Evan Seeman, Ryan Hoyler and Christopher Schaut Discuss Zoning for Recreational Cannabis Use in Connecticut Planning Article

Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Ryan D. Hoyler, and Land Use Analyst Christopher P. Schaut co-authored the article “Recreational Marijuana in the Land of Steady Habits: How Towns in Connecticut are Zoning for Recreational Cannabis Use” published in the June 2023 issue of Connecticut Planning, a quarterly magazine issued by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA). The legislation that legalized cannabis use in Connecticut “…also empowered the state’s municipalities to regulate adult recreational cannabis establishments through local zoning codes or ordinances.” The authors surveyed the state’s 169 municipalities to identify regulatory trends and varying approaches taken by communities across the state. There are at least 90 municipalities that permit some form of cannabis establishments, with 72 of them having enacted their own regulations. Evan, Ryan and Chris examine and report how municipalities are dealing with related issues including where establishments are allowed, permitting and procedural considerations, distance separation requirements, security and odor issues, and visibility of products. Evan serves as CCAPA’s Program Committee Chair and is a member of the Executive Board. Read the article.

Evan Seeman Authors APA Article on CT Supreme Court Ruling on Zoning Enabling Act

Real Estate + Development Group member, Evan Seeman, wrote the article “Connecticut Supreme Court Finds Zoning Enabling Act Permits Planned Development Districts,” published in the most recent edition of the Case Law Digest of the Planning & Law Division of the American Planning Association. The Digest presents summaries of recent federal and state court decisions addressing issues at the intersection of planning and law, with takeaway lessons to assist planners and land use attorneys in their practice. Evan’s article takes a close look at Tillman v. Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Shelton, 341 Conn. 117 (2021). The case considered whether the Connecticut Zoning Enabling Act authorizes municipalities to permit planned development district (PDDs). A PDD is a zoning tool that is generally used to permit a mix of uses and dimensional elements that may not otherwise be allowed in a standard zoning district. The Supreme Court upheld the use of PDDs as flexible zoning techniques. Evan is the immediate Past Chair of the Planning & Law Division. Read the article here.

Evan Seeman Authors "CCAPA Program Updates" Column in Connecticut Planning Quarterly Magazine

Real Estate + Development Group member, Evan Seeman, authored his column, “CCAPA Program Updates,” published in the Winter 2022 issue of Connecticut Planning, a quarterly magazine issued by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA). Evan serves as CCAPA’s Program Committee Chair. The column features an overview of CM-related programming for members and planning professionals, highlighted by a wide range of topics and partnerships with other professional organizations in Fall 2021, and looks ahead to events that will be offered in early 2022, including a session on ethical considerations for planners to be presented on February 15, 2022. See the magazine and read Evan’s article, found on page 23, here.

Andrew DePeau, Tom Donlon and Evan Seeman Present at CBA's 2021 Connecticut Legal Conference

Robinson+Cole's Andrew A. DePeau, Thomas J. Donlon, and Evan J. Seeman were all presenters during the Connecticut Bar Association's 2021 Connecticut Legal Conference, the largest annual gathering of legal professionals in the state.

Andrew co-presented the session, "Commercial Law and Bankruptcy: The Year in Review," which addressed recent case law in commercial litigation, consumer bankruptcy, and business bankruptcy.

Tom served as moderator for the session, "The Appealing Road to Ethical Ruin." The program covered ethical pitfalls and issues related to modern appellate practice in the context of a series of scenarios—some hypothetical, some real with panelists Justice Ecker of the Connecticut Supreme Court and Dean Jennifer Brown of Quinnipiac Law School. Tom serves as co-chair of the CBA’s Appellate Advocacy Section, which presented the session.

Evan co-presented the session, "The Top 10 Things Every Lawyer Should Know about Land Use Law." This session provided insights about land use law and how land use can impact private property rights. Evan serves as the Legislative Liaison for the CBA’s Planning & Zoning Section. 

Evan Seeman Appointed CCAPA Program Committee Chair and Coordinates Association's FROM THE GROUND UP Housing Series

Congratulations to Land Use and Real Estate + Development Groups member, Evan Seeman, who was appointed Chair of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association (CCAPA) Program Committee and a member of its executive board. Evan’s appointment is effectively immediately. He recently moderated the first and third webinar sessions – “A Deep Dive on Housing in Connecticut” and “What Should We Be Building?” - of CCAPA’s four-part FROM THE GROUND UP Housing Series, and was instrumental in coordinating the first program and in organizing the series. R+C is pleased to sponsor this important and timely series. Evan also is a member of CCAPA’s Government Affairs Committee.

Evan Seeman and Abby Warren Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman and Labor and Employment Group lawyer Abby M. Warren have been elected by the Connecticut Bar Foundation as Fellows of the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. The program was established to honor the leading members of the legal profession and the judiciary in Connecticut, to promote a better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system, and to explore ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. Membership in the Fellows is by invitation only and is evidence of professional distinction. View the Class of 2021.

Evan Seeman Elected Legislative Liaison of Connecticut Bar Assoc. Planning & Zoning Section

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman has been elected to serve as the Legislative Liaison of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Planning & Zoning Section for the 2020-2021 term. An officer role, Legislative Liaisons serve as the primary contact between their section and the CBA's Legislative Policy and Review Committee as it pertains to relevant legislation affecting their section’s practice area. Beginning in January, the Legislative Liaison reviews a daily ‘List of Bills’ received from the CBA to discern whether any of those listed bills effect the section and relays that information back to the section’s legislative committee/leadership, which may result in the section voting to take a position on specific legislation. In addition, the Legislative Liaison works with the section to propose new legislation or amendments to relevant statutes regarding planning and zoning law.

Evan Seeman Authors Article on Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals RLUIPA Decision

Real Estate + Development Group member Evan Seeman authored the article “No RLUIPA Violation in Religious Ballfield Case” published in the March 24, 2020 issue of Case Law Digest, an online publication of the American Planning Association’s Planning & Law Division. The article addresses a 2019 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit, which affirmed a lower court’s summary judgment that found that the City of Kirkwood, Missouri did not violate the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) when it approved a lighting plan for a baseball stadium subject to conditions that allegedly deprived the field of meaningful use at night. To read the full article, click here. The Eighth Circuit’s decision is available here.

John Peloso and Evan Seeman Co-author Article Published in Practical Law’s The Journal

Business Litigation Group lawyer John F. X. Peloso Jr. and Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman co-authored the article “Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims” published in the “Government Practice” special issue of Practical Law’s The Journal. The feature article explains how municipalities can effectively avoid and defend against RLUIPA claims. In particular, it provides an overview of regulation of religious land use, examines claims made against municipalities under RLUIPA, describes RLUIPA’s safe harbor provision, and offers guidance on counseling municipal officials on RLUIPA’s requirements. View the full article. © 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.

Evan Seeman to Lead APA Planning and Law Division

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman has ascended to the role of chair of the American Planning Association's (APA) Planning and Law Division (PLD). Over the past three years, Mr. Seeman has served as the division's president-elect, secretary/treasurer and a member of the Education and Outreach Committee. The PLD is dedicated to educating individuals about the intersection of planning and law, as the legal issues underlying the planning of our cities and communities are important and essential components in the education and training of those who would become professional planners and land use practitioners. The PLD has more than 500 members, including attorneys, planners, municipal officials, students, and others.

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.

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.

Robinson+Cole Victory Featured in Connecticut Law Tribune

Robinson+Cole was featured in the article “Federal Judge Rules Against Norwalk's Request to Dismiss Suit Seeking Halfway House in Community,” published in the Connecticut Law Tribune on September 14, 2018. The article covers the firm’s victory in Firetree, Ltd. v. Norwalk (D. Conn., 2018) in which U.S. District Judge Michael Shea of the District of Connecticut “struck down virtually every claim the city brought forward in its effort to dismiss the lawsuit.” Firetree Ltd., which operates halfway houses in Pennsylvania and New York, claimed the city’s denial of certain permits was discriminatory against the disabled. Firetree is represented by Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Thomas P. Cody and Evan J. Seeman, and Business Litigation Group lawyers Frank F. Coulom Jr. and Kevin P. Daly. Read the full article.

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.

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.

Diana Neeves, John Peloso, and Evan Seeman Present Webinar and Author Practice Note for Thomson Reuters Practical Law™

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman, and Business Litigation Group lawyer John F. X. Peloso Jr., presented a webinar on “Religious Land Use Disputes; Latest Case Law Updates and Strategies for Avoiding and Defending Claims” on January 17, 2018. Hosted by Thomson Reuters Practical Law™, the webinar covered the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and how it has changed the landscape of local zoning decisions and disputes involving religious exercise. Mr. Peloso, and Mr. Seeman provided insights on ways to regulate religious issues to over 140 participants. View the PowerPoint.

In addition, Mr. Peloso and Mr. Seeman, along with Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Diana E. Neeves, authored the practice note “Local Government Regulation of Religious Land Uses Under RLUIPA” published by Thomson Reuters Practical Law™. The practice note provides an overview of regulating religious land uses under RLUIPA for local government attorneys and discusses different ways local governments can regulate religious uses, the types of claims that can be brought, and strategies for training staff and handling applications under RLUIPA. View the practice note.

John Peloso and Evan Seeman Elected to Affiliate Membership in the Owners Counsel of America

Real Estate Litigation Group lawyer John F. X. Peloso Jr. and Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman have been elected to affiliate membership in the Owners Counsel of America (OCA). The OCA is a business association comprised of the nation’s pre-eminent property rights and eminent domain attorneys who dedicate a substantial portion of their legal practice to the representation of private property owners. Mr. Peloso and Mr. Seeman's affiliate membership is sponsored by Dwight H. Merriam, who serves on the OCA's board of directors and is the Connecticut Member of the OCA.

Evan Seeman Moderates Webinar on Planned Unit Developments

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman moderated a webinar entitled “Planned Communities” on January 30, 2018. Presented by the International Municipal Lawyers Association, the webinar featured an overview of the history of planned unit developments (PUDs), best practices for regulating PUDs, legal issues that may arise in the regulation of PUDs, and alternatives to PUDs. 

Evan Seeman Presents Planning and the First Amendment Webinar

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman was among the presenters for the “Special Topics in Planning and the First Amendment: Signs, Adult Businesses, Religious Land Uses, and More” webinar on December 14, 2017. Presented by the Planning & Law Division of the American Planning Association (APA), the program reviewed several areas in which planners interact with the First Amendment, including in the areas of sign regulation, religious land uses, adult businesses, and social media use by local governments and public employees. Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at SNEAPA 2017 Conference

Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Dwight H. Merriam and Evan J. Seeman participated in the 2017 Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) Conference in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 26 and 27. On October 26, Mr. Merriam was a panelist in the session "Land Use Law Developments of the Past Year." Click here for the PowerPoint. Also on October 26, Mr. Seeman presented in the session "From Dudley to DC: Religious Land Use, Planning, and the Courts." Click here for the PowerPoint. On October 27, Mr. Merriam moderated the session "Overcoming Accessibility Challenges in our Communities." Click here for the PowerPoint. The Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) hosts the conference annually. This year, the event drew over 600 participants from the areas of planning, law, architecture, and engineering, among others. Robinson+Cole is a major sponsor of the SNEAPA Conference.

Evan Seeman Writes Chapter for ABA State and Local Government Law Section Book

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman authored a chapter in the book Local Government, Land Use, and the First Amendment: Protecting Free Speech and Expression, published in August 2017 by the ABA's State and Local Government Law Section. In the chapter, "Regulating Religious Land Uses under the First Amendment: A Practical Approach for Local Governments," Mr. Seeman focuses on religious land use disputes brought under the First Amendment's Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses (the Religion Clauses), specifically analyzing the types of claims that governments may face under the Religion Clauses and the differences between claims under the Free Exercise Clause and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Mr. Seeman also offers practice tips on how governments can avoid such claims at the outset and, if unsuccessful, can defend against such claims. To find out more about the book, click here.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Write Articles for APA Publication

Four Robinson+Cole lawyers are featured authors in the Spring 2017 issue of Planning & Law, a publication of the Planning and Law Division of the American Planning Association. Real Estate + Development Group lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Dwight H. Merriam and Business Litigation Group lawyer John F. X. Peloso coauthored  "RLUIPA Case of the Year? Minnesota Municipality Uses RLUIPA’s Safe Harbor Provision to Avoid Liability." The article discusses the decision in Riverside Church v. City of St. Michael, where a federal court in Minnesota ruled that actions taken under RLUIPA's safe harbor provision absolved a local government of possible RLUIPA violations. The decision may serve as a model for other municipalities across the country faced with RLUIPA litigation. Click here to view the article. The four authors also write for the blog RLUIPA-Defense.

Mr. Seeman also co-authored "'Content Neutral' Land Use Regulation after Reed: Recent Developments in Signs, Adult Businesses, and Religious Uses." The article examines the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, which has made it more difficult to regulate land uses in a content neutral manner that satisfies First Amendment limitations. It considers several forms of expression protected by the First Amendment that may arise in the zoning context, including the regulation of signage, adult entertainment business uses, and religious uses. Click here to view the article. 

Real Estate + Development Group Presents at APA 2017 National Planning Conference

Members of the Real Estate + Development Group presented at the American Planning Association (APA) National Planning Conference, Planning in Motion, held from May 6 to May 9, 2017, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. The conference provided an opportunity for the more than 6,000 land use professionals in attendance to examine new trends, challenges, and solutions in regional, national, and international planning.

Dwight H. Merriam, FAICP, participated in two sessions. On May 7, he was the moderator for "Taking Flight with Drones: Uses in Planning and Issues of Regulation," a session on the legal issues in using drones in planning. Click here to see his PowerPoint. On May 8, he was one of three speakers at the dinner meeting of the Small Town and Rural Planning Division of the APA. He spoke on short-term rentals. Click here to see the PowerPoint.

Evan J. Seeman, the chair-elect of the APA's Planning and Law Division, was a panelist on May 8 for "Planning and Zoning for First Amendment-Protected Land Uses," a session that focused on different types of First Amendment issues that can arise in land use regulation. Click here to see the PowerPoint.

On May 9, Brian R. Smith and Mr. Seeman were members of the four-panel team for the session "Real Estate Law for Planners," which provided  practical real estate advice to the standing room-only crowd. Click here to see their PowerPoint.    

On May 9, Charles E. Janson and Anne F. Campbell, AICP, presented "Landscape and Structure Preservation," a mobile workshop to Connecticut’s Weir Farm and The Philip Johnson Glass House. Participants were introduced to local challenges and opportunities encountered by these two historic sites in seeking long-term sustainability, protection, and public engagement. Owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Glass House is one of the nation’s greatest icons of twentieth century architecture. Weir Farm, the rural retreat of nineteenth century American impressionist J. Alden Weir, is the U.S. Park Service's only National Historic Site dedicated to American painting.

To celebrate New York City and the 2017 APA National Conference, Robinson+Cole hosted a happy hour at The Liberty in Manhattan on May 7, 2017, where fellow conference attendees had a chance to network and relax.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Examine Litigation Trends in RLUIPA Land Use Claims

Business Litigation Group lawyer John F. X. Peloso Jr. and Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman were panelists for the webinar "RLUIPA Land Use Claims—Latest Litigation Trends and Key Case Law Developments," presented on February 22, 2017. They reviewed the types of claims being raised in RLUIPA litigation and how the courts have responded, the steps local governments can take to avoid RLUIPA challenges, and effective strategies for municipalities in defending RLUIPA claims. Click here to view the PowerPoint for the session. Mr. Peloso and Mr. Seeman are contributing authors of the RLUIPA Defense blog.

Hartford Lawyer Selected Chair-Elect of APA's Planning and Law Division

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman has been selected as chair- elect of the American Planning Association's (APA) Planning and Law Division (PLD). For the past two years, Mr. Seeman has served as the division's secretary/treasurer and before that served on its Education and Outreach Committee. The PLD is dedicated to educating individuals about the intersection of planning and law, as the legal issues underlying the planning of our cities and communities are important and essential components in the education and training of those who would become professional planners and land use practitioners. The PLD has over 500 members, including attorneys, planners, municipal officials, students, and others. 

Evan Seeman and John Peloso Publish Note for Practical Law

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman and Business Litigation Group lawyer John F. X. Peloso Jr. authored the practice note "Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims," published in Practical Law (Thomson Reuters) on December 22, 2016. In the note, Mr. Seeman and Mr. Peloso discuss how local governments can avoid liability under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). They specifically focus on strategies that can prevent and defend against substantial burden, unreasonable limits, and equal terms claims, including using the safe harbor provision, addressing public statements, and educating government officials about the law. Please click here to view the note.

Evan Seeman Selected to Serve as an Alumni Mentor

Real Estate & Development lawyer Evan Seeman has accepted an invitation from the UConn School of Law Career Planning Center to serve as an Alumni Mentor. Evan will be assigned a 1L student mentee, whom he will meet at a dinner held on the campus of UConn Law School on Thursday, October 5th. The goals of UConn Law’s alumni mentoring program are to facilitate individual potential and skill development, to offer visibility and the opportunity for networking, to help the mentee explore and plan his/her career, and to offer the mentee the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills by learning about the mentor’s practical experience.  

Evan Seeman Participates in Webinar on Planning for Religious Uses

Evan J. Seeman, land use lawyer in the Hartford office, co-presented the webinar "Planning for Religious Uses in an Age of Religious Diversity and Lawsuits" on August 5, 2016, which was hosted by the Planning Webcast Series and sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association. Mr. Seeman and his co-presenters, land use lawyers Daniel P. Dalton and Noel W. Sterett, examined the types of claims that can be brought under the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and how communities can plan for religious land uses without risking a potential RLUIPA violation. They also provided different strategies and approaches to avoid RLUIPA litigation. Because litigation is sometimes unavoidable, they also outlined the life of a RLUIPA case from start to finish, including how municipalities may better defend against such claims. The webinar drew more than 380 attendees. Click here to view the PowerPoint.

Mr. Seeman is a contributing author to the firm's blog RLUIPA Defense.

Evan Seeman Writes about Religious Exercise in Planning Magazine

Land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman published the article "Defining Religious Exercise" in the Legal Lessons column of the May 2016 issue of Planning magazine, a publication of the American Planning Association (APA). In the article, Mr. Seeman asks the question: What establishes religious exercise under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)? The answer is not always apparent, especially when mixed-use proposals combine clear religious uses with secular uses. Mr. Seeman examines the case Chabad Lubavitch of Litchfield County, Inc. v. Borough of Litchfield to find answers for planners and local zoning agencies facing difficult situations that relate to that question. His conclusion is to closely scrutinize religious entity projects and use caution in defining religious uses. Please click here to view the entire article.

Mr. Seeman is secretary-treasurer of the APA's Planning and Law Division.

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.

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Pen Articles for Planning & Law Newsletter

Land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman wrote articles for the Spring 2016 issue of Planning & Law, a publication of the American Planning Association's Planning and Law Division. In her article, "To Regulate or Not to Regulate? Short-Term Rentals and the Hard Questions Municipalities Are Starting to Ask," Ms. Chaffee discusses concerns of some municipalities regarding short-term rental platforms, such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, and FlipKey. Many community planners question whether these short-terms rentals can and should be regulated. She looks into the unintended consequences of short-term rentals, their positive side, and whether they should be regulated. To find out more, click here to read the article.

In his article, "They Can Take Our Raisins, But They Will Never Take Our Freedom: The Supreme Court 'Raisin Case' Part Deux," Mr. Seeman discusses the case Horne v. Department of Agriculture, where the Supreme Court rules that the federal government's requirement that raisin growers give up a percentage of their crops free of charge is an unconstitutional taking of property under the Fifth Amendment. He states, "While the regulation of raisin sales does not involve traditional planning principles or even land use, it is an important decision that could lead to new challenges for local governments in land use regulation." Click here to read the entire article.  

Land Use Lawyers Negotiate Settlement Allowing Soup Kitchen to Remain Open

For more than three years, land use lawyers Brian R. Smith and Evan J. Seeman, on a pro bono basis, have represented St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich, Inc., and The St. Joseph's Polish Roman Catholic Congregation. St. Vincent, a ministry of the Congregation, operates a soup kitchen and food pantry at the site of a former parochial school in Norwich, Connecticut. After local administrative hearings and three federal lawsuits, including a successful trip to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Mr. Smith and Mr. Seeman negotiated a favorable settlement that will allow St. Vincent to continue to remain open to provide food, shelter, and religion to hundreds of individuals daily. The federal lawsuits challenged the City of Norwich's actions denying a special permit and use variance to allow St. Vincent to continue to operate, as well as notices of violation that had been issued by the City. Under the settlement, the City will issue a special permit to St. Vincent and the Congregation to ensure that the poor and needy receive necessary food and care. Other lawyers who have assisted in this matter include Kathleen E. Dion, Sorell E. Negro, Kelly Frye Barnett, and Jonathan H. Schaefer.

Click here to view an article about the settlement in The Bulletin.

Robinson+Cole RLUIPA Defense Lawyers Featured in News

Dwight H. Merriam and Evan J. Seeman, RLUIPA defense lawyers, were interviewed by a reporter for KPBS Public Broadcasting, who wrote the feature news item "Opposition Builds Against San Diego Televangelist Project," which appeared on January 29, 2016. (KPBS Public Media provides television, radio, and digital programming in San Diego, California). The article presents the story of celebrity televangelist Morris Cerullo in his quest to build an 18-acre mixed-use development in Mission Valley and the opposition by several neighborhood organizations to that development. Mr. Cerullo claims that his project is protected under RLUIPA. Mr. Merriam is quoted in the piece and speaks to the issue by stressing that the law most often applies to places of religious celebration, not commercial projects like this development. He adds this: "Would a large-scale, mixed-use development possibly be under the umbrella, the protection of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act? It's unlikely, is the short answer." KPBS featured the interview online, in its radio broadcast, and on television.  

Also, Karla L. Chaffee was quoted in the Cook County Record article "Illinois nuns' lawsuit vs McHenry County over zoning denial could have local, national implications," published on January 28, 2016. The article highlights a case where a county in Illinois rejected the proposal of an order of Catholic nuns to expand its convent facilities. The outcome could have far-reaching implications in yet another situation where religious adherents and organizations contend with their rights. In commenting on the case, Ms. Chaffee says that "[t]he Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) has and continues to have a large impact on the planning world and municipal land use law," and that "RLUIPA provides extra-constitutional protections to religious land use applicants and institutionalized persons and grants prevailing plaintiffs the right to recover their attorneys' fees." Please click here to read the full article. 

Mr. Merriam, Mr. Seeman, and Ms. Chaffee are co-authors of the blog RLUIPA Defense, a resource for those seeking to avoid or defend against claims taken under RLUIPA.

Evan Seeman Publishes Article on Sign Regulation in Connecticut Planning Magazine

Land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman wrote the article "Sign Regulation Turned on Its Head" for the Fall 2015 issue of Connecticut Planning, a publication of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association. The article analyzes the impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert for communities across the country regulating signs through local zoning codes without running afoul of the First Amendment's freedom of speech protection. The Reed decision, Mr. Seeman concludes, appears to have significantly expanded the types of sign ordinances that will be deemed content based and subject to strict scrutiny judicial review. To get ahead of the problem, he suggests that local governments may want to review and revise sign ordinances and other ordinances regulating free speech for compliance with Reed.

To read the entire article, please click here.

Evan Seeman Presents at APA RLUIPA Webinar

Land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman was part of a panel discussion for the webinar "Planning for Religious Uses under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons (RLUIPA) Act" on October 22, 2015. The session was sponsored by the American Planning Association's (APA) Planning and Law Division. Mr. Seeman, along with co-panelists Daniel P. Dalton of Dalton & Tomich; John B. Murphey of Rosenthal, Murphey, Coblentz & Donahue; and Noel W. Sterett of Mauck & Baker, outlined strategies and approaches to help local governments avoid RLUIPA litigation, including planning for religious uses through local zoning codes and the discretionary review of applications for zoning relief. The group also discussed the different types of claims that can be brought under RLUIPA, current trends, and their own experiences in RLUIPA litigation. Please click here to view the session's PowerPoint.

Land Use Lawyers Present at SNEAPA 2015 Conference

Robinson+Cole lawyers Evan J. Seeman, Dwight H. Merriam, FAICP, and Sorell E. Negro participated in the SNEAPA 2015 Conference, held on September 24 and 25, 2015, in Hartford, Connecticut. The Southern New England American Planning Association (SNEAPA) hosts the conference annually, drawing over 500 participants from the areas of law, planning, architecture, and engineering, among others.

On September 24, Mr. Seeman moderated the session "Ethics at Risk – A Commissioner (or Commission) Goes Rogue – What’s Next?" An audience of approximately 120 people attended this ethics workshop. The panelists were Dwight Merriam; Nancy E. Letendre, attorney at law, AICP, Mason & Associates, Inc., Providence, Rhode Island; Bob Mitchell, FAICP, planning consultant, Boston; and Eric Barz, AICP, Town of Windsor, Connecticut. Click here for the PowerPoint and here for the resource list.

On September 25, Mr. Merriam, FAICP, moderated "Land Use Law Developments of the Last Year," an annual update. The presenters were Pamela J. Brown, FAICP, Brown & Brown PC, Bedford, Massachusetts; Greg McGregor, McGregor & Associates, PC, Boston; Marjorie Shansky, attorney at law, New Haven; and Kathleen O'Donnell, attorney at law, Milton, Massachusetts. Click here for the PowerPoint and here for the resource list.

On September 25, Ms. Negro moderated the session "Using Urban Agriculture to Grow Southern New England," featuring Professor Sara C. Bronin of the University of Connecticut School of Law; Marie Mercurio, AICP, senior planner for the Boston Redevelopment Authority; Ellen Cynar, program manager of the City of Providence's Healthy Communities Office; and Laurie Beyranevand, associate director of the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School. For the PowerPoint, please click here.

Rounding out the sessions was a Robinson+Cole-sponsored Sunset River Cruise on the Connecticut River on September 24. Leaving from Riverfront Plaza, the boat trip gave those aboard the opportunity to not only access the Connecticut River but also view historic landmarks and picturesque sites along the river's banks.

Land Use Lawyers Present IMLA Webinar on Avoiding and Defending RLUIPA Suits

Robinson+Cole land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman presented the webinar "How to Avoid and Defend RLUIPA Suits" on June 8, 2015. Moderated by Michael S. Giaimo and hosted by the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA), the session centered on the different approaches developed by the courts to address substantial burden and equal terms claims brought under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Because RLUIPA is a source of conflict and potential liability for local governments, especially with the burden of protracted, complex civil litigation and attorneys' fees, Mr. Giaimo and Mr. Seeman discussed the latest interpretations and applications of RLUIPA by the courts and provided practical pointers on how to avoid liability. Click here to view the PowerPoint for the webinar. Click here to view the resource list.

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.

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Publish Articles for Special Edition of Connecticut Law Tribune

Environmental and utilities lawyer Emilee Mooney Scott and land use lawyers Evan J. Seeman and Dwight H. Merriam, all resident in the firm's Hartford office, each wrote articles for a special edition of the Connecticut Law Tribune, entitled Land Use, Title Insurance & Environmental Law, published on March 23, 2015.

Ms. Scott, author of "Is the Chemistry Right for Chemical Safety Reform," examines a bill introduced in the Senate to provide a systematic evaluation of chemical substances. The bill, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, would significantly change the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the main federal statute that addresses the safety of chemicals in commerce. Click here to view the article.

Mr. Seeman, co-author of the blog RLUIPA Defense, addresses in his article "Finding Salvation in Religious Law's Safe Harbor" how local governments can utilize an infrequently used provision of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)—known as the "safe harbor" provision—to take corrective action to attempt to mitigate liability under the statute. Click here to view the article.

In the article "New Land Use Enabling Legislation Needed," Mr. Merriam discusses the need for a complete rewrite of Connecticut's land use enabling legislation, which is based on laws enacted 90 years ago. He writes that updating the legislation would "benefit government, landowners, developers, businesses, neighbors, advocacy organizations, conservation groups, and generations not yet born." Click here to view the article.

Land Use Lawyers Present at Touro Law's Bagels with the Boards CLE

Land use lawyers Hiram B. Carey and Evan J. Seeman were the featured speakers at the Touro Law Center's Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Institute's inaugural Bagels with the Boards CLE on February 27, 2015. The program, "RLUIPA Defense: Avoiding and Defending RLUIPA Claims," was largely attended by local government lawyers, who learned about techniques that local governments may use to avoid, mitigate, and defend against claims taken under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Mr. Carey and Mr. Seeman also discussed the basic claims that can be brought under RLUIPA; the state of religious land use litigation since RLUIPA's enactment in 2000; the courts' varying interpretations and treatment of the act across the country, particularly in the Second Circuit; recent cases of interest; and how the Supreme Court's decisions in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and Holt v. Hobbs could affect the landscape of religious land use litigation. A copy of their PowerPoint presentation is available here.

Evan Seeman Presents on Religious Land Use Litigation at ABA Midyear Meeting

Evan J. Seeman, land use lawyer in the Hartford office, served as a panelist in the program "Religious Land Use Litigation Since 2000," held at the ABA Midyear Meeting in Houston on February 5, 2015. Mr. Seeman, along with fellow panelists Daniel Dalton of Dalton & Tomich; Patricia Salkin, dean of Touro Law School; and Noel Sterett of Mauck & Baker, discussed the state of religious land use litigation under RLUIPA since its enactment in 2000 and the different approaches the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal have developed to analyze claims brought under the statute. In addition, they offered advice to both religious applicants and local governments bringing and defending against such claims, including what it takes to constitute a "substantial burden" under the statute, examples of "comparators" under the equal terms provision, the statute's "safe harbor" provision, planning for religious use, educating local officials, and how the Supreme Court's recent decisions in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby and Holt v. Hobbs may affect the religious land use litigation landscape. Please click here to view the PowerPoint for this session.

Evan Seeman Writes Article on RLUIPA Defense Tactics

Land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman authored the article "RLUIPA Defense Tactics; How to Avoid & Defend Against RLUIPA Claims," published in the December 2014 issue of Zoning and Planning Law Report. In the article, Mr. Seeman examines how municipalities can avoid claims brought under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). He specifically focuses on steps that municipalities can take to better position themselves: regulating religious uses, creating a surplus of land for religious use, building specific mechanisms into zoning codes, avoiding a hostile atmosphere in the land use review process, educating government officials, and exploring ripeness issues, among others. To read the entire article, please click here.

Mr. Seeman represents municipalities, developers, and landowners in land use matters before administrative agencies and state and federal courts. Along with land use lawyers Dwight H. Merriam and Karla L. Chaffee, he co-authors the blog RLUIPA Defense. To read their recent blog post about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Holt v. Hobbs, 574 U.S. ___ (2015), please click here.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Speak on Religious Land Use Litigation

Litigation lawyer John F. X. Peloso Jr. and land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman were panelists for the ABA webinar "Litigating Religious Land Use Cases," held on November 6, 2014. To help facilitate religious land use cases, which can be difficult and unpredictable, the program covered these pertinent legal principles: the current state of law; claims that can arise under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment; and litigation strategies in dealing with such actions. Daniel Dalton, of Dalton & Tomich, PLC, also participated in the program.

In addition, Mr. Seeman wrote on the same topic in the article "A $6.5 Million Lesson in RLUIPA Defense," published in the Summer/Fall 2014 issue of Planning & Law, a publication of the Planning & Law Division of the  American Planning Association. Here, he addresses the settlement of claims that the Town of Greenburgh, New York, had violated RLUIPA in denying a church's proposal to construct a house of worship and religious school. Please click here to view the entire article.

Four Hartford Office Lawyers Elected to CBA's YLS Executive Committee

Health law lawyer Meaghan Mary Cooper, business litigation lawyer Amanda E. Gordon, labor and employment lawyer Susan N. Masters, and land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman were elected to the Connecticut Bar Association's (CBA) Executive Committee of the Young Lawyers Section (YLS). The goals of the YLS are to promote justice, encourage public service, and promote diversity and education of young lawyers and newly admitted practitioners. The section, made up of 1,200 members, organizes and sponsors continuing legal education and professional development sessions for both junior and senior members of the CBA.
 
All four lawyers hold leadership positions in the CBA. Ms. Cooper co-chairs the Health Law Section, Ms. Gordon co-chairs the Litigation Section, Ms. Masters chairs the Labor & Employment Law Section, and Mr. Seeman chairs the Planning & Zoning Section.

Robinson+Cole Sponsors Crawford 2014 Annual Dinner

Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association's 2014 Annual Dinner on May 1, 2014. Firm lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Joey Lee Miranda, Keisha S. Palmer, David M. Panico, Jonathan H. Schaefer, and Evan J. Seeman attended the event, along with Marnie Rubin and incoming first-year associates Christie Jean and Kelly Frye. The George W. Crawford Black Bar Association works to enhance the role of black attorneys in the state, to establish lines of communication and affiliate with local and national organizations within the legal profession, and to focus on legal issues that affect members of the black community.

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.

Hartford Lawyer Elected to Leadership Position of APA's Planning and Law Division

Land use lawyer Evan J. Seeman has been selected as the new secretary/treasurer of the American Planning Association's (APA) Planning and Law Division (PLD). He will be sworn in at the PLD's Annual Business Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 28, 2014.

The APA comprises a diverse group of professionals, including planners, citizens, and elected officials, who work to enhance the quality of communities. The PLD's members include attorneys, planners, students, and others, all with a professional or personal interest in the various laws that affect the planning profession. For the past two years, Mr. Seeman has served on the PLD's Education and Outreach Committee.

Steve Elbaum Testifies Before Connecticut General Assembly

Hartford Lawyers Participate in APA Webinar on Ethical Rules

Hartford Lawyer Joins Board of Camp Courant

Hartford Lawyer Authors Article for APA Journal

Hartford Lawyers Co-author Article on Religious Land Use

The article originally appeared on RLUIPA-Defense, a blog about avoiding and defending against religious land use claims, particularly those taken under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Mr. Merriam and Mr. Seeman are co-authors of RLUIPA-Defense.

Evan Seeman Speaks to Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials About Religious Land Use

Dwight Merriam and Evan Seeman Launch RLUIPA-Defense Website

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

Trial and Land Use Lawyers Present Webinar on Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act

Robinson & Cole trial and appellate lawyers John R. Bauer, Ted Carey, and William J. Kelleher III teamed up with land use lawyers Dwight H. Merriam and Evan J. Seeman to present a 90-minute webinar for Strafford Publications on March 13, 2012, entitled "Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act Claims: Strategies for Local Governments to Avoid or Defend RLUIPA Actions."

Also participating was professor Marci A. Hamilton, the Paul R. Verkuil Chair in Public Law at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University. Over 100 people from 36 locations across the country participated. In the works is a follow-up webinar on trial techniques for defending against RLUIPA claims.

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Participating in Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity Mentoring Program

Lawyers participating are Nicole A. Bernabo, Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Pamela H. Del Negro, Edward J. Heath, Keisha S. Palmer, Scott E. Sebastian, Evan J. Seeman, Matthew S. Spaeder, B. Moses Vargas, and George W. Watson. Robinson & Cole has more lawyers participating than any other partnering organization.

The Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity was formed in 2003 by concerned lawyers to increase the recruitment, retention, and advancement of lawyers of color.

Attorneys Teach Parkville Community School Students About the Economics of Success

Robinson & Cole has volunteered through Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, Inc. since 2007 to provide special programs to students to enhance their curriculum. Ms. Bromberg, a Robinson & Cole partner and Junior Achievement board member, spearheaded the firm’s participation.

Land Law Associates Write Articles for Connecticut Law Tribune

Robinson+Cole Elects Five Partners

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the election of Benjamin M. Daniels, Andrew A. DePeau, Sandra Marin Lautier, Kathryn M. Rattigan and Evan J. Seeman as Partners, effective January 1, 2023. The new partners reflect Robinson+Cole’s continued strategic growth in key areas, including business and bankruptcy litigation, data privacy and security and real estate and development.

“Congratulations to this outstanding group of lawyers on their well-deserved promotion,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Managing Partner of Robinson+Cole. “They exemplify the excellent talent driving our firm’s sustained growth and are strong contributors to our clients, firm and communities.” Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

A total of 39 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2022. In addition, 30 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

Jeffrey J. White was named to the Top 50: 2022 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2022 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2022 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

A total of 42 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2021. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

Bruce B. Barth and Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2021 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2021 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named to CCADV’s First 100 Plus Class of 2019

Robinson+Cole lawyers Dan A. Brody, Kathryn N. Mullin, Je'Quana S. Orr, and Evan J. Seeman have been named to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) First 100 Plus Class of 2019 during the organization’s 9th Annual Breakfast & Awards Ceremony on November 15, 2019 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown in Hartford, Connecticut.

The First 100 Plus Class of 2019 is comprised of leaders working to improve the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families in Connecticut. While each person is varied in his or her background and profession, each one has contributed to making a difference either statewide or within his or her local community. Read more and view a photo in the press release.

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Help Reopen New London Harbor Lighthouse

Robinson+Cole lawyers John P. Casey and Evan J. Seeman represented the New London Maritime Society pro bono in litigation that resulted in the New London Harbor Lighthouse being reopened to the public after the City issued a cease and desist order that prohibited public tours. Read more in the press release. 

Evan Seeman Appointed to Hartford’s Camp Courant Board of Directors

Hartford’s Camp Courant, the largest free summer day camp in the nation, has appointed Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Evan J. Seeman to its Board of Directors. Hartford’s Camp Courant serves over 1,000 of Hartford's children, ages five to 12, typically between 500 - 600 children per day for six weeks each summer. The Camp prides itself on helping children learn to develop into healthy, responsible adults through its recreational, educational, and cultural programs. View the press release.

Robinson+Cole Promotes Eight Lawyers to Counsel

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the promotion of eight associates to counsel, effective January 1, 2018. The new counsel are Kathleen E. Dion, Jerome L. Garciano, Sorell E. Negro, Lisa C. Riccio, Evan J. Seeman, Lauren M. Sigg, Jonathan E. Small, and Elizabeth K. Wright.

“The elevation of these lawyers further enhances some of our core practices in three of our key markets,” said Stephen E. Goldman, Robinson+Cole’s Managing Partner. “It’s my pleasure to congratulate this group on their well-deserved promotions.”

Read more in the press release.

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.

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.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “New Leaders in the Law” by the Connecticut Law Tribune

The Connecticut Law Tribune has recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Virginia McGarrity, Andrea Donovan Napp, Evan Seeman, and Brian Wheelin as New Leaders in the Law. They will be honored at an awards dinner on November 10 at The Bond Ballroom in downtown Hartford, along with the other lawyers being recognized. This distinction spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity.

Read more in the news release.

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.

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.

Robinson+Cole Announces Annual Community Service and Pro Bono Awards

Robinson+Cole recognized four lawyers for their initiative and outstanding dedication to the community at a reception, celebrating the firm’s summer legal intern program, on August 7, 2014. Managing partner John B. Lynch Jr. announced the Community Service Awards, which went to Thomas P. Cody and Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, while pro bono partner Edward J. Heath presented the firm’s Pro Bono Awards, which went to Peter R. Knight and Evan J. Seeman. Read more about the honorees and their work in the press release here.

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.

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

Robinson & Cole Welcomes 10 New Attorneys