topic of affordable housing, land use, coastal protection and roads and highways. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Hartford, where he teaches entertainment law. Brian has an extensive background in land use, having worked in planning for Saratoga County, New York, and the City of Eugene, Oregon, prior to becoming an attorney.

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • experience

      • Representation of land trust that owns or holds interests in almost 200 acres of open space lands along the Connecticut River. Representation includes legal issues of lands that protect Bald Eagle nesting sites in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

      • Representation for more than 20 years of a Connecticut governmental public health entity, covering eight municipalities, in all manner of legal services. Represented entity against “hoarders,” whose houses threatened public health. Also represented entity in numerous appeals to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in Superior Court to enforce lead abatement issues, and in hotel and restaurant licensing. Representation also included issues ranging from freedom of information and bankruptcy to septic systems, employment, and state regulation.
      • Representation of the Hartford Housing Authority for all real estate and financing legal work necessary for the authority to purchase the Dutch Point housing project, tear it down, and convert it to a new and improved residential area of the City of Hartford. The $2.5 million project was financed through a HUD grant.
      • Representation of a Connecticut hospital as lead counsel in obtaining permits and approvals for 310,000-square-foot expansion of hospital, including a new life star heliport and expanded parking garage.
      • Representation as special counsel in successfully defending through to the Connecticut Supreme Court a Connecticut town from an overambitious affordable housing application and achieving by settlement a more modest development.
      • Representation of property owners around Westchester County Airport. Issues involved FAA clearance requirements for removing vegetation near the airport and how low planes could fly.
      • Representation of a manufacturer to obtain permits for an expansion of a factory in Farmington, Connecticut.
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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      American Bar Association (1986 - Current)

      Connecticut Bar Association (1986 - Current)

      American Planning Association (1985 - Current)

      Cornell Real Estate Council (1990 - Current)
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Recipient of the Bridge Family Center’s inaugural George C. Hastings Award.

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2006 to 2019.

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law since 2013.

      Connecticut Bar Foundation, James W. Cooper Fellow, 2013

      Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law for 2023

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      University of Hartford
      Board of Regents
      Board of Regents, Finance Committee Chair (2007 - 2015)

      Glastonbury Zoning Board of Appeals
      Chairman

      Sister Cities International
      Honorary Board Member

      The Bridge Family Center
      Past Member of the Board of Directors
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Inverse Condemnation: Subsumption and Ripeness of Related Constitutional Claims," published in Practical Law, co-authored with Kevin P. Daly and Evan J. Seeman (6/7/2018)
      • » more info

        • Inverse Condemnation: Subsumption and Ripeness of Related Constitutional Claims

        "Inverse Condemnation: Subsumption and Ripeness of Related Constitutional Claims," published in Practical Law, co-authored by Kevin P. Daly, Brian R. Smith and Evan J. Seeman (6/7/2018)

        The Practice Note offers strategies and procedure for obtaining dismissal of constitutional claims that are ancillary to an inverse condemnation, or regulatory takings, claim. The Note describes the application of the Williamson County ripeness requirements to related constitutional claims, including procedural due process, substantive due process, and equal protection claims. It all discusses a takings claim's potentially preclusive effect on related claims that are coextensive with, and subsumed by, the takings remedy. 

      • View article

      "Inverse Condemnation: Asserting the Ripeness in Federal Courts," published in Practical Law, co-authored with Kevin P. Daly and Evan J. Seeman (6/7/2018)
      • » more info

        • Inverse Condemnation: Asserting the Ripeness in Federal Courts

        "Inverse Condemnation: Asserting the Ripeness in Federal Courts," published in Practical Law, co-authored by Kevin P. Daly, Brian R. Smith and Evan J. Seeman (6/7/2018)

        The Practice Note provides considerations to government counsel on asserting the ripeness defense in Fifth Amendment takings or inverse condemnation claims. The Note discusses the Williamson County exhaustion and finality requirements, the futility exception, and procedural aspects of asserting the defense in a motion to dismiss and a motion for summary judgment.

      • View article

      "Five Tips for Planners and Planning Commissioners Reviewing Religious Land Use Applications," published in Connecticut Planning, co-authored with Evan J. Seeman, a publication of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (Spring 2016)
      • » more info

        • Five Tips for Planners and Planning Commissioners Reviewing Religious Land Use Applications

        "Five Tips for Planners and Planning Commissioners Reviewing Religious Land Use Applications," published in Connecticut Planning, co-authored by Evan J. Seeman and Brian R. Smith, a publication of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (Spring 2016)

        The article is based on Mr. Seeman's and Mr. Smith's experience representing a Connecticut soup kitchen in the local zoning process and subsequent federal litigation. They discuss lessons learned in their experience and provide a handful of tips for land use agencies reviewing applications for proposed religious uses.

      • View article

      "Court Reverses Rocky Hill Zoning Commission's Approval of Road Leading to Landfill in the Flood Zone," co-authored with Evan J. Seeman, published in The Meadow View, a publication of the Great Meadows Conservation Trust, Inc. (December 2015)

      "Navigating History: Montana and State Riverbed Ownership," published in Law360, co-authored with Evan J. Seeman and Sorell E. Negro (4/2/2012)

      Library of Connecticut Civil Complaints for Business Litigation, Volume I, co-authored with Michele L. Maresca and Timothy D. Bates and Joel Norwood, a Connecticut Law Tribune publication (2010)
      • » more info

        • Library of Connecticut Civil Complaints for Business Litigation, Volume I

        Library of Connecticut Civil Complaints for Business Litigation, Volume I, co-authored by Michele L. Maresca, Brian R. Smith and Timothy D. Bates and Joel Norwood, a Connecticut Law Tribune publication (2010)

        The volume covers land use complaints.


      "Signs of Prior Restraint - Emerging Trends in First Amendment Litigation," published in Municipal Lawyer (September/October 2005)

      "The First Amendment in Land Use Law," published in ALI-ABA Course Materials Journal (2/1990)

      Public Access to the New York Shoreline (1988)

      Various chapters from Road and Access Law in Connecticut

      Various chapters from Land Use Law Update in Connecticut

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Lunch with an Expert," presented during the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Connecticut Chapter’s Annual Conference and Expo (3/18/2023)

      "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," presented as part of the 2023 CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, Commissions training hosted by the Connecticut Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section (3/11/2023)
      • » more info

        • Special Permit and Site Plan Review

        "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," presented by Brian R. Smith, presented as part of the 2023 CT Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, Commissions training hosted by the Connecticut Bar Association Planning and Zoning Section (3/11/2023)

        The introductory level course focused on topics of immediate concern to all municipal land use agencies, boards, commissions, and their staffs. The training provided a broad review of the municipal land use process, including zoning, planning, zoning board of appeals, and wetlands issues.


      "Real Estate Law for Planners," co-presented with Michele L. Maresca and Evan J. Seeman, during the Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) 2018 Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut (10/19/2018)
      • » more info

        • Real Estate Law for Planners

        "Real Estate Law for Planners," co-presented by Michele L. Maresca, Brian R. Smith and Evan J. Seeman, during the Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) 2018 Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut (10/19/2018)

        During the program, Michele, Evan, and Brian provided planners with an understanding of real estate law and how a planner's day-to-day work relates to real estate transactions.


      "Fundamentals of Real Estate Law," at the 2018 Western Places/Western Spaces Conference hosted at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in Denver, Colorado (3/7/2018)
      • » more info

        • Fundamentals of Real Estate Law

        "Fundamentals of Real Estate Law," presented by Brian R. Smith, at the 2018 Western Places/Western Spaces Conference hosted at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in Denver, Colorado (3/7/2018)

        Presented by the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute, Mr. Smith covered “Drafting & Negotiating the Purchase and Sale Agreements" as part of this bonus workshop that provided an introduction to how real estate transactions work. 


      "Recent Caselaw Development in Wetlands Preservation and Mitigation: Lessons for Engineers," at the International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure, hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in New York City (10/27/2017)
      • » more info

        • Recent Caselaw Development in Wetlands Preservation and Mitigation: Lessons for Engineers

        "Recent Caselaw Development in Wetlands Preservation and Mitigation: Lessons for Engineers," presented by Brian R. Smith, at the International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure, hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in New York City (10/27/2017)

        The conference, featuring lawyers, civil engineers, urban architects, policy makers, and technology leaders, showcased the latest developments and advancements in design, construction, technology, policy, and education related to sustainable infrastructure. 


      "Real Estate Law for Planners," co-presented with Evan J. Seeman, at the American Planning Association National Planning Conference, Planning in Motion, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City (5/9/2017)
      • » more info

        • Real Estate Law for Planners

        "Real Estate Law for Planners," co-presented by Brian R. Smith and Evan J. Seeman, at the American Planning Association National Planning Conference, Planning in Motion, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City (5/9/2017)

        The session provided practical real estate advice to the standing room-only crowd. Click here to see their PowerPoint.   


      "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," at the Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions program, sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association’s Planning and Zoning Section (3/25/2017)
      • » more info

        • Special Permit and Site Plan Review

        "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," presented by Brian R. Smith, at the Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions program, sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association’s Planning and Zoning Section (3/25/2017)

        The event, for local officials, takes place every two years at Wesleyan University and focuses on topics of immediate concern to all municipal land use agencies, boards, commissions, and their staffs. 


      "Food and the First Amendment," co-presented with Karla L. Chaffee, at the SNEAPA 2016 Conference in Worcester, Massachusetts (10/21/2016)

      "Ethics for Planners in the Digital Age," at the SNEAPA 2016 Conference in Worcester, Massachusetts (10/21/2016)

      "The Status of the Law of Eminent Domain in Connecticut and Nationwide," co-presented with Dwight H. Merriam, to the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (10/5/2016)
      • » more info

        • The Status of the Law of Eminent Domain in Connecticut and Nationwide

        "The Status of the Law of Eminent Domain in Connecticut and Nationwide," co-presented by Dwight H. Merriam and Brian R. Smith, to the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (10/5/2016)

        Mr. Smith discussed prior case law and statutory amendments to the Connecticut General Statutes that arose due to fallout from the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London. Mr. Merriam discussed the state of the law of eminent domain from the nationwide perspective. He also led a discussion on alternatives to eminent domain and possible reforms as detailed in his soon-to-be-published article in the Connecticut Law Review. 

      • View article

      "Planning As If 'Black Lives Matter'," at the American Planning Association's (APA) National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona (4/4/2016)
      • » more info

        • Planning As If 'Black Lives Matter'

        "Planning As If 'Black Lives Matter'," presented by Brian R. Smith, at the American Planning Association's (APA) National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona (4/4/2016)

        Click here to see the PowerPoint.


      "Real Estate and Land Use Issues in the Representation of Medical Marijuana Facilities," co-presented with Michele L. Maresca, American Bar Association's Annual Meeting (2015)

      "Ethical Rules and Considerations for Planners, Plan Commissioners, and Lawyers," co-presented with Evan J. Seeman and Hiram Peck, AICP, director of community planning & development in Simsbury, Connecticut, and David S. Silverman, AICP, of Ancel Glink in Chicago, Illinois, at webinar sponsored by the American Planning Association's Planning and Law Division (4/8/2015)
      • » more info

        • Ethical Rules and Considerations for Planners, Plan Commissioners, and Lawyers

        "Ethical Rules and Considerations for Planners, Plan Commissioners, and Lawyers," co-presented by Evan J. Seeman, Brian R. Smith and Hiram Peck, AICP, director of community planning & development in Simsbury, Connecticut, and David S. Silverman, AICP, of Ancel Glink in Chicago, Illinois, at webinar sponsored by the American Planning Association's Planning and Law Division (4/8/2015)

        The session covered the primary sources of ethical rules, common ethical mistakes, and procedures to correct common mistakes. On the topic of "Ethical Rules for Lawyers," Mr. Seeman discussed distinct areas of law and regulation, attorney-client privilege, the work product doctrine, the ABA model rules of professional conduct, and common mistakes made by lawyers, among other issues, and Mr. Smith focused on the key issue of identifying the client and social networking as an issue for planners and lawyers.
        Please click here to view the program PowerPoint.


      "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," at the all-day seminar Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions; sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association's Planning and Zoning Section, at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut (3/21/2015)
      • » more info

        • Special Permit and Site Plan Review

        "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," presented by Brian R. Smith, at the all-day seminar Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions; sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association's Planning and Zoning Section, at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut (3/21/2015)

        Mr. Smith covered statutory requirements of and distinction between special permit and site plan review, and appeals from decisions on applications for special permit and site plan approval. Please click here to view the outline of his session.


      "Tips and Traps in the Land Use Approval Process and Litigation," at Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Law Center in New Britain, Connecticut, co-presented with Evan J. Seeman and the Honorable Marshall K. Berger Jr., presiding judge of the Land Use Litigation Docket; and Hiram Peck, director of Community Planning & Development for the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut (3/31/2014)
      • » more info

        • Tips and Traps in the Land Use Approval Process and Litigation

        "Tips and Traps in the Land Use Approval Process and Litigation," presented at Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Law Center in New Britain, Connecticut, co-presented by Evan J. Seeman, Brian R. Smith and the Honorable Marshall K. Berger Jr., presiding judge of the Land Use Litigation Docket; and Hiram Peck, director of Community Planning & Development for the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut (3/31/2014)

        Mr. Seeman moderated the program and Mr. Smith served as a panelist.


      "Land Use Law: What You Don’t Know WILL Hurt You – The Most Important Land Use Law Developments of the Last Year," at Southern New England American Planning Association Conference: Planning at the Crossroads, Panelist (9/2012)

      "Navigating Summary Judgment: Takings Lessons – PPL Montana LLC v. State of Montana, U.S. Supreme Court, Docket No. 10-218," at Yale Law School (1/25/2012)

      "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," at Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, sponsored by the Planning & Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association (3/12/2011)

      "Branford Eminent Domain Cases," at Connecticut Bar Association's Fifth Annual Property Rights Seminar (12/2010)

      "Basic Land Use Law," at Connecticut Bar Association event (10/2009)

      "Boundary Law in Connecticut," at the National Business Institute (2/7/2002)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • March 7, 2023

        Linda Morkan and Brian Smith Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune for Successful View Easement Appeal

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          Linda Morkan and Brian Smith Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune for Successful View Easement Appeal

          Linda Morkan, chair of the firm's Appellate Practice Group, and Real Estate + Development Group partner Brian Smith successfully argued the appeal of an alleged view easement in the case of 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 Connecticut Law Tribune covered the case with Linda quoted in the article as saying "[w]e are pleased with the decision of the Appellate Court, and look forward to having the dispute resolved." Read the article.

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      • October 31, 2018

        Michele Maresca, Evan Seeman, and Brian Smith Present During SNEAPA 2018 Conference

        • » more info

          Michele Maresca, Evan Seeman, and Brian Smith Present During SNEAPA 2018 Conference

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Michele L. Maresca, Evan J. Seeman, and Brian R. Smith presented a program on “Real Estate Law for Planners” as part of the Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) 2018 Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut held October 18-19, 2018. The event is an annual two-day planning conference, hosted by the Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts chapters of the American Planning Association and draws nearly 600 planners, landscape architects, architects, engineers, academics, students and others. During the program, Michele, Evan, and Brian provided planners with an understanding of real estate law and how a planner's day-to-day work relates to real estate transactions.

      • 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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      • August 20, 2018

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

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          52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

          52 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 (Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

          See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers.

        • View article
      • June 18, 2018

        Kevin Daly, Evan Seeman, and Brian Smith Publish Practice Notes on Inverse Condemnation for Thomson Reuters Practical Law™

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          Kevin Daly, Evan Seeman, and Brian Smith Publish Practice Notes on Inverse Condemnation for Thomson Reuters Practical Law™

          Business Litigation Group lawyer Kevin P. Daly and Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Brian R. Smith authored two practice notes published by Thomson Reuters Practical Law™. The first, entitled “Inverse Condemnation: Asserting the Ripeness in Federal Courts,” provides considerations to government counsel on asserting the ripeness defense in Fifth Amendment takings or inverse condemnation claims. The second practice note, entitled “Inverse Condemnation: Subsumption and Ripeness of Related Constitutional Claims,” offers strategies and procedure for obtaining dismissal of constitutional claims that are ancillary to an inverse condemnation or regulatory takings claim. View the practice notes.

        • View article
      • March 20, 2018

        Evan Seeman and Brian Smith Present at Western Places/Western Spaces Conference

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          Evan Seeman and Brian Smith Present at Western Places/Western Spaces Conference

          Land Use Group lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Brian R. Smith presented workshops as part of the 2018 Western Places/Western Spaces Conference hosted at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in Denver, Colorado on March 8 and 9, 2018. Presented by the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute, this year’s conference theme was “Disruption, Innovation, and Progress.” Mr. Seeman and Mr. Smith were speakers for the bonus workshop on March 7, “Fundamentals of Real Estate Law.” The full-day program provided an introduction to how real estate transactions work, from basic property law and covenants to the role of government and planners in the transactions. Mr. Seeman covered “Property Law Basics” and "Government Interests in Land." Mr. Smith covered “Drafting & Negotiating the Purchase and Sale Agreements.” In addition, Mr. Smith moderated the session “The Great Recession at 10: Why We Need Market Demand Based Planning and Permitting” on March 9, which argued that America needs market demand based planning and permitting to assure solvency of its private and public financial institutions, protect investor and taxpayer equity, and advance Americans' quality of life. View the program materials.

      • November 29, 2017

        Brian Smith Presents at ASCE Conference

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          Brian Smith Presents at ASCE Conference

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Brian R. Smith spoke at the International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure, hosted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in New York City on October 27, 2017. The conference, featuring lawyers, civil engineers, urban architects, policy makers, and technology leaders, showcased the latest developments and advancements in design, construction, technology, policy, and education related to sustainable infrastructure. Mr. Smith presented on "Recent Caselaw Development in Wetlands Preservation and Mitigation: Lessons for Engineers."  

      • April 11, 2017

        Brian Smith and Dwight Merriam Present on Future of Connecticut Communities for Local Officials at Wesleyan

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          Brian Smith and Dwight Merriam Present on Future of Connecticut Communities for Local Officials at Wesleyan

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Brian R. Smith and Dwight H. Merriam presented at the Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions program,  sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association's Planning and Zoning Section on March 25, 2017. The event, for local officials, takes place every two years at Wesleyan University and focuses on topics of immediate concern to all municipal land use agencies, boards, commissions, and their staffs. Mr. Smith spoke on "Special Permit and Site Plan Review." Mr. Merriam provided highlights of the 2016 Zoning and Planning Law Report Awards.

      • October 27, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at SNEAPA 2016 Conference

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at SNEAPA 2016 Conference

          Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Dwight H. Merriam and Brian R. Smith participated in the SNEAPA 2016 Conference, held on October 20 and 21, 2016, in Worcester, Massachusetts. On October 20, Ms. Chaffee introduced the opening keynote speaker, Jim Braude, who hosts Greater Boston, a news and analysis show on WGBH Channel 2 and co-hosts Boston Public Radio on Boston’s local NRP station, 89.7, WGBH. Robinson+Cole was the sponsor of this keynote address. Click here to see photos. Also on October 20, Mr. Merriam moderated the session "Recent Developments in Land Use Law." Click here for his PowerPoint and here for his resource materials. On October 21, Mr. Smith participated in the session "Food and the First Amendment," and Mr. Smith moderated the session "Ethics for Planners in the Digital Age."

          The Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) hosts the conference annually. This year, the event drew over 600 participants from the areas of law, planning, architecture, and engineering, among others.

      • October 13, 2016

        Brian Smith and Dwight Merriam Speak on Eminent Domain at CBA Planning and Zoning Section Meeting

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          Brian Smith and Dwight Merriam Speak on Eminent Domain at CBA Planning and Zoning Section Meeting

          Brian R. Smith and Dwight H. Merriam of the Real Estate + Development Group presented on the status of the law of eminent domain in Connecticut and nationwide to the Planning and Zoning Section of the Connecticut Bar Association on October 5, 2016, in New Haven. Mr. Smith discussed prior case law and statutory amendments to the Connecticut General Statutes that arose due to fallout from the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London. Mr. Merriam discussed the state of the law of eminent domain from the nationwide perspective. He also led a discussion on alternatives to eminent domain and possible reforms as detailed in his soon-to-be-published article in the Connecticut Law Review. Click here for the article.

      • May 19, 2016

        Hartford Land Use Lawyers Publish Article on Religious Land Use Applications in Connecticut Planning

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          Hartford Land Use Lawyers Publish Article on Religious Land Use Applications in Connecticut Planning

          Land use lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Brian R. Smith wrote an article for the Spring 2016 issue of Connecticut Planning, a publication of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association, based on their experience representing a Connecticut soup kitchen in the local zoning process and subsequent federal litigation. In the article "Five Tips for Planners and Planning Commissioners Reviewing Religious Land Use Applications," Mr. Seeman and Mr. Smith discuss lessons learned in their experience and provide a handful of tips for land use agencies reviewing applications for proposed religious uses. Click here to read the entire article.

      • May 4, 2016

        Land Use Lawyers Participate in APA National Planning Conference

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          Land Use Lawyers Participate in APA National Planning Conference

          Lawyers in Robinson+Cole's Land Use Group attended the American Planning Association's (APA) National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, held from April 2 to 4, 2016. Evan J. Seeman, Dwight H. Merriam, FAICP, and Brian R. Smith served as panelists.

          The April 3 sessions included the following: 

          • Mr. Seeman – "FHA, RLUIPA & Telecommunications Act Compliance": Click here to see the PowerPoint.
          • Mr. Merriam – "The Ethical Planning Practitioner": Click here to see the PowerPoint.
          • Mr. Merriam – "Planning for Water-Neutral Development": Click here to see the PowerPoint.

          The April 4 sessions included the following:

          • Mr. Smith – "Planning As If 'Black Lives Matter'": Click here to see the PowerPoint. 
          • Mr. Merriam – "Social Equity and Planning in the 21st Century: 2016 Diversity Summit": Click here and here to see the PowerPoints. Click here to view a photo of the participants.
          • Mr. Merriam – "Design Practices That Help Build Thriving Communities": Click as follows to view the PowerPoints – here, here, here, and here.
          • Mr. Merriam – "Planning Ethics: The Reality TV Show": Click the links to see the presentation videos – Hypothetical 1, Hypothetical 2, and Hypothetical 3.

          On the lighter side, Robinson+Cole and the Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Northern New England chapters of the APA jointly hosted the New England Planning Reception on April 3. Held at Mother Bunch Brewing in Phoenix, conference attendees had a chance to network and relax. Karla L. Chaffee and Katherine C. Bailey helped to plan the event.

      • May 15, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Is a Sponsor of APA National Planning Conference

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          Robinson+Cole Is a Sponsor of APA National Planning Conference

          Members of Robinson+Cole's Land Use Group attended the American Planning Association's (APA) National Planning Conference, held from April 18 to 21, 2015, in Seattle, Washington.

          On April 18, Dwight H. Merriam participated in two one-hour resume clinic sessions counseling eight planners, mostly soon-to-graduate students, on their resumes. On April 21, he moderated the Bettman Law Symposium session "Regulating the Neighborhood Dispensary" with panelists Tina Axelrad, assistant zoning administrator of the City and County of Denver's Department of Community Planning & Development/Development Services; Jeremy Nemeth, associate professor and chair of the Department of Planning and Design at the University of Colorado Denver; and John Schochet, deputy chief of staff of Seattle's City Attorney's Office.

          On April 19, Sorell E. Negro moderated "Urban Agriculture and the Law," which was selected as the APA's Planning and Law Division's by-right session for this year's conference. The program featured as speakers Carrie Richter, land use lawyer with Garvey Schubert Barer of Portland, Oregon; David Silverman, land use lawyer and certified planner with Ancel Glink of Chicago, Illinois; and Nicole Civita, who directs the Food Resiliency Initiative and Food Recovery Project at the University of Arkansas School of Law and is also of counsel with Foscolo & Handel PLLC, the Food Law Firm. Mr. Silverman and Ms. Civita are also authors of the recent book Urban Agriculture, co-edited by Ms. Negro and published by the ABA.

          Evan J. Seeman and Dwight H. Merriam organized and attended the East Coast Meets West Coast Reception, held on April 19. The reception was hosted jointly by Robinson+Cole and the Massachusetts and Connecticut APA chapters. Also in attendance were Brian R. Smith and Sorell E. Negro. Approximately 70 people from the planning field in New England and beyond attended the reception, enjoying extraordinary views of Mount Rainier.

          Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of this event. Please click here to see a photo of R+C lawyers at the conference.

      • April 23, 2015

        Land Use Lawyers Speak at APA Ethics Webinar

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          Land Use Lawyers Speak at APA Ethics Webinar

          Evan J. Seeman and Brian R. Smith, land use lawyers in Hartford, co-presented at the "Ethical Rules and Considerations for Planners, Plan Commissioners, and Lawyers" webinar on April 8, 2015, along with Hiram Peck, AICP, director of community planning & development in Simsbury, Connecticut, and David S. Silverman, AICP, of Ancel Glink in Chicago, Illinois. The session, sponsored by the American Planning Association's Planning and Law Division, covered the primary sources of ethical rules, common ethical mistakes, and procedures to correct common mistakes. On the topic of "Ethical Rules for Lawyers," Mr. Seeman discussed distinct areas of law and regulation, attorney-client privilege, the work product doctrine, the ABA model rules of professional conduct, and common mistakes made by lawyers, among other issues, and Mr. Smith focused on the key issue of identifying the client and social networking as an issue for planners and lawyers.

          Please click here to view the program PowerPoint.

      • March 25, 2015

        Brian R. Smith and Dwight Merriam Present at CBA Seminar on Connecticut Land Use Law

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          Brian R. Smith and Dwight Merriam Present at CBA Seminar on Connecticut Land Use Law

          Brian R. Smith and Dwight H. Merriam, land use lawyers in Robinson+Cole's Hartford office, spoke at the all-day seminar "Connecticut Land Use Law for Municipal Land Use Agencies, Boards, and Commissions," sponsored by the Connecticut Bar Association's Planning and Zoning Section. The event was held at Wesleyan University on March 21, 2015, with 230 local land use officials and planners in attendance. Mr. Smith's presentation, "Special Permit and Site Plan Review," covered statutory requirements of and distinction between special permit and site plan review, and appeals from decisions on applications for special permit and site plan approval. Please click here to view the outline of his session. Mr. Merriam gave a brief presentation during lunch on the 2014 Zoning and Planning Law Report Awards. Click here to view his PowerPoint and here to view his published article in the Zoning and Planning Law Report.

      • April 14, 2014

        Hartford Lawyers Participate in CBA Land Use Seminar

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          Hartford Lawyers Participate in CBA Land Use Seminar

          Land use lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Brian R. Smith participated in the CLE program "Tips and Traps in the Land Use Approval Process and Litigation" on March 31, 2014, at the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Law Center in New Britain, Connecticut. Mr. Seeman moderated the program and Mr. Smith served as a panelist, along with the Honorable Marshall K. Berger Jr., presiding judge of the Land Use Litigation Docket; and Hiram Peck, director of Community Planning & Development for the Town of Simsbury, Connecticut. The program, which provided useful advice to lawyers of all levels of experience who appear before administrative agencies and courts, was sponsored by the CBA's Young Lawyers and Planning & Zoning Sections.

           

      • December 13, 2013

        Hartford Lawyers Participate in APA Webinar on Ethical Rules

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          Hartford Lawyers Participate in APA Webinar on Ethical Rules

          Land use lawyers Brian R. Smith and Evan J. Seeman represented Robinson & Cole as panelists in the webinar "Ethical Rules and Considerations for Planners, Plan Commissioners, and Lawyers" on November 22, 2013. Over 700 people from across the country listened in to the discussion, which was sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). Hiram Peck, the Simsbury director of Community Planning & Development, also participated as a panelist, and David Silverman, a lawyer at Ancel Glink in Chicago, moderated the program. Please click here to view the materials.

          Mr. Smith and land use lawyer Sorell E. Negro presented a similar program for the APA's Planning and Law Division (PLD) on September 4, 2013, raising more than $3,000 for the PLD. Mr. Peck and Mr. Silverman also participated in this program.
      • January 17, 2013

        Land Law Lawyers Speak at CBA Property Rights Seminar

      • September 18, 2012

        Land Use Lawyers Speaking at 2012 Southern New England American Planning Association Conference

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          Land Use Lawyers Speaking at 2012 Southern New England American Planning Association Conference

          Seven land use lawyers will serve on panel discussions at the 2012 Southern New England American Planning Association Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center September 20 and 21.

          The Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island chapters of the American Planning Association organize this annual regional planning conference. The 2012 theme is “Planning at the Crossroads.”

          Timothy D. Bates will be a panelist for the discussion “Land Banking: An Opportunity for Southern New England?” Panelists will discuss how land banks have helped communities with vacant properties. Sorell E. Negro and Evan J. Seeman will moderate the discussion.

          Matthew J. Lawlor will be a panelist for the discussion “Context-Based Zoning and Other Innovative Tools.” The panel will discuss how municipalities use form-based codes for development projects and for establishing relationships with the public.

          Dwight H. Merriam and Brian R. Smith will be panelists for the discussion “Land Use Law: What you Don’t Know WILL Hurt You – The Most Important Land Use Law Developments of the Last Year.” Mr. Merriam also will moderate the discussion.

          Thomas P. Cody will present one of the conference’s three mobile workshops. Mr. Cody, chair of the Riverfront Recapture board of directors, and Joseph R. Marfuggi, president and chief operating officer of Riverfront Recapture, will present “Riverfront Recapture – Park Development Along the Connecticut River,” which involves a walking tour of riverfront parks in Hartford and East Hartford.

          Land use analyst Linnea C. McCaffrey served on the conference’s planning committee and organized the conference’s three mobile workshops.
      • May 15, 2012

        Land Use Partner Tells Law360 New York City Rent Stabilization Laws Need to Change

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          Land Use Partner Tells Law360 New York City Rent Stabilization Laws Need to Change

          Law360 quoted land use partner Brian R. Smith in a story on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to deny a landlord's challenge to New York City's rent stabilization law. Mr. Smith filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Rent Stabilization Association of New York, Inc.

          “We think the rent regulation laws need to be stricken,” Mr. Smith said to Law360. “New York needs to think of a different way to approach its housing situation. The concept that there is an emergency that has lasted this long is hard to understand.” Law360 quoted Mr. Smith in the story “High Court Skips Challenge to NYC Rent Stabilization Law,” published April 23, 2012.

          Law360 is a newswire for business lawyers and other professionals providing coverage of breaking news and legal developments.
      • February 27, 2012

        Land Use Partner Offers Correct Prediction of Supreme Court Case at Yale Panel Discussion

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          Land Use Partner Offers Correct Prediction of Supreme Court Case at Yale Panel Discussion

          Land use partner Brian R. Smith participated on a panel discussion about the U. S. Supreme Court case PPL Montana, LLC v. Montana on January 25, 2012, at Yale Law School. The Yale Environmental Law Association and the Connecticut Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section and Planning and Zoning Section hosted the discussion.

          Mr. Smith delivered a PowerPoint presentation as part of the discussion. During his presentation he correctly predicted how the U. S. Supreme Court would decide the case, which concerns how state ownership of riverbeds is determined.

          Land use associate Sorell E. Negro introduced the panelists.
      • August 18, 2011

        Brian Smith Joins Bridge Board of Directors

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          Brian Smith Joins Bridge Board of Directors

          Brian R. Smith, chair of Robinson & Cole’s Land Use Practice Group, has joined The Bridge Family Center Board of Directors. Mr. Smith has worked on various legal matters for the Bridge since 1999, including assisting the organization with obtaining an approval from the City of Hartford for Eleanor House, a therapeutic home for girls. Robinson & Cole has a long-standing relationship with the Bridge with various attorneys providing pro bono services and serving on its board since 1969.
      • April 5, 2011

        Land Law Lawyers Deliver Presentations for Connecticut Planning and Zoning Officials

      • December 17, 2010

        LandLaw Partners Speak at Property Rights Seminar

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          LandLaw Partners Speak at Property Rights Seminar

          Dwight H. Merriam and Brian R. Smith of the firm’s LandLaw Section spoke at the Connecticut Bar Association’s fifth annual Property Rights Seminar, organized and moderated by Mr. Merriam. Mr. Smith spoke on the Branford, Connecticut, eminent domain cases, the most important eminent domain cases of the last year in the state. He tried the winning cases with Steven Humphrey, of counsel. Mr. Merriam spoke on recent national developments.

          For a photograph of Mr. Smith delivering his remarks, click here.

      • September 14, 2010

        Attorney Meets President of Ireland

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          Attorney Meets President of Ireland

          Brian R. Smith, chair of the firm’s Land Use Group, attended the presentation of the Mary Immaculate College McAuley Medal from Ireland President Mary McAleese to sculptor Imogen Stuart. As part of the September 3 ceremony, Mr. Smith read a letter from the president of the University of Hartford, Walter Harrison, and presented Ms. Stuart with a clock from the University of Hartford.

          To see a photograph of Mr. Smith with President McAleese, click here.

      • November 30, 2009

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Receive Spotlight Award for Community Work

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          Robinson & Cole Attorneys Receive Spotlight Award for Community Work

          Labor & Employment attorney Stephen W. Aronson, Land Use attorney Brian R. Smith, and retired attorney Diana MacPherson received the 2009 Spotlight Award, presented annually by Footlights Inc. to people who have given their time and expertise to better the nonprofit organization. They were honored on November 9, 2009 during the Mad Hot Hartford Ballroom event at the Hartford Stage. Congratulations to them! Click here to view a photo.

      R+C News Releases

      • August 18, 2022

        74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

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          74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

          74 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023. Of the 74 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 54 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law insurance law and construction litigation. Only the top 5.3 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Brian R. Smith in Land Use and Zoning Law, Christine E. Bromberg in Tax Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Regulatory Law, Norman H. Roos in Banking and Finance Law, Rachel V. Kushel in Employment Law – Management, Theodore J. Tucci in  Health Care Law and Virginia E. McGarrity – in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.

          The third edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 19, 2021

        65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

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          65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

          65 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Of the 65 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Patrick M. Birney in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Michael F. Maglio in Banking and Finance Law, Robert S. Melvin in Environmental Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Law and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib in Trademark Law. Peter V. Lacouture was also named a Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Providence, Rhode Island in the area of Energy Law.

          The second edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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      • August 20, 2020

        61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

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          61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

          61 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021. Of the 61 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 46 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Michael R. Enright in Litigation – Bankruptcy, Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction, Virginia E. McGarrity in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law. Michael S. Giaimo was also named a Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law.

          The inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

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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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      • August 15, 2019

        57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

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          57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

          57 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020. Of the 57 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 44 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law, insurance law, and litigation-construction.

          Additionally, the following four lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Thomas P. Cody in Real Estate Law, Michael R. Enright in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, John B. Lynch Jr. in Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Theodore J. Tucci in Insurance Law. Kathleen M. Porter was also named a Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Information Technology Law. Read more in the press release.

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      • June 14, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Lawyer Receives the Bridge Family Center’s First George C. Hastings Award

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyer Receives the Bridge Family Center’s First George C. Hastings Award

          Robinson+Cole Real Estate + Development Group partner Brian R. Smith received the Bridge Family Center’s inaugural George C. Hastings Award at the Bridge’s Annual Meeting on June 4, 2019 in West Hartford, CT. The award, named for the late Robinson+Cole partner and one of the Bridge’s founding leaders, is presented to an individual who exemplifies Hastings’ strong and compassionate character and who embodies his life-long commitment to serving the underprivileged and those in need. 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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      • August 15, 2017

        Fifty-Nine Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018

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          Fifty-Nine Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018

          Fifty-nine Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Of the 59 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Litigation – Construction; Stephen E. Goldman in Insurance Law; Stuart D. Rosen in Litigation – Banking and Finance; Edward J. Samorajczyk Jr. in Securities / Capital Markets Law; William T. Sellay in Mergers and Acquisitions Law; and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law.

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

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      • October 18, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          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 2016. 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, 23 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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      • August 15, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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      • October 19, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

          A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2015. 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, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here. See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

        • View article
      • August 18, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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      • October 17, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

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          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

          A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York for 2014.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, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

          To see the recognized attorneys and their areas of practice, click here.

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      • August 19, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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          Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

          Robinson+Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of Connecticut lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2015 (Copyright 2014 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken,SC). Across the firm's practice groups and offices, 56 lawyers were named to this year's list, including 46 in Connecticut.

          Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2015 "Lawyer of the Year" in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Construction Law; Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction; Judith M.Keppelman in Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Craig A. Raabe in Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar and Litigation – Antitrust; William T. Sellay in Corporate Law; and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law.

          See the full list of included lawyers in the press release here.

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      • August 16, 2013

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

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

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

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

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      • May 22, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Lawyers Provide Pro Bono Support to Norwich Soup Kitchen

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          Robinson & Cole Lawyers Provide Pro Bono Support to Norwich Soup Kitchen

          Robinson & Cole lawyers Timothy D. Bates, Brian R. Smith, Evan J. Seeman, Kathleen E. Dion, and Jonathan H. Schaefer, along with land use analyst Linnea C. McCaffrey, are collaborating to provide pro bono assistance to St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, Inc., in Connecticut, a ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese that provides services to the needy in Norwich through its soup kitchen and food pantry programs. The firm has performed this work on a modified pro bono basis; however, it is requesting that attorneys' fees be awarded should it be successful.

          The firm's representation of St. Vincent concerns its ability to exercise freely its religion to serve the needy on a particular site. The firm has brought an appeal regarding the denial of a special permit to the Second Circuit, is challenging an enforcement order in the U.S. District Court, and, based on the denial of a variance on May 14, 2013, is preparing another lawsuit to be filed in the District Court. The cases challenge the City of Norwich's actions under the First Amendment and the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). An overwhelming number of cases in Connecticut's low-income bracket are not being represented in court, bringing to light a very real concern about this impact on justice. Robinson & Cole is part of a pro bono movement to represent those who do not have access to justice. These cases, which started at the local level with planning and zoning issues before moving into federal court, are presently Robinson & Cole's largest pro bono cases.

          Tim Bates was quoted in the article "Soup kitchen in Norwich gets $100,000 in donated legal help," published in the New London Day on April 23, 2013.

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      • March 1, 2013

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

      • January 24, 2013

        Connecticut Superior Court Awards Tenant $109,000 for Discrimination Based on Lawful Source of Income

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          Connecticut Superior Court Awards Tenant $109,000 for Discrimination Based on Lawful Source of Income

          Ms. Palmer, a domestic violence survivor, was staying temporarily on her cousin's couch when she obtained a Security Deposit Guarantee (SDG) from the Department of Social Services (DSS). The program provides tenants without the resources for a security deposit with a DSS-backed guaranty. Ms. Palmer attempted to use the Guarantee to rent an apartment in Manchester, from landlord Mr. Kenneth Burkamp. As Judge Oliver of the Connecticut Housing Court explained, "Despite [Ms. Palmer] indicating to the defendant that his refusal was illegal, Kenneth Burkamp continued to refuse to accept the SDG, indicating his reluctance to deal with the State of Connecticut."

          After being denied the apartment, Ms. Palmer contacted the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, where attorneys Greg Kirschner and Timothy Bennett-Smyth, assisted by the law firm of Robinson & Cole LLP, agreed to represent Ms. Palmer. On December 21, 2012, the Connecticut Housing Court awarded Ms. Palmer $109,788.50 in compensatory damages and attorneys' fees. The award includes a civil penalty against the defendant for willful conduct and is designed to deter other landlords from violating the fair housing laws.
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      • October 22, 2012

        Super Lawyers® Names 49 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2012 List and Recognizes 26 as Rising Stars

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          Super Lawyers® Names 49 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2012 List and Recognizes 26 as Rising Stars

          A total of 49 Robinson & Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for 2012. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

          In addition, 26 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

          Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice can be read in the full press release.

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      • August 28, 2012

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

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

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

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

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      • December 16, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Elevates Six New Counsel

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          Robinson & Cole Elevates Six New Counsel

          The law firm of Robinson & Cole LLP is pleased to announce the election of six new counsel: Cynthia R. Christie, Melissa M. Mack, John A. Poakeart, Elizabeth M. Smith, Melissa Sullivan, and Deborah A. Vennos.

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