J. Tyler Butts

J. Tyler Butts

Partner

J. Tyler Butts

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    J. Tyler Butts represents the insurance industry in complex first-party property and third-party liability insurance coverage litigation throughout the country, with a focus on litigation concerning allegations of bad faith and other extra-contractual claims. He is part of the firm’s Litigation Section and a member of the firm’s Insurance + Reinsurance Group.

    COVID-19 Pandemic

    In the wake of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Tyler has helped lead Robinson+Cole's efforts to advise, counsel, and defend the Firm's insurance clients during these unprecedented times. He has been involved in COVID-19 related matters across the country, including in New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, Arizona, and California, and has worked on litigation involving many different industries, including restaurants, entertainment venues, manufacturing risks, law firms, and personal service businesses. These claims have implicated numerous policy provisions, including those providing coverage for business interruption, extra expense, and civil authority, as well as policy exclusions for virus, ordinance & law, acts & decisions, and loss of use. 

    Property Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation

    Tyler has extensive experience litigating and advising clients on complex property insurance coverage issues and allegations of bad faith and unfair claims settlement practices arising out of large property losses. He has been involved in property coverage disputes in a number of states, including Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. He routinely litigates high-exposure claims arising from a wide variety of insurance lines, including commercial property, business interruption and extra expense, builder’s risk, boiler and machinery, liability, and high net-worth homeowners. Tyler is adept at working with expert witnesses in connection with property coverage disputes, including structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, cost estimators, appraisers, and forensic accountants.

    Tyler has significant experience handling lawsuits asserting claims for extra-contractual damages, such as those available in Massachusetts under Chapter 93A and in Connecticut under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) and Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act (CUIPA). He has successfully represented clients in arbitrations, appraisals, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. He also has significant trial experience at both the state and federal level, having tried a number of cases to successful verdict, including recently recovering over $300,000 for his client after a jury trial determined that the insured homeowner had committed fraud when submitting her claim.

    Write-Your-Own Insurance Carriers - National Flood Insurance Program

    Tyler has considerable experience representing Write-Your-Own insurance carriers in litigation brought under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program. He has litigated matters on behalf of WYO-carriers in a number of states, including New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and California. Tyler has successfully moved to dismiss WYO cases seeking bad faith or punitive damages, as well as suits that failed to comply with the Standard Flood Insurance Policy’s preconditions for initiating suit. He has also successfully resolved a number of litigated matters prior to incurring significant fees in discovery and motion practice.

    Pro Bono

    Tyler is committed to pro bono work. He participates in the firm’s Domestic Violence Restraining Order Program, and provides free legal services to family violence victims, including helping them obtain restraining orders and navigate the family court system. He also provides pro bono services to incarcerated individuals asserting violations of their civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Because of his efforts, Tyler was Robinson+Cole’s Pro Bono Service Award Recipient in 2013.

    Prior to joining Robinson+Cole, Tyler worked with a national law firm on securities and probate litigation as well as on complex class action matters. He is a frequent author and contributor to Robinson+Cole’s Property Insurance Coverage Insights blog.

    Tyler was selected as a Rising Star in the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2013 to 2020.

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

        Property Insurance Litigation

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

      • Represented a commercial property insurer in a federal New York lawsuit arising from the denial of eight separate claims across five of the insured’s supermarkets in New York and Pennsylvania. The claims, which involved losses allegedly caused by Hurricane Irene, power interruption, and copper thefts, were denied on the grounds that the damages claimed were fraudulently inflated and exacerbated by the actions of the insured. On the eve of trial, we were able to resolve the case through settlement on terms that were extremely favorable to our client.

      • Successfully obtained summary judgment for a commercial property insurer in a federal lawsuit in Oklahoma concerning extensive damage to the glass & glazing system of a 20-story commercial building in Oklahoma City caused when workers attempted to clean the adjacent concrete façade. The Court agreed with our position that the claimed damage was excluded by the policy’s exclusion for damage caused by faulty workmanship. We also represented the insurer at the Tenth Circuit as part of the insured’s appeal before the case resolved favorably.

      • Represented large commercial property insurer in fast-paced federal coverage litigation in Virginia arising out of extensive damage to an 8-building, 400-unit apartment complex in Maryland. The insured’s claim, which totaled in excess of $50 million, arose from the faulty workmanship of the original builders in the construction of, among other things, the buildings’ plumbing systems, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and exterior siding, fascia, and OSB system. Following extensive fact and expert discovery, we were able to successfully resolve the case on very favorable terms.

      • Successfully obtained a defense verdict following a one-day bench trial in Connecticut state court on behalf of property insurer who was accused of wrongfully failing to pay its insured for interior water damage. The court rejected the insured’s argument that the water damage caused by a bathroom pipe that had been leaking for months was covered, and found that, in denying the claims, the insurer had not committed bad faith or violated the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA) or the Connecticut Unfair Insurance Practices Act (CUIPA).

      • Represented large commercial insurer in a claim dispute and subsequent alternative dispute resolution concerning Hurricane Sandy flooding damage to nearly one thousand new vehicles located along Gowanus Bay in Brooklyn, New York. The claim, which exceeded $20 million, involved complex underwriting issues, as well as policy coverage issues concerning the appropriate application of a flood endorsement.

      • Represented large commercial property insurer in New York federal court in case arising from $1 million claim for damage caused by the inadvertent release of asbestos while the insured was performing millwork on wood panels and door in connection with a renovation of the United Nations’ headquarters. The case involved difficult issues of business interruption valuation as well as the appropriate application of exclusions for workmanship and pollution. The case settled following cross-motions for summary judgment on very favorable terms.

      • Successfully represented large property insurer in Connecticut state court litigation involving a first- and third-party claim for damage caused by the leakage of nearly 400 gallons of fuel oil from an oil tank onto and around the insured property. Following the filing of a motion for summary judgment on numerous issues, including application of the policy’s pollution exclusion in Connecticut, the plaintiff insured withdrew the action.

      • Represented high net worth homeowners insurer in New York federal court in an action concerning claimed damage from Hurricane Sandy. Successfully moved to dismiss large portions of the insured’s complaint alleging fraud & misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, bad faith, and a statutory violation of New York General Business Law § 349. Following dismissal of the extra-contractual causes of action, the case settled on very favorable terms.

      • Represented builders’ risk insurer in litigation concerning a $100 million claim arising from a significant fire to a nearly-completed skyscraper in New York City. The case presented novel questions concerning business interruption coverage and property valuation methods against the backdrop of the Great Recession.

      • Represented high net worth homeowners insurer in a number of New York federal lawsuits alleging claimed damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. The cases presented complex causation questions requiring a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the New York City wastewater treatment system, as well as novel questions concerning coverage for damage caused by sewer backup caused by overland flooding. Following extensive fact and expert discovery, we were able to successfully resolve these cases on very favorable terms.

      • Successfully convinced New York appellate court to uphold lower court finding for large property insurer in case involving the claimed theft of nearly $100,000 in jewelry, watches, and precious stones from an under-insured jewelry store. The court agreed with the insurer that the store could not recover the cost of the stolen merchandise as an extra expense when the store had declined to purchase jeweler’s block coverage.

      • Represented large commercial insurer in New York state court in case concerning extensive claimed roof damage to a wholesaler’s warehouse caused by Hurricane Sandy. The matter involved significant engineering and valuation issues, and settled on the eve of trial on very favorable terms.

      • Represented large property insurer in New York federal court in matter arising from nearly $500,000 in claimed storm damage to four separate municipal buildings in the Hudson Valley caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011. In addition to presenting complex causation and valuation issues, the case was made more challenging by the fact that several of the damaged buildings were constructed in the 19th century. The matter settled following depositions of the insured’s representatives on very favorable terms.

      • Represented large commercial liability and builders’ risk insurer in Connecticut state court action containing allegations of bad faith and CUTPA/CUIPA violations arising from the release of a million gallons of water from a pump station at a nearly-complete residential apartment complex in southeastern Connecticut that caused in excess of $750,000 in damages. The case settled on favorable terms following extensive expert discovery.

      • Represented boiler & machinery insurer in Connecticut state court litigation involving damage to a municipality’s sewer pump station and surrounding property arising from a malfunctioning fuel pump. Following the deposition of the insured’s corporate representative, the case settled on very favorable terms.

      • Successfully obtained a defense verdict following a one-day bench trial in Connecticut state court on behalf of property insurer who was accused of wrongfully underpaying its insured for interior water damage allegedly caused by winter storm ice damming. The court rejected the insured’s argument that the insurer had failed to fully compensate him for his damage, and determined that no additional sums were owed.

        • National Flood Insurance Policy Litigation

      • Successfully moved to dismiss a federal New Jersey lawsuit brought against a Write-Your-Own flood insurance carrier in a case concerning a claimed underpayment of insurance proceeds for damage from Hurricane Sandy. The Court agree with our client that the insured had failed to timely commence suit under the policy’s suit limitation provision.

      • Successfully moved to dismiss a federal California lawsuit brought against a Write-Your-Own flood insurance carrier in a case concerning a claimed underpayment of insurance proceeds for storm damage to a multi-million dollar property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In dismissing the case, the Court agreed with our client that, although the insured had filed litigation in state court within time provided by the policy’s suit limitation provision, the insured had failed to timely commence suit in federal court as required by the policy.

      • Represented a Write-Your-Own flood insurance carrier in Oklahoma federal court in case arising out of flood damage to car wash. After significant discovery, the case settled on very favorable terms.

      • Represented a Write-Your-Own flood insurance carrier in South Carolina federal court in case arising out of 2015 floods. After successfully moving to dismiss the insured’s bad faith cause of action, and the insured’s request for punitive damages, consequential damages, and attorneys’ fees, the case settled on very favorable terms.

      • Represented Write-Your-Own flood insurance carriers in suits in New York and New Jersey arising out of claimed damage from Hurricane Sandy. Successfully shepherded dozen of suits through their respective jurisdictions’ Sandy-related case management orders to amicable resolutions.

        • Commercial Business Litigation

      • Represented commercial insurer in premium audit action against large regional real estate company that drastically understated their payroll data on their insurance application, leading to artificially low premiums for several years. After two days of putting on evidence and testimony at trial, the defendant decided to settle on terms very favorable to the client.

      • Successfully dismissed Connecticut state court action against directors of an energy services corporation based on plaintiff shareholders’ failure to bring suit as a derivative action in a matter arising from the $25 million sale of the corporation’s assets.

      • Represented founder and managing member of an investment fund in Connecticut federal court and the Second Circuit in litigation brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Following extensive discovery concerning complex financial transactions and investments, the case settled on very favorable terms.

      • Represented regional water pollution control authority in Connecticut state court action concerning the failure of a contractor to perform certain duties associated with the operations and maintenance of the wastewater system. The case settled on very favorable terms following extensive discovery.

      • Represented nutritional supplements manufacturer in California federal court in putative class action case involving allegedly false and misleading statements made in connection with the marketing and advertising of certain products. 

      • Represented energy services company in Connecticut federal court in patent infringement suit concerning the misappropriation of facility metering and electrical systems monitoring technology.

      • Represented technology services firm in connection with action brought by global design house concerning alleged complicity in the sale of trademark-infringing merchandise.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      American Bar Association

      Connecticut Bar Association
      Young Lawyers Section, Executive Committee, Membership Director
      Insurance Law Section, Treasurer (2020 - 2022)
      Insurance Law Section, Secretary (2022 - 2023)

      Connecticut Bar Foundation
      James W. Cooper Fellow
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Robinson+Cole Mentor of the Year Award recipient, 2019

      Robinson+Cole Pro Bono Service Award recipient, 2013 and 2018

      Selected as a Rising Star to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2013 to 2020.

      Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "First 100," 2013

      Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Leadership Award recipient, 2022

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      Civics First
      Board of Directors

      United Way
      Co-Chair of R&C's United Way Drive (2020)
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      Chapters entitled "Pre-Litigation Review” and “Removal” published in Property Insurance Litigator’s Handbook, Third Edition (2022), edited by Andrew B. Downs, Jay M. Levin and Heidi Hudson Raschke (2022), published by the American Bar Association.

      "The Faulty Workmanship Exclusion," published in Connecticut Law Tribune, co-authored with Gerald P. Dwyer Jr. (11/26/12)

      "Recent Developments Concerning the Faulty Work Exclusion in the Construction Defect Context," published in New Appleman on Insurance, co-authored with Gerald P. Dwyer Jr. (Fall 2013)

      "The Scope of Civil Authority Provisions in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy," published in For the Defense, a publication of the Defense Research Institute (April 2013)

      "Unfamiliar Territory: Preparing for Your First Out-of-State Appeal," published in Appellate Practice, the newsletter of the American Bar Association's Section of Litigation (Fall 2012)

      "Removal of Covered Class Actions Under SLUSA: The Failure of Plain Meaning and Legislative Intent as Interpretative Devices, and the Supreme Court's Decisive Solution," published in 1 Wm. & Mary Bus. L. Rev. 169 (2010)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "COVID-19: At the Intersection of Property Insurance and Science," co-presented with Stephen E. Goldman and Daniel F. Sullivan, joined by experts in biophysics, toxicology and industrial hygiene for an interactive discussion of the science behind COVID-19. (4/6/2020)
      • » more info

        • COVID-19: At the Intersection of Property Insurance and Science

        "COVID-19: At the Intersection of Property Insurance and Science," co-presented by Stephen E. Goldman, Daniel F. Sullivan and J. Tyler Butts, joined by experts in biophysics, toxicology and industrial hygiene for an interactive discussion of the science behind COVID-19. (4/6/2020)

        Property Insurance Coverage Litigation team members Stephen Goldman (co-chair), Dan Sullivan and J. Tyler Butts presented the webinar "COVID-19: At the Intersection of Property Insurance and Science" on April 6, 2020. The number and complexity of insurance coverage issues emerging from the global COVID-19 pandemic are increasing with each passing day. As insurance companies respond to the influx of new and unique claims, Robinson+Cole continues to provide a forum for the discussion of the emerging issues.

        In this webinar, the second in a series presented by R+C, they were joined by experts in biophysics, toxicology and industrial hygiene for an interactive discussion of the science behind COVID-19. Building on that foundation, this discussion explored key business interruption issues arising from COVID-19 claims, including:

        • The properties and behavior of COVID-19: What is unique about this virus? How long can it survive on surfaces? Are there any long-term effects to property?
        • Protocols for decontamination, remediation and post-clearance testing of property affected by coronavirus
        • Whether the Virus exclusion, the Pollution exclusion or the Contamination exclusion apply to bar coverage for property exposed to COVID-19
        • Measuring the “period of restoration” for restoring property affected by COVID-19
        • Whether Extended Period of Indemnity coverage applies to business interruption losses stemming from COVID-19 contamination

         


      "The World Turned Upside Down," co-presented with Raymond T. DeMeo, in Hartford, Connecticut (4/5/2019)
      • » more info

        • The World Turned Upside Down

        "The World Turned Upside Down," co-presented by J. Tyler Butts and Raymond T. DeMeo, in Hartford, Connecticut (4/5/2019)

        Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Ray DeMeo was a panelist at the American Law Institute’s Restatement of Law Liability Insurance conference, The World Turned Upside Down, at the UConn Law School in Hartford, Connecticut on April 5, 2019. Ray spoke as part of a panel  entitled “Plain Meaning and Ambiguity in Insurance Contracts.” In his role as an education director on the Connecticut Bar Association’s Insurance Law Section board, Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts helped design the CLE-eligible event and assisted in organizing the panel on which Ray spoke.


      "Dealing With Difficult Contractors," as part of the Property and Liability Resource Bureau's On-The-Go Training series (3/14/2019)
      • » more info

        • Dealing With Difficult Contractors

        "Dealing With Difficult Contractors," presented by J. Tyler Butts, as part of the Property and Liability Resource Bureau's On-The-Go Training series (3/14/2019)

        Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts co-presented a webinar entitled “Dealing With Difficult Contractors” on March 14, 2019. The program was sponsored by the Property and Liability Resource Bureau as part of its On-The-Go Training series and attracted more than 800 participants. 

        From hurricanes and hailstorms to widespread fires and unprecedented rains and flooding, disastrous events are likely to attract policyholders’ contractors eager to “assist” with recovery. Oftentimes, however, contractors can hinder the process more than they help. The webinar focused on identifying and working with unreasonable or challenging contractors that an adjuster might encounter during the adjustment of a claim. Tyler’s presentation offered practical tips and tricks to make the adjustment process run more smoothly when working with difficult contractors. 

        Participants learned to identify the various ways in which a difficult contractor may stand as an impediment to resolving a claim, and discussed adjustment and negotiation strategies to use with difficult contractors to make an adjustment run smoother, including: how to evaluate the law governing assignment of benefits in various jurisdictions; how to work with a contractor holding an assignment of benefits; how to communicate with a difficult contractor throughout the course of a claim; how to push back on a contractor’s inflated or unsubstantiated estimates; and how to document a claim file where a difficult contractor is involved.


      "Connecticut Insurance 2018 Year-in-Review," presented during a meeting of the Connecticut Bar Association Insurance Law Section (2/5/2019)

      "Cyber Coverage Issues," moderated program presented by the Connecticut Bar Association Insurance Law Section (1/17/2019)

      "Choice of Law Principles in Disputes Arising Under Insurance Contracts," co-presented with Jonathan E. Small, webinar (12/11/2018)
      • » more info

        • Choice of Law Principles in Disputes Arising Under Insurance Contracts

        "Choice of Law Principles in Disputes Arising Under Insurance Contracts," co-presented by Jonathan E. Small and J. Tyler Butts, webinar (12/11/2018)

        The program addressed how courts apply choice of law principles in insurance coverage cases, including those involving property and liability claims. Choice of law issues arise when the facts underlying a dispute implicate the laws of more than one jurisdiction, and a court must determine which jurisdiction’s substantive laws should govern the interpretation of the insurance contract. Increasingly, courts have adopted flexible approaches to choice of law questions, such as the standard set forth in the Restatement (Second) Conflict of Laws and its various incarnations. However, a move toward a uniform contract approach could be in the offing.


      "Adjusting a Slow-Developing Commercial Fraud Claim: Forged Documents, Doctored Photographs & 26 Tons of Dead Fish," presented during the Property & Liability Resource Bureau 2018 Large Loss Conference in Nashville, Tennessee (11/27/2018)
      • » more info

        • Adjusting a Slow-Developing Commercial Fraud Claim: Forged Documents, Doctored Photographs & 26 Tons of Dead Fish

        "Adjusting a Slow-Developing Commercial Fraud Claim: Forged Documents, Doctored Photographs & 26 Tons of Dead Fish," presented by J. Tyler Butts, presented during the Property & Liability Resource Bureau 2018 Large Loss Conference in Nashville, Tennessee (11/27/2018)

        Tyler’s session covered:

        • Strategies for adjusting multiple, concurrent, large commercial claims made by an insured under the same policy when one or more of those claims is demonstrating indicia of fraud
        • Investigative considerations when an insured seeking coverage under the policy is going through bankruptcy proceedings
        • How to properly authenticate and verify submitted claim documentation when the insured retains official records
        • How to retain and appropriately utilize SIU or other investigative services to avoid insured allegations of collusion or bad faith

      "Assignment of Benefits," co-presented with Jessica A.R. Hamilton, during the 2018 Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference, hosted by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau, in Hartford, Connecticut (10/30/2018)
      • » more info

        • Assignment of Benefits

        "Assignment of Benefits," co-presented by Jessica A.R. Hamilton and J. Tyler Butts, during the 2018 Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference, hosted by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau, in Hartford, Connecticut (10/30/2018)

        Tyler and Jessica reviewed recent trends with building contractors soliciting assignment of benefits with personal lines and commercial lines claims; described assignment of benefits strategies employed by public adjusters, attorneys, and real estate purchasers; evaluated what the law in various jurisdictions says about rules governing assignment of benefits; and analyzed adjusting strategies adjusters might consider when faced with various forms of assignment of benefits.


      "Assignment of Benefits," presented during the 2018 Western Regional Adjusters Conference, hosted by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau, in Glendale, Arizona (6/26-27/2018)
      • » more info

        • Assignment of Benefits

        "Assignment of Benefits," presented by J. Tyler Butts, presented during the 2018 Western Regional Adjusters Conference, hosted by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau, in Glendale, Arizona (6/26-27/2018)

        Mr. Butts reviewed recent trends with building contractors soliciting assignment of benefits with personal lines and commercial lines claims; described assignment of benefits strategies employed by public adjusters, attorneys, and real estate purchasers; evaluated what the law in various jurisdictions says about rules governing assignment of benefits; and analyzed adjusting strategies adjusters might consider when faced with various forms of assignment of benefits.


      "Please Raise Your Right Hand—Preparing the Insurance Claim Professional and Corporate Designee for Deposition," co-presented with Gerald P. Dwyer Jr. and Deborah A. Vennos, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (3/22/2018)
      • » more info

        • Please Raise Your Right Hand—Preparing the Insurance Claim Professional and Corporate Designee for Deposition

        "Please Raise Your Right Hand—Preparing the Insurance Claim Professional and Corporate Designee for Deposition," co-presented by J. Tyler Butts, Gerald P. Dwyer Jr. and Deborah A. Vennos, as part of the Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series (3/22/2018)

        Attendees were lead through an interactive discussion on depositions of insurance company witnesses, with a focus on claim professionals and corporate designees. Mr. Butts, Mr. Dwyer, and Ms. Vennos covered avoiding an inadvertent waiver of the attorney-client or work product privileges when decision-makers are deposed in coverage or bad faith actions; key differences between federal and state practice regarding the designation and deposition of a corporate designee/representative; the potential consequences of designating the wrong person to testify on behalf of the company, the ability to amend prior testimony, and the rules governing the use of corporate designee testimony at trial; and ethical considerations of witness preparation.

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


      "Fidelity and Crime Insurance in a Nutshell," at Connecticut Bar Association CLE Program, panel member (5/8/2017)

      "Developing & Recurring Issues In Property Insurance," co-presented with Daniel F. Sullivan and Raymond T. DeMeo, at in-house client presentation to 30 adjusters and claim managers (6/29/2016)

      "Property Coverage Developments Following Superstorm Sandy," co-presented with Gregory P. Varga, at New England Claims Executives Association Meeting (4/8/2014)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • February 10, 2023

        J. Tyler Butts and John Cordani Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

        • » more info

          J. Tyler Butts and John Cordani Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts and Intellectual Property +Technology Group co-chair John Cordani are among 22 attorneys elected by the Connecticut Bar Foundation as Fellows of the James W. Cooper Fellows Program. Now in its 28th year, 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 2023 or read more in Law360.

        • View article
      • September 19, 2022

        J. Tyler Butts Is Honored at CBA Young Lawyers Section Annual Retreat

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          J. Tyler Butts Is Honored at CBA Young Lawyers Section Annual Retreat

          Congratulations to J. Tyler Butts, a member of the Insurance + Reinsurance Group and the firm’s Litigation Section, who was recognized with a Leadership Award at the Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section (YLS) leadership retreat on August 12-13 in Ledyard, Connecticut. The annual event is intended to familiarize new members of the Executive Committee with the duties of their leadership roles and to present awards to members of the committee for their service during the previous year. As a member of the Executive Committee, Tyler earned a Leadership Award for organizing several CLE and non-CLE events, including a revamped YLS pro bono outing, during the 2021-2022 bar year.

      • August 26, 2020

        J. Tyler Butts Elected Treasurer of Connecticut Bar Assoc. Insurance Law Section

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          J. Tyler Butts Elected Treasurer of Connecticut Bar Assoc. Insurance Law Section

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts has been elected to serve as the Treasurer of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Insurance Law Section for the 2020-2021 term. Tyler previously served as co-chair of the Section’s Education Committee. Created to meet the professional needs of CBA members who practice in all areas of insurance law, the Insurance Law Section brings together practitioners from a variety of disciplines including litigators (representing both insurers and policyholders), insurance regulatory attorneys, and in-house counsel. The section serves as a forum in which practitioners can exchange information on a variety of topics related to insurance law including, but not limited to life insurance, insurance coverage issues, property & casualty insurance, health and disability insurance, and insurance regulation.

      • April 11, 2019

        J. Tyler Butts and Ray DeMeo Take Part in ALI’s Restatement of Law Liability Insurance Conference

        • » more info

          J. Tyler Butts and Ray DeMeo Take Part in ALI’s Restatement of Law Liability Insurance Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer Ray DeMeo was a panelist at the American Law Institute’s Restatement of Law Liability Insurance conference, The World Turned Upside Down, at the UConn Law School in Hartford, Connecticut on April 5, 2019. Ray spoke as part of a panel  entitled “Plain Meaning and Ambiguity in Insurance Contracts.” In his role as an education director on the Connecticut Bar Association’s Insurance Law Section board, Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts helped design the CLE-eligible event and assisted in organizing the panel on which Ray spoke.

          The American Law Institute adopted its Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance in May 2018 after years of study, debate and controversy. It remains a work in progress, however, as lawyers and courts consider whether to utilize and adopt Restatement positions, while its opponents continue to lobby against it with regulators as well as in state legislatures and the courts. The conference brought together academics and practicing lawyers who have worked on the Restatement to discuss and debate these issues.

      • March 20, 2019

        Tyler Butts Co-Presents National Webinar on Handling Difficult Contractors

        • » more info

          Tyler Butts Co-Presents National Webinar on Handling Difficult Contractors

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts co-presented a webinar entitled “Dealing With Difficult Contractors” on March 14, 2019. The program was sponsored by the Property and Liability Resource Bureau as part of its On-The-Go Training series and attracted more than 800 participants. 

          From hurricanes and hailstorms to widespread fires and unprecedented rains and flooding, disastrous events are likely to attract policyholders’ contractors eager to “assist” with recovery. Oftentimes, however, contractors can hinder the process more than they help. The webinar focused on identifying and working with unreasonable or challenging contractors that an adjuster might encounter during the adjustment of a claim. Tyler’s presentation offered practical tips and tricks to make the adjustment process run more smoothly when working with difficult contractors. 

          Participants learned to identify the various ways in which a difficult contractor may stand as an impediment to resolving a claim, and discussed adjustment and negotiation strategies to use with difficult contractors to make an adjustment run smoother, including: how to evaluate the law governing assignment of benefits in various jurisdictions; how to work with a contractor holding an assignment of benefits; how to communicate with a difficult contractor throughout the course of a claim; how to push back on a contractor’s inflated or unsubstantiated estimates; and how to document a claim file where a difficult contractor is involved.
           

      • February 15, 2019

        Tyler Butts Participates in CBA Insurance Law Section Programs

        • » more info

          Tyler Butts Participates in CBA Insurance Law Section Programs

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts moderated a program on “Cyber Coverage Issues” on January 17, 2019 in Milford, Connecticut. In addition, he presented a session entitled “Connecticut Insurance 2018 Year-in-Review” on February 5, 2019 in Hamden, Connecticut. Both programs were hosted by the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Insurance Law Section.

      • February 12, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Supports Annual CBA-YLS Diversity Award Dinner

      • December 18, 2018

        Tyler Butts and Jonathan Small Co-Present Webinar on Choice of Law Principles

        • » more info

          Tyler Butts and Jonathan Small Co-Present Webinar on Choice of Law Principles

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers J. Tyler Butts and Jonathan E. Small co-presented a lunchtime webinar entitled “Choice of Law Principles in Disputes Arising Under Insurance Contracts” on December 11, 2018. The program addressed how courts apply choice of law principles in insurance coverage cases, including those involving property and liability claims. Choice of law issues arise when the facts underlying a dispute implicate the laws of more than one jurisdiction, and a court must determine which jurisdiction’s substantive laws should govern the interpretation of the insurance contract. Increasingly, courts have adopted flexible approaches to choice of law questions, such as the standard set forth in the Restatement (Second) Conflict of Laws and its various incarnations. However, a move toward a uniform contract approach could be in the offing.

      • December 6, 2018

        Tyler Butts Presents During 2018 Large Loss Conference

        • » more info

          Tyler Butts Presents During 2018 Large Loss Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts was among the speakers who presented during a program entitled "Adjusting a Slow-Developing Commercial Fraud Claim: Forged Documents, Doctored Photographs & 26 Tons of Dead Fish" as part of the 2018 Large Loss Conference hosted November 26-28, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Presented by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau, the conference was attended by large loss claims adjusters and managers, supervisors, general adjusters and EGAs, complex case managers, senior claims management, and service providers who work with these claims. Tyler’s session covered:

          • Strategies for adjusting multiple, concurrent, large commercial claims made by an insured under the same policy when one or more of those claims is demonstrating indicia of fraud
          • Investigative considerations when an insured seeking coverage under the policy is going through bankruptcy proceedings
          • How to properly authenticate and verify submitted claim documentation when the insured retains official records
          • How to retain and appropriately utilize SIU or other investigative services to avoid insured allegations of collusion or bad faith
      • November 27, 2018

        Tyler Butts, Jessica Hamilton, and Jonathan Small Present During 2018 Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference

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          Tyler Butts, Jessica Hamilton, and Jonathan Small Present During 2018 Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers J. Tyler Butts, Jessica A.R. Hamilton, and Jonathan E. Small were among the speakers who presented during the 2018 Eastern Regional Adjusters Conference in Hartford, Connecticut on October 30, 2018. The conference was hosted by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau as part of the organization's Regional Adjusters Conferences, which were held in three different cities around the country. Tyler and Jessica co-presented a program on "Assignment of Benefits," while Jonathan presented on "Common Coverage Issues Arising from Catastrophes."

      • October 18, 2018

        51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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          51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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

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      • July 2, 2018

        Tyler Butts Presents on Assignment of Benefits During Property & Liability Resource Bureau Conference

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          Tyler Butts Presents on Assignment of Benefits During Property & Liability Resource Bureau Conference

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts presented a program on “Assignment of Benefits” during the 2018 Western Regional Adjusters Conference on June 26 to June 27, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The conference is hosted by the Property & Liability Resource Bureau as part of the organization's Regional Adjusters Conferences, which are held in three different cities around the U.S. During the session, Mr. Butts reviewed recent trends with building contractors soliciting assignment of benefits with personal lines and commercial lines claims; described assignment of benefits strategies employed by public adjusters, attorneys, and real estate purchasers; evaluated what the law in various jurisdictions says about rules governing assignment of benefits; and analyzed adjusting strategies adjusters might consider when faced with various forms of assignment of benefits.

      • April 9, 2018

        Tyler Butts and Kip Dwyer Present on Preparing the Insurance Claim Professional and Corporate Designee for Deposition

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          Tyler Butts and Kip Dwyer Present on Preparing the Insurance Claim Professional and Corporate Designee for Deposition

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyers J. Tyler Butts and Gerald P. Dwyer, Jr. presented the program “Please Raise Your Right Hand—Preparing the Insurance Claim Professional and Corporate Designee for Deposition” on March 22, 2018 at the firm. Attendees were lead through an interactive discussion on depositions of insurance company witnesses, with a focus on claim professionals and corporate designees. Mr. Butts and Mr. Dwyer covered avoiding an inadvertent waiver of the attorney-client or work product privileges when decision-makers are deposed in coverage or bad faith actions; key differences between federal and state practice regarding the designation and deposition of a corporate designee/representative; the potential consequences of designating the wrong person to testify on behalf of the company, the ability to amend prior testimony, and the rules governing the use of corporate designee testimony at trial; and ethical considerations of witness preparation. The program was followed by an informal networking reception. The presentation is the second in a newly launched “Insurance In-House Counsel CLE Series” that offers continuing legal education (CLE) and networking catered exclusively to in-house counsel and attorney claim professionals in the insurance industry. The next program in the series is scheduled to take place in June.

      • March 23, 2018

        Tyler Butts’ Oral Argument Quoted in Hartford Courant Article

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          Tyler Butts’ Oral Argument Quoted in Hartford Courant Article

          Insurance + Reinsurance Group lawyer J. Tyler Butts was quoted in the article “Convict Who Won Civil Rights Suit Fights State Effort To Seize Money To Pay For Incarceration,” published in the Hartford Courant on March 14, 2018. The article discusses the challenge of a state law that allows Connecticut authorities to seize legal judgments and other assets from prison inmates and apply the money to the costs of their incarceration made by Rashad Williams, an inmate who won $300,000 in a civil rights suit against a prison guard. “'There is something uncouth about the state reducing its liability by paying itself for the bad acts of its employee,’ one of Williams new lawyers, J. Tyler Butts, argued Wednesday to U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in federal court in Hartford.” Read the full article.

      • November 12, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Hosts Domestic Violence Restraining Order Program for Lawyers

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          Robinson+Cole Hosts Domestic Violence Restraining Order Program for Lawyers

          Robinson+Cole hosted a groundbreaking training session on November 2, 2015, for more than 35 lawyers interested in representing victims of domestic violence seeking restraining orders (orders from relief from abuse) in Connecticut. The program's goal was to encourage lawyers at other firms to model their own pro bono programs after Robinson+Cole's successful Domestic Violence Restraining Order Program. The training featured presentations by the Honorable Elizabeth A. Bozzuto of the Connecticut Superior Court, the Greater Hartford Legal Aid, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Robinson+Cole. The Connecticut Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section co-sponsored the program. Attendees included lawyers from other major law firms, in-house corporate counsel, and Judicial Branch Court Operations.

          Robinson+Cole lawyers in attendance included Kelly Frye Barnett, Edward J. Heath, Eric D. Daniels, Jenna L. Veronneau, J. Tyler Butts, Jessica A. R. Hamilton, Andrew A. DePeau, Jonathan E. Small, Kathleen E. Dion, James R. Nault, Amanda E. Gordon, Catrina Cartegena Kohn, and Frank F. Coulom Jr.

      • September 1, 2015

        Three Hartford Office Lawyers Elected to Executive Committee of CBA's YLS

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          Three Hartford Office Lawyers Elected to Executive Committee of CBA's YLS

          Business litigation lawyers Kathleen E. Dion and Amanda E. Gordon and insurance litigation lawyer J. Tyler Butts 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 nearly 2,400 members, organizes and sponsors continuing legal education and professional development sessions for both junior and senior members of the CBA.

          All three lawyers hold leadership positions in the CBA's YLS. Ms. Dion co-chairs the Consumer Law Section, Ms. Gordon co-chairs the Health Law Section, and Mr. Butts co-chairs the Professional Responsibility Committee.

      • May 19, 2014

        Hartford Lawyers Coach Students to Present Simulated Trial

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          Hartford Lawyers Coach Students to Present Simulated Trial

          Insurance litigation lawyers J. Tyler Butts and Dominic Spinelli helped ninth and tenth grade students from Hartford Public High School's Law and Government Academy prepare for and present a simulated trial. The program, held on May 1, 2014, was part of the federal judiciary's celebration of Law Day. Mr. Butts and Mr. Spinelli coached the students about the key elements of trial, including opening and closing statements and the questioning of witnesses. The trial was presided over by Senior District Court Judge Dominic J. Squatrito and featured closing remarks from professor Richard Wilson from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Law Day was first celebrated in 1958 to provide an opportunity to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society.

      • May 14, 2014

        Robinson+Cole's Appellate Group Wins Connecticut Law Tribune's Litigation Department of the Year Award

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          Robinson+Cole's Appellate Group Wins Connecticut Law Tribune's Litigation Department of the Year Award

          The Connecticut Law Tribune recently honored Robinson+Cole's Appellate Group with its 2014 Litigation Department of the Year Award in the Appellate category. The recognition is a result of a group that has worked together as a team, showcased its depth of experience, and broadened its client base. In fact, the Appellate Team has nationwide experience, handling cases throughout the country.


           

      • June 25, 2013

        J. Tyler Butts Joins Board of Civics First

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          J. Tyler Butts Joins Board of Civics First

          Insurance litigation attorney J. Tyler Butts has been selected to join the Board of Directors of Civics First. Civics First is a private, nonprofit association that promotes and conducts law-related education programs and projects in Connecticut's public and private schools, courtrooms, and communities. Its goal is to incorporate citizenship education into the curriculum of all schools, from kindergarten through high school. Established in 1976, Civics First is co-sponsored by the active participation of a number of private and public groups throughout the state.
      • May 21, 2013

        Insurance Litigation Lawyers Mentor Students at Law Day Festivities

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          Insurance Litigation Lawyers Mentor Students at Law Day Festivities

          Insurance litigation lawyers Jonathan Levin and J. Tyler Butts helped ninth-grade students from Hartford Public High School's Law and Government Academy prepare for and present a simulated trial as part of the federal judiciary's celebration of Law Day. At the event, held on May 1, 2013, Mr. Levin and Mr. Butts coached the students about the key elements of trial, including opening and closing statements and the questioning of witnesses. The trial was presided over by District Court Judge Michael P. Shea and featured closing remarks from Congressman John B. Larson. Law Day was first celebrated in 1958 to provide an opportunity to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance for society.
      • April 19, 2013

        J. Tyler Butts Pens Hurricane Sandy Article for DRI’s For The Defense

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          J. Tyler Butts Pens Hurricane Sandy Article for DRI’s For The Defense

          Insurance litigation attorney J. Tyler Butts wrote an article entitled "The Scope of Civil Authority Provisions in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy," published in the April 2013 issue of For The Defense, the publication of the Defense Research Institute. In the article, Mr. Butts offers an in-depth look at the various issues that insurers may encounter with claims arising out of the numerous evacuation orders issued prior to and during Hurricane Sandy's landfall in the Northeast in October 2012. In addition, he identifies numerous pitfalls that insurers may face in addressing what has been, to this point, a rarely litigated insurance provision. Mr. Butts is a member of Robinson & Cole's Insurance Litigation and Appellate Groups and is co-chair of the Young Lawyers Subcommittee of the American Bar Association's Appellate Practice Committee.
      • January 23, 2013

        Connecticut Law Tribune quotes Robinson & Cole's Pro Bono Work

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          Connecticut Law Tribune quotes Robinson & Cole's Pro Bono Work

          Robinson & Cole's restraining order program is referenced in a Connecticut Law Tribune article by Chase T. Rogers, chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, and Superior Court Judge William H. Bright Jr., chair of the Judicial Branch's Pro Bono Committee. The article, “Forecast 2013: Pro Bono Initiatives Remain On Front Burner,” discusses ways to meet pro bono challenges in 2013. Each Monday since August 2012, at least two Robinson & Cole lawyers have been stationed at the Superior Court in Middletown to assist victims of domestic violence obtain or preserve court-issued restraining orders to protect themselves and their families. The firm lawyers involved in this considerable effort include Edward J. Heath, Patrick M. Birney, Andrea Donovan Napp, Benjamin B. Adams, J. Tyler Butts, Kathleen E. Dion, Amanda E. Gordon, and Nicolas F. Perry. They have been joined by lawyers from Northeast Utilities, including Honor Heath and Janet Helmke-Elmore.

      • January 7, 2013

        J. Tyler Butts Writes Article on How Young Attorneys Can Prepare for Out-of-State Appeals

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          J. Tyler Butts Writes Article on How Young Attorneys Can Prepare for Out-of-State Appeals

          Insurance litigation attorney J. Tyler Butts wrote the article “Unfamiliar Territory: Preparing for Your First Out-of-State Appeal,” published on December 18, 2012, in the Fall 2012 issue of Appellate Practice, the newsletter of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. Mr. Butts offers practical advice on learning appellate rules, writing an appellate brief, and preparing to present an argument in an unfamiliar jurisdiction. Mr. Butts is co-chair of the Young Lawyers Subcommittee of the American Bar Association's Appellate Practice Committee.
      • December 20, 2012

        Insurance Litigation Attorneys Write Article on How Courts are Interpreting Faulty Workmanship Exclusion for Connecticut Law Tribune

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          Insurance Litigation Attorneys Write Article on How Courts are Interpreting Faulty Workmanship Exclusion for Connecticut Law Tribune

          Insurance litigation attorneys J. Tyler Butts and Kip Dwyer wrote the article “The Faulty Workmanship Exclusion,” published in the November 26, 2012, issue of the Connecticut Law Tribune. The article studies how courts are shifting away from the typical process versus product distinction in analyzing the faulty workmanship exclusion typically found in builder’s risk and other first-party coverages, and instead shifting to a more reasonable and text-based interpretation of policy language that includes both concepts of workmanship within the exclusion.

      R+C News Releases

      • November 18, 2020

        Robinson+Cole Elects New Partners and Counsel

      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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          47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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

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

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

        • View article
      • 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.

        • View article
      • December 17, 2018

        Robinson+Cole Promotes Nine Lawyers to Counsel

      • August 13, 2018

        Robinson+Cole Presents Annual Awards for Outstanding Contributions

      • 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.

        • View article
      • 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.

        • View article
      • 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
      • 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.

        • View article
      • November 21, 2013

        Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Names Six Robinson & Cole Lawyers Among its “First 100”

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          Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence Names Six Robinson & Cole Lawyers Among its “First 100”

          The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) honored six Robinson & Cole lawyers among its "First 100" at a breakfast ceremony on November 19, 2013. Benjamin B. Adams, Patrick M. Birney, J. Tyler Butts, Edward J. Heath, Kristopher I. Moore, and Jonathan H. Schaefer were among the male leaders from across Connecticut recognized for making a difference and standing committed to raising awareness of the availability of, and access to, domestic violence services.

          WTNH Channel 8 News interviewed Ed Heath at the ceremony. Watch the clip here.

        • View article
      • November 7, 2013

        Connecticut Legal Services Honors Robinson & Cole for Pro Bono Domestic Violence Restraining Order Program

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          Connecticut Legal Services Honors Robinson & Cole for Pro Bono Domestic Violence Restraining Order Program

          Connecticut Legal Services honored Robinson & Cole at its annual meeting on October 29, 2013, for the firm's Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) Program. The recognition was presented on behalf of the board, staff, and clients of Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. to Robinson & Cole for its "innovative and successful efforts to create the Pro Bono Restraining Order Project benefitting victims of domestic violence who seek relief from the Middletown Court." The efforts of 11 Robinson & Cole lawyers, who have provided over 550 hours of pro bono service through the DVRO Program, have made the following legal representation possible: 50 engagements initiated, 17 ex parte applications and affidavits completed, and 33 evidentiary hearings held.
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      • May 7, 2012

        R&C Associates Spend Happy Hour with First Lady Cathy Malloy

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          R&C Associates Spend Happy Hour with First Lady Cathy Malloy

          Cathy Malloy, chief executive officer of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, poses in the 100 Peal Street Gallery with associates from Robinson & Cole LLP on April 11, 2012. The event was sponsored by Robinson & Cole's Associates Council, chaired by labor and employment attorney Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson.
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      • April 6, 2011

        Robinson & Cole Welcomes 10 New Attorneys

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          Robinson & Cole Welcomes 10 New Attorneys

          Robinson & Cole LLP is pleased to announce that 10 attorneys joined the firm. They add a depth and breadth of experience to groups across the firm's practice sections.
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