Kathleen Porter Among Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2022 “Top Women of Law”

Business Transactions Group and Intellectual Property + Technology Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter was selected for inclusion as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's 2022 Top Women of Law, a recognition that celebrates the achievements of exceptional women lawyers who are pioneers, educators, trailblazers and role models. Kathy will be featured in a special issue of the publication and honored during an event held on November 16, 2022.

Kathleen Porter, William Egan and Ian Clarke-Fisher Author Article on Website Accessibility and ADA Compliance

Intellectual Property + Technology Group member Kathleen Porter and Litigation Group members William Egan and Ian Clarke-Fisher authored the article “Robinson & Cole discuss Website Accessibility and Compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act” published in the July 12, 2022 in the ADVOC Gazette. The article is the first part of a series on the Americans with Disabilities Act (the Act) and website accessibility. The authors write that “more than 10,000 lawsuits were filed and almost a quarter million demand letters were sent to companies over the past two years.” Those suits and letters allege that the companies’ consumer-facing public websites failed to provide adequate accessibility to the visually or hearing impaired, “a violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181-12189, or similar state laws, or both.” While the law and related guidance fall short in currently providing clear standards on what constitutes ADA compliance, the Act does state that a place of public accommodation, including a consumer-facing website, engages in unlawful discrimination should it fail to “take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services.” Read the full article here.  

Business Transactions Team Represents Hydrofera, LLC in Sale to Essity

Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Team represented Hydrofera, LLC, a U.S. company based in Manchester, Connecticut, and the developer of Hydrofera Blue Antibacterial Wound Dressing, an advanced line of wound care products designed to shorten healing times, lower treatment costs, and deliver better patient outcomes, in connection with its sale to Essity, a global hygiene and health company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Our team included Adam Anderson, Christine Bromberg, Rachel Kushel, Ryan Leichsenring, John Lynch, Virginia McGarrity, Kathy Porter, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Emilee Scott, Kiernan Ignacio, Patrick Mulpeter, Kayla O'Leary and Kayla West. Read more about the transaction in the press release.

Business Transactions Team Represents SmartEquip in Sale to Ritchie Bros.

Robinson+Cole’s Business Transactions Team represented SmartEquip, Inc., a multi-manufacturer technology platform that provides customers with service and diagnostic support to each asset in their fleet, as well as enabling the electronic procurement of parts from OEMs and their dealers, in connection with its sale to Ritchie Bros., a global asset management and disposition company, for a purchase price of approximately $175 million. The R+C team included Adam Anderson, Stephen E. Cooper, Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, Virginia E. McGarrity, Christopher F. Homsy, Kayla C. O’Leary, Kathleen M. Porter, Michael J. Kearney, Jr. and Eric M. Kogan. The sale closed on November 2, 2021. Read more about the transaction.   

Kathy Porter Recognized As a Massachusetts "Go To Lawyer" in Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual Property + Technology Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter was recognized as a “Massachusetts Go To Lawyer” in the area of Intellectual Property by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (MLW) and profiled in a special section published in the September 27, 2021 edition. The “Massachusetts Go To Lawyers” feature was debuted by MLW in 2020 to showcase leaders in the Massachusetts legal community by practice area. A “Go To Lawyer” is: an expert in his or her field; a senior attorney well-versed in case law, statutes and regulations; experienced, with a record of success in cases and/or transactions; a lawyer to whom other lawyers make referrals because of his or her expertise and accomplishments; and a lawyer who can think creatively and identify all options for a client.

Kathleen Porter Presents on Vendor Management Compliance at Privacy and Data Security Law Conference

Business Transactions lawyer Kathleen Porter spoke at the 20th Annual Practicing Law Institute's (PLI) Privacy and Data Security Law Conference in Chicago on June 4, 2019. She presented the program "Vendor Management: Ensuring Compliance with Privacy and Cybersecurity Requirements," which discussed a range of issues, including evaluating vendors from a privacy and security perspective, privacy and security provisions in vendor contracts, and developing a compliant vendor management program. Kathleen has been an invited presenter on this general topic at the Chicago PLI Conference since 2013.

The 2019 conference was focused on the critical issues of information privacy, cybersecurity and data protection that are increasingly faced by businesses. As the Internet and other information technologies have prompted the development of powerful tools for the collection, use, processing, storage, and disposal of personal information, a wide range of compliance risk and liability issues have emerged. Legislators, regulators and the courts are rapidly developing new law and compliance obligations to address the privacy and security implications of our expanding information economy and its evolving risks. This annual conference addressed these developments, with the goal of keeping attorneys and other privacy professionals informed and up-to-date in this complex and dynamic area of laws and regulations.
 

Ben Jensen, Kathy Porter and Kathryn Rattigan Present at the 2019 Health Law Symposium

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity lawyers Benjamin C. Jensen, Kathleen M. Porter and Kathryn M. Rattigan were panelists at the 2019 Health Law Symposium in Boston on March 22, 2019. The day-long event, “Privacy, Cybersecurity, and the Health Care Industry: Threats, Risks and Mitigation,” was presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association and attended by some 60 people. 

Kathy and Ben spoke on “General Data Protection Regulation 101: What You Need to Know,” which addressed key elements of the European Economic Area’s recently adopted General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and what it means for U.S. companies. They highlighted the importance of understanding the different meaning of key terms such as “sensitive personal data,” “controller,” and “processing,” and some of the key changes the GDPR presents, such as its extraterritorial reach and the fact that simply complying with existing U.S. data privacy and security regulations is no longer sufficient. The presentation pointed out that the GDPR also brings with it greater accountability for companies and greater control for individuals, including changes to disclosure language and a strengthened emphasis on the “lawful basis” of consent of an individual data subject. 

Kathryn presented “How Safe Is Your Organization from Hackers? Recent Risks and Tips from an Insider,” which included an FBI Intelligence Analyst with the Bureau’s Cyber Task Force. They discussed how to identify and protect high risk data and reviewed recent and ongoing threats to information, such as phishing, ransomware, malware, and man-in-the-middle attacks, and the kinds of disruption they can cause organizations. The presentation also highlighted the laws that apply to such situations and how law enforcement and other government resources can assist businesses in addressing cyber threats.  
 

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

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

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

Kathy Porter Presents Session on Privacy and Cybersecurity Risk for the Practising Law Institute

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Kathleen M. Porter presented a session on "Managing Privacy and Cybersecurity Risk in Transactions" during the Nineteenth Annual Institute on Privacy and Data Security Law on June 11 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI), the event focused on current critical issues of information privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection faced by all companies with the goal of keeping attorneys and other privacy professionals informed and up-to-date in this complex and dynamic area of laws and regulations. Ms. Porter offered tips for selecting vendors, conducting due diligence, and negotiating privacy and data security issues in commercial contracts and technology transactions. She also covered the effect of the European Union’s new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the cybersecurity and privacy practices of companies, vendors, and business partners.

Kathy Porter Presents on GDPR During SCG Legal’s 2018 Midyear Meeting

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Kathleen M. Porter was among the presenters that participated in a session on “GDPR & Priorities in Global Privacy” as part of the State Capital Group (SCG) Legal’s 2018 Midyear Meeting in London, England from June 7 to June 8, 2018. The session focused on the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which recently replaced the European Union’s venerable Data Protection Directive. The program examined some key issues the GDPR raises for the global marketplace, including when GDPR is relevant to clients, trends in transactions relating to privacy as a result of GDPR, and what’s next for global privacy.

Kathy Porter Presents on Data Privacy in the Legal Industry

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Kathleen M. Porter was among the panelists that participated in a program on “Emerging Technology: Data Privacy in the Legal Industry” on April 25, 2018 in Hartford, Connecticut. Hosted by Thomson Reuters, the lunch & learn program covered the most significant developments in data privacy, including Facebook and Cambridge Analytica developments, how to prepare for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR,) and expectations for the legal industry in 2018.

Kathy Porter and Mike Wirvin Contribute to Mills & Reeve Study on International Opportunities for Middle Market Companies

International Practice Group Co-chairs Kathleen M. Porter and J. Michael Wirvin contributed the “Focus on the US” portion of Expanding International Horizons, part two of Mills & Reeve LLP's Defining Gravity study. The British law firm, headquartered in London, is conducting the study “to help explain how medium sized businesses can achieve high performance in complex and uncertain times.” In the “Focus on the US” section of the report, Ms. Porter is quoted as saying that “The US is the UK’s number one export market and remains a very attractive location for UK businesses seeking to expand internationally. The diversity, population, and sheer size of the country continues to offer inbound businesses a large customer base with serious purchasing power.” Click here to read the full report.

Boston Office Hosts Holiday Raffle in Support of Hurricane Relief Effort in Puerto Rico

Legal Administrative Assistant Rebecca B. Hughes was the organizer behind the Boston office’s participation in a holiday raffle to raise funds in support of the hurricane relief effort in Puerto Rico. Lawyers and staff members helped secure prizes, put together baskets, and promote the raffle, which was hosted in the lobby during the office building’s annual holiday event on December 7, 2017. Tickets were sold to enter to win prizes such as the new iPhone X, popular children’s toys, packages for Boston Celtics and Bruins games, getaways to the Viking Hotel in Rhode Island and Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut, and much more. Winners for each prize basket were randomly drawn at the end of the event which ultimately raised about $8,000. All proceeds from the holiday raffle will be donated to Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico, a fund established as a partnership between the The Boston Foundation and the Latino Legacy Fund. Click here to view photos from the event.

Kathleen Porter and Kate Dion Address Student Speech and Social Media at AICUM Symposium

Business Transactions Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter and Business Litigation Group lawyer Kathleen E. Dion presented on "Student Speech on Social Media: From Cyberbullying to Campus Protests" at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AICUM) Fall Symposium 2017 on October 6 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ms. Porter and Ms. Dion discussed the use of policies by colleges and universities for controlling or blocking anonymous social media platforms, maintaining fair and risk-free discipline processes, and tailoring specific steps to investigate cyberbullying. They also presented on the challenges associated with each stage of inviting a controversial guest speaker to a college campus, including how to solicit and review invitations as well as how to maintain a spirited academic atmosphere while also protecting the students’ right to assemble. The session also included a discussion of investigating handbook policy violations in these areas fairly and independently. Andrew W. Monthey assisted with and attended the presentation. 

Kathleen Porter Speaks on IoT Regulation from Manufacturer's Perspective at SCG Annual Meeting

Intellectual Property Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter spoke about the regulation of the Internet of Things (IoT) from a manufacturer's perspective at the State Capital Group (SCG) Annual Meeting on September 7, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. The program, "Who is Regulating the Internet of Things (IoT)?" highlighted key areas for a manufacturer to consider when developing, manufacturing, and marketing IoT devices, including building IoT into product design, warranties, and other terms and conditions of sale; establishing a privacy and security program; identifying cybersecurity risk; and responding to law enforcement and other requests for stored data. 

Kathleen Porter Speaks on Managing Privacy and Cybersecurity Risk in Business Deals

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team and Intellectual Property Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter recently presented a session entitled, “Managing Privacy and Cybersecurity Risk in Business Deals.” Ms. Porter was a speaker during the Chicago session of the Eighteenth Annual Institute on Privacy and Data Security Law, which took place from June 12 to 13. Ms. Porter discussed how to protect business deals from potential security threats in the age of rapidly evolving technology. Presented by the Practicing Law Institute (PLI), the event focused on current critical issues of information privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection faced by all companies, with the goal of keeping attorneys and other privacy professionals informed and up-to-date in this complex and dynamic area of laws and regulations. Ms. Porter has presented at this annual PLI conference in Chicago for the last several years.

Robinson+Cole Sponsors Panel Discussion on Cybersecurity for Medical Devices

In a panel discussion held at Robinson+Cole’s Hartford office on June 1, 2017, Health Law Group and life sciences lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson spoke on "Cybersecurity for Medical Devices." The panelists exchanged views on a variety of topics that included patient safety, post-market management practices and FDA guidance, cybersecurity by design, functionality, protecting patient data, and cyber-related vulnerabilities and incident information sharing. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Group and Intellectual Property Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter organized the event, which was co-sponsored by Robinson+Cole, the Biomedical Engineering Alliance and Consortium (BEACON), and Court Square Group (CSG). Centrally located along the New England Knowledge Corridor that extends from New Haven, Connecticut, to Northampton, Massachusetts, BEACON is a nonprofit organization consisting of academic and medical institutions, as well as corporations and entrepreneurs, dedicated to the development, commercialization, and manufacture of new medical devices and technology. Robinson+Cole and CSG are BEACON members, and Ms. Porter and CSG President Keith Parent serve on BEACON's board of directors. Click here to see photos from the event.

Kathleen Porter Serves as Panelist at PLI

Kathleen M. Porter, data privacy and security transactional lawyer, presented "Cybersecurity and Privacy in Deals: Managing Cyber Risk in M&A, Outsourcing, Cloud and other Commercial Deals” at the Practising Law Institute's (PLI) Seventeenth Annual Institute on Privacy and Data Security Law in Chicago with Rebecca Eisner of Mayer Brown LLP on July 12, 2016. Ms. Porter and her co-presenter discussed tips for selecting vendors, conducting due diligence, and negotiating privacy and data security issues in commercial contracts and in M&A transactions and the increasing importance of auditing and actively managing the cybersecurity and privacy practices of vendors and business partners.

Kathleen Porter Serves as Panelist on Data Security Webcast

Kathleen M. Porter, a Business Transactions lawyer with a Privacy and Data Security Transactions practice, served as a panelist for the "Data Security 2.0: The Cloud, Mobile Devices & Encryption" webcast in Boston on June 23. She discussed how to map out practical solutions for businesses in assessing privacy and data security risks and negotiating privacy and data security provisions in vendor, service provider, and mergers and acquisition transactions.

The Data Security 2.0 The Cloud, Mobile Devices & Encryption webcast is a new program that focused on emerging challenges, including data security in the cloud, protection of mobile devices, and best use of encryption technology.

Robinson+Cole Women Lawyers Listed in Best Lawyers Spring Business Edition

A total of 12 Robinson+Cole lawyers were recognized in the inaugural Women in the Law issue of Best Lawyers Spring Business Edition.

Joey Lee Miranda, environmental and utilities lawyer in the Hartford office, was recognized as the 2016 Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in the area of Environmental Law. This award is bestowed on individual lawyers with the highest overall peer feedback for a specific practice area and geographic location, with just one lawyer recognized for each specialty and location.

The "2016 Women in the Law" listing features the women lawyers honored as 2016 Best Lawyers® by practice area and location. Those recognized in this special feature include the following:

Hartford

 1. Lisa M. Boyle – Health Care Law
 2. Alice E. DeTora – Labor and Employment Law
 3. Judith M. Keppelman – Trusts and Estates
 4. Linda J. McDowell – Trusts and Estates
 5. Joey Lee Miranda – Environmental Law
 6. Linda L. Morkan – Appellate Law 
 7. Megan R. Naughton – Immigration Law
 8. Jacqueline Pennino Scheib – Intellectual Property Law 
 9. Jeanmarie B. Shea – Trusts and Estates

10. Kathleen M. Porter – Information Technology Law  

Rhode Island
      11. Dana M. Horton – Insurance Law
      12. Patricia J. Igoe – Commercial Finance Law   

Kathleen Porter Presents on International Panel at ABA Business Law Section Spring Meeting

Business transactions and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen M. Porter spoke on April 9, 2016, at the American Bar Association's Business Law Section Spring Meeting in Montreal about the exhaustion of Intellectual Property (IP) rights from a U.S. perspective. In her session, " Exhaustion of IP Rights from an International Perspective," Ms. Porter, and her co-presenters from leading law firms in Canada, India, Germany, and Scotland, discussed the extent to which the sale of an IP-protected product abroad can exhaust the IP rights over that product domestically. In particular, they focused on similarities and differences between the laws of India, Canada, the European Union, and the United States as well as differences under a country's patent, copyright, and trademark law.

Kathleen Porter Authors Chapter in Data Security and Privacy in Massachusetts

Privacy and data security lawyer Kathleen M. Porter authored a chapter in the book Data Security and Privacy in Massachusetts (2015), which provides authoritative and practical guidance on breach prevention, compliance, and safeguarding privacy. The chapter, "Privacy and Security in Mergers and Acquisitions," details how to conduct mergers and acquisitions due diligence on privacy and data security matters as well as provides negotiating tips on how to address issues that may arise. This first edition book is published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

Ms. Porter is a member of Robinson+Cole's Data Privacy + Security Team. 

Boston Lawyers Participate in 2015 WomenUp Event

Boston lawyers Katherine C. Bailey, J. Michael Wirvin, Kathleen M. Porter, and Matthew J. Lawlor, together with clients and friends of the firm, attended the 2015 WomenUp: Local Women of Influence Celebration breakfast in Boston on December 8, 2015. Sponsored by the Boston Business Journal, Webster Bank, Care.com, Robinson+Cole, and Emirates Airlines, the event recognized 23 Boston-area women of influence, business leaders, innovators, and visionaries, who have demonstrated entrepreneurial success at their companies and in the community. Before an audience of more than 300 professionals and entrepreneurs, business and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen Porter provided an overview of Robinson+Cole and then introduced four of the honorees. 

The national WomenUp.org's mission is "to increase women's role in the global economy by providing leadership training, mentorship, and support to girls and women through every stage of their lives and careers."

Kathleen Porter Speaks at PLI's Sixteenth Annual Institute on Privacy and Data Security Law

Intellectual property and technology partner Kathleen M. Porter spoke at the Practising Law Institute's (PLI) Sixteenth Annual Institute on Privacy and Data Security Law in Chicago on July 14, 2015. For the third year, Ms. Porter and her co-panelist, Rebecca Eisner of Mayer Brown LLP, spoke to the 100-plus attendees on "Cybersecurity and Privacy in Deals: Managing Cyber Risk in M&A, Outsourcing, Cloud and other Commercial Deals." They discussed tips for selecting vendors, negotiating privacy and data security issues in commercial contracts and in M&A transactions, and the increasing importance of auditing and managing the cybersecurity and privacy practices of vendors and business partners.

Kathleen Porter Featured in WNE Law School Alumni Magazine

Privacy and data security lawyer Kathleen M. Porter was interviewed in the article "Balancing Act: Making the Most of Law's New Digital Reality," published in Perspectives, an alumni magazine of the Western New England (WNE) University School of Law. The article explores how smart devices and storage solutions are simplifying legal business functions while making the process of safeguarding confidential client information more complicated. Ms. Porter explains how, as a result of HIPAA and the Massachusetts Data Security Regulation, law firms must assess their physical premises, computer systems, contracts, and documentation on an ongoing basis. She says that law firms must increasingly demonstrate they have taken steps to protect their information, which is "fast becoming a market differentiator in a crowded legal marketplace." To view the article, please click here.

Kathleen Porter Chairs, Speaks at IAPP Privacy, Data Security, and CyberSecurity Law Program

Kathleen M. Porter, privacy and data security lawyer in the Boston office, chaired and served as a panel member of "Privacy, Data Security, and Cyber Security Law: Understanding the Issues and Creating a Career Path," a KnowledgeNet program sponsored by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) on February 3, 2015. Hosted by the Western New England University School of Law and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the panel discussed current and emerging issues in privacy, data security, and cybersecurity law. Joining Ms. Porter in the discussion were Elena M. Gervino, vice president of Claim Legal and Specialized Services, Travelers Companies; Richard R. Reynolds, privacy counsel at Boston Scientific Corporation; and Andrew Levchuk, counsel at Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas.

Kathleen Porter Interviewed on Data Security for Contact Center Pipeline

Privacy and data security lawyer Kathleen M. Porter is interviewed in the feature article "Customer-Friendly Privacy Practices," published in the December 2014 issue of Contact Center Pipeline. The article discusses how critical it is for organizations to have codes and procedures in place to safeguard and manage customer information. Ms. Porter emphasizes that companies should only collect the customer data they need, nothing more, and include in their privacy policies information on what is being collected and how. In addition, she talks about safeguarding personal data when outsourcing or partnering with vendors and other third parties, and keeping customer privacy and data security a front-and-center issue.

Contact Center Pipeline, a monthly journal, explores the specific needs and challenges of the contact center in organizations.

Boston Lawyers Address WomenUp Event

Business and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen M. Porter and real estate lawyer Carla M. Moynihan participated in the WomenUp – Local Women of Influence awards breakfast in Boston on December 11, 2014. The event profiled 22 Boston-area women of influence, visionary entrepreneurs who are making a mark in Boston's economic environment. Before the audience of more than 500 women professionals and entrepreneurs, Ms. Porter and Ms. Moynihan provided an overview of Robinson+Cole and then introduced four of the honorees. Boston lawyers Amanda S. Eckhoff, Caitlin M. Healey, Elizabeth W. Kaloyanides, Katherine C. Bailey, Misha K. Daha, Matthew J. Lawlor, and J. Michael Wirvin also attended the event, together with clients and friends of the firm.

WomenUp.org's mission is "to increase women's role in the global economy by providing leadership training, mentorship, and support to girls and women through every stage of their lives and careers."

Kathleen Porter Presents at National Privacy XChange Forum

Kathleen M. Porter, CIPP/US, privacy and data security lawyer, spoke at the 2014 Privacy XChange Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona, on November 3, 2014, along with Al Pascual, senior analyst of Security, Risk, and Fraud at Javelin Strategy & Research; Barbara Lawler, chief privacy officer of Intuit; Kelly Jackson Higgins, senior editor at Dark Reading; and Chester Wisniewski, senior security advisor at Sophos.

Their presentation, "Small Business, Big Breach: Keeping SMBs Safe, Not Sorry," discussed available tools and strategies for a small/medium business (SMB) to more safely manage sensitive data entrusted to the organization, to better vet vendors, and to properly utilize cost-saving techniques like bring your own device (BYOD) and cloud services. More than 200 attendees attended the conference from throughout the United States, Canada, and the UK, including executives from the insurance, health care, retail, and financial industry as well as privacy and data security professionals. Joseph B. White, business transactions lawyer in Robinson+Cole's Providence office, also attended this event.

Kathy Porter Recognized at 'Boston Strong' BBA Dinner

Business and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen M. Porter was recognized for her volunteer work with the Marathon Assistance Project at the Boston Bar Association (BBA) Law Day Dinner, held on May 12, 2014. Paul T. Dacier, president of the BBA, presented awards to 70 volunteer lawyers for assisting victims and small businesses affected the Boston Marathon bombings.

Through the Marathon Assistance Project, BBA members volunteered to aid individuals with claims and employment issues, among other things. At the Law Day Dinner, the BBA reflected "on the critical efforts made by our volunteer lawyers in the wake of the bombing...helping Back Bay businesses get back on their feet...." Please click here to view the photo of the award recipients.

Boston Lawyer Speaks at MIT Enterprise Forum of Connecticut

Business and intellectual property lawyer Kathleen M. Porter spoke at the "Best Practices for Privacy and Security: Protecting Valuable Information and Avoiding Liability" program in Hartford, sponsored by the MIT Enterprise Forum of Connecticut, on May 7, 2014. The focus of Ms. Porter's presentation was privacy and security issues with third-party vendors and the use of encryption.

Leon Pintsov, chief scientist emeritus at Pitney Bowes Inc., served as program moderator. Other speakers included Carmen Baughn, senior security consultant at JANUS Associates, who spoke about conducting privacy and security vulnerability assessments; and Steven Adler, manager of privacy & compliance at UnitedHealthcare, who spoke about assessing the privacy and security issues in your business.

Intellectual property and technology lawyer Jacqueline Pennino Scheib, MIT Enterprise Forum of Connecticut board member, was program chair of the event.

Robinson+Cole Women Attend Summit at Bryant University

More than 1,000 women from across the region gathered at Bryant University to attend the 17th annual Women's Summit on March 14, 2014. This year's program centered on the theme of "Be the CEO of your life." Keynote speakers included Viola Davis, award-winning actor; Carley Roney, co-founder of The Knot; and Carey Lohrenz, first female U.S. Navy fighter pilot.

Patricia J. Igoe, Candace M. Cunningham, Kathleen M. Porter, Dana M. Horton, Carla M. Moynihan, Nicole Campbell, and select female clients of the firm attended the event. Robinson+Cole is an annual sponsor of the Women's Summit.

Boston Lawyer Judges Transactional LawMeet Northeast Competition

Kathleen M. Porter , a business and intellectual property lawyer,
served as a judge for the National Transactional LawMeet Northeast regional competition on February 12, 2014. Ms. Porter and 11 other business lawyers judged teams of students from Northeast law schools at the Western New England University School of Law in Springfield, Massachusetts. The LawMeet is a "moot court" for deal lawyers, where law students interested in a transactional practice compete in documenting and negotiating a transaction. Winners from each regional LawMeet will move on to the National Meet in New
York City, which will be held on April 3 and 4, 2014.

Kathleen Porter Recognized by Best Lawyers as Boston IT Lawyer of the Year for 2013

Kathleen Porter Speaks at PLI's Fourteenth Annual Institute on Privacy and Data Security Law

Kathleen Porter Speaks at MCLE Data Security Program

Boston Lawyer Speaks at the ABA's Business Law Section Spring Meeting

Attorneys Co-Author Article on How to Avoid Liability for "Greenwashing"

Boston Lawyers Present to Software Companies in Ontario

Kathleen Porter Talks to IT Managers about Mobile Devices at Network World BYOD Conference

Intellectual Property and Technology Partner Discusses Exporting Medical Devices to Europe at Yale

Kathleen Porter Presents Two Programs on Mobile Device Policies in the Workplace

Business Transactions Partners Present to Canadian CleanTech CEOs

Kathleen Porter, Business & IP Partner, Moderates Social Media and Mobile Device Program

Is Your Mobile Device Communications Policy Up-to-Date?

Click to read "Going Mobile: Are Your Company's Electronic Communications Policies Ready to Travel?"

Partners Judge Transactional Negotiation Meet at Boston University

Kathleen Porter Featured in Law360 Q&A

Law360 is an online media company based in New York City that publishes news and analysis on business law for its online subscribers.

“Competition for Capital in the Private Markets – What LP Investors Want in 2011” – A Signature Series Event at Robinson & Cole

Among key trends noted at the breakfast were the following:

1. Greater focus by LPs on GPs’ ability to generate better returns through active management of their portfolio companies, and a growing feeling that PE funds investing in smaller companies and focusing on operational improvements might offer better investment prospects for LPs.

2. Credit availability and rebounding prices have once again made leverage attractive, and it is making a strong comeback. This could lead to increased pressure on funds to use overly aggressive leverage models in structuring deals.

3. Pre-IPO hype over social media giants like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter has resulted in a sharp valuation increase for companies in this space that is expected to continue. Whether this will lead to a conforming rise in valuations in related sectors is unclear, but there has already been a clear uptick in information technology/Internet company valuations since late 2010.

4. Pressure on management and other fees generated by fund managers as well as other structural techniques to better align interests of GPs with those of LPs.

“Competition for Capital – What LP Investors Want in 2011” was part of Robinson & Cole’s ongoing Signature Series of events for clients and friends of the firm. Stay tuned for news about upcoming presentations.

Cambridge Associates is a provider of independent investment advice and research to institutional investors and private clients worldwide. Services include investment consulting, outsourced portfolio solutions, independent research, and performance monitoring and tools across all asset classes.

Partner Kathleen Porter, CIPP, Presents Two Webinars on Privacy and Legal Issues for Business with Global Business & Legal Seminars

The first webinar, “Data Privacy and Security Regulation: An Overview of Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00,” covers Massachusetts’s data security regulation and is available here.

Ms. Porter also delivered a webinar about workplace privacy issues for a training program to become a certified information privacy professional, which is available here.

Ms. Porter, a certified information privacy professional by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, advises companies on intellectual property, antitrust, and business issues, including data protection and privacy compliance.

Robinson & Cole Attorney a Featured Speaker at Global Business Summit

Robinson & Cole Attorney Addresses Association of Corporate Counsel Chapter on Doing Business on the Internet

Robinson & Cole Attorney Featured Speaker on Massachusetts Security Regulation

Ms. Porter chairs the firm's trade regulation and antitrust practice and cochairs the firm's privacy and data security practice.

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present on Architectural Copyright Law

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Author Whitepaper on the Legal Risks of Data Loss in the U.S.

Robinson & Cole Intellectual Property Partner Wrote Article on "'Do's' and 'Don'ts' for Home Heating Oil Dealers"

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

78 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024. Of the 78 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 57 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law. Approximately, the top 5 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Additionally, five lawyers were named Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” in the following offices, in the noted practice areas:

Hartford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

Jacqueline Pennino Scheib – Trademark Law

Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Theodore J. Tucci – Insurance Law

Boston, MA – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

Michael S. Giaimo – Land Use and Zoning Law

Stamford, CT – Best Lawyers® 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”

Patricia D. Weitzman – Health Care Law and Litigation-Health Care

A Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” designation is awarded to one lawyer in each of various high-profile specialties in large legal communities. These particular lawyers received the highest ratings among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Robinson+Cole Forms Sustainability Cross-Practice Team

Robinson+Cole announced today that lawyers from a variety of its practice areas have formally come together to form an interdisciplinary Sustainability Group. Comprised of lawyers with deep experience and a history of collaborating to handle sustainability issues related to energy, environmental, tax, intellectual property, real estate, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and construction matters, the team is positioned to offer clients a comprehensive approach to incorporating sustainable designs and practices into their business.

The lawyers in the group routinely counsel clients on addressing sustainable practices such as using renewable and alternative energy, recycling and conserving water and other resources, financing green initiatives, following LEED and green construction practices, implementing corporate sustainability programs, managing climate change risks through adaptation and mitigation, and establishing clean-tech ventures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ten Robinson & Cole Attorneys Selected as “Lawyers of the Year”

• Bruce B. Barth, Hartford Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law Lawyer of the Year
• Dennis C. Cavanaugh, Hartford Litigation - Construction Lawyer of the Year
• Michael R. Enright, Hartford Litigation - Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year
• Richard A. Krantz, Stamford Securities Regulation Lawyer of the Year
• Dwight H. Merriam, Hartford Litigation - Land Use & Zoning Lawyer of the Year
• Earl W. Phillips, Jr., Hartford Environmental Law Lawyer of the Year
• Kathleen M. Porter, Boston Information Technology Law Lawyer of the Year
• Norman H. Roos, Hartford Banking and Finance Law Lawyer of the Year
• Robert H. Smith, Jr., Hartford Litigation - Trusts & Estates Lawyer of the Year
• James A. Wade, Hartford Litigation - Antitrust Lawyer of the Year

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

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

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

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

Robinson & Cole LLP was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (© 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). In addition, the firm achieved the distinction of being the top-listed firm with the most listed attorneys in the state in the areas of Environmental Law, Insurance Law, Litigation - Construction, and Litigation - Intellectual Property. The firm is also top-listed in Hartford, Connecticut, and in the areas of Corporate Law, Environmental Law, Litigation - Construction, and Trusts and Estates for the city.

Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 3.1 million confidential evaluations are submitted by attorneys on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."