Patrick Begos

Patrick W. Begos

Partner

Patrick W. Begos

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Pat Begos is a member of the firm's Managed Care + Employee Benefit Litigation Group. He has almost 30 years of litigation, arbitration, mediation, and negotiation experience, representing companies and individuals in a wide array of commercial disputes. 

    Pat has represented clients in cases with high financial stakes, such as a feud among several countries over ownership of $70 million in Roman silver, claims regarding defective nuclear power plant components, and a $23 million breach of contract dispute.

    Employee and Group Benefits Litigation

    Pat handles claims, litigation, and appeals related to group welfare benefits, pension benefits, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), health insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance coverage.

    He is known nationally for his representation of employers, insurers, and plans in ERISA and employee welfare plan litigation, and has litigated hundreds of ERISA cases, shaping the development of ERISA case law in multiple jurisdictions.

    Pat prevailed in a key ERISA case, Heimeshoff v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co., which went to the U.S. Supreme Court and resolved a national issue over the enforceability of time limits on an individual’s ability to sue for benefits after being denied.

    He is a regular speaker on ERISA litigation topics, and has written extensively for various nationwide publications. He is also the editor of the firm's ERISA Claim Defense Blog.

    Commercial and Business Litigation

    Pat has broad experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in commercial and business litigation, including recovering a $23 million summary judgment against hedge fund owners for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and deceptive trade practices.

    Pat has represented banks, investors, factors, and other lenders in lending and investment disputes. He advises and represents owners of family-owned and closely-held businesses in management and ownership disputes. He has regularly handled litigation involving real property development and conveyance, art and antiquities, specialty insurance coverage, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.

    Prior to joining Robinson+Cole, he was the head of Begos Brown & Green's ERISA and Contract Dispute groups for 18 years.

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

        Employee and Group Benefits Litigation

      • Obtained first ruling nationwide holding that COVID test providers cannot assert a private right of action for payment under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act or the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

      • Successfully obtained dismissal of ERISA benefit claim due to expiration of a contractual limitations period, and had that dismissal affirmed on appeal, in Heimeshoff v. Hartford Life & Accident Insurance Co.. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the Second Circuit’s decision, resolving a conflict among Circuit Courts regarding the interplay between contractual limitations provisions and case law regarding accrual of ERISA claims.

      • Obtained appellate ruling that an insurer’s dual status as both claims reviewer and payor did not establish per se good cause to allow the introduction of evidence outside the administrative record in Locher v. Unum Life Insurance Co. of America. The case has had broad implications for procedures in ERISA matters.

      • Convinced appellate court that district court could preclude all discovery in an ERISA claim where the plaintiff did not establish good cause to seek evidence outside the administrative record. 

      • Represented insurer in multiple appeals and a remand regarding question whether alleged delegation of authority to determine claims to an affiliate precluded arbitrary and capricious review of the claim.

      • Represented multiple insurers in claims where disputes centered on question of whether a disability was due to a mental illness or a physical cause, such as traumatic brain injury or “chronic” Lyme disease.

      • Defeated claim that a disability was not due to intentionally self-inflicted injuries where alleged aim of attempted suicide was death, not disabling injuries.

      • Obtained defendant’s federal jury verdict in claim by the principal of one of the country’s largest Social Security Disability law firms that he qualified for disability benefits.

      • Obtained summary judgment, which was affirmed on appeal, finding that an ERISA claim administrator does not have a fiduciary obligation to evaluate whether LTD plan terms conformed to current medical standards. The lower court and the appellate court both ruled that it was reasonable for the plan in question to state that a mental illness is any disorder classified in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), because the DSM is an objective and widely accepted authority.

         

      • Obtained summary judgment dismissing claim that decision awarding SSDI benefits, which was obtained with the assistance of the disability insurer, estopped the insurer from denying claim for disability benefits under group policy.

        • Commercial and Business Litigation

      • Recovered $23 million summary judgment against hedge fund owners for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and deceptive trade practices. Represented same clients in connection with federal criminal forfeiture by defendants, as well as receivership proceedings brought by Securities and Exchange Commission.

      • Won over $500,000 jury verdict in 2016 jury trial for breach of contract related to client’s real property acquisition.

      • Obtained court-directed defense verdict prior to the close of plaintiff’s case (based on admissions obtained in cross-examination of plaintiff) in 2014 jury trial involving a dispute over joint venture to share profits generated by financing taxi medallion loans in commercial paper market.

      • Represented specialty pharmaceutical company in insurance coverage dispute arising out of losses incurred from an employee’s participation in a multi-million dollar prescription drug diversion scheme.

      • Successfully represented wholesale food distributor and grocery store financier in multi-state dispute regarding seizure of multiple grocery stores in New York and Connecticut following defaults.

      • Represented auction house in dispute with multiple sovereign countries over ownership of $70 million in Roman silver.

      • Litigated dispute over alleged improper sale of one of the original printings of the Declaration of Independence.

      • Represented manufacturer in disputes with multiple electric utilities over allegedly defective component in nuclear power plants.

      • Successfully replevied diverse assets, including collectible cars, race horses, retail stores and computer equipment, for various clients.

        • back to top
    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      Connecticut Bar Association

      American Bar Association

      New York State Bar Association

      Defense Research Institute
      Chair of Strategic Planning Subcommittee
      Past Program Chair of 2019 DRI Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Conference
      Past Program Vice Chair of 2018 DRI Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Conference.
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Listed in Benchmark Litigation as a Local Litigation Star for Connecticut in the areas of ERISA and Employment since 2020.

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Litigation-Insurance for 2023. 

      AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated in Martindale-Hubbell™ (Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings is a trademark. AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc.)

      Recognized by Corporate Counsel magazine as a member of "Go-To" Firm for Unum Group

      Recognized by Connecticut Law Tribune as “Dozen Who Made a Difference.” 

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      School Governance Council at Brien McMahon High School
      Co-chair

      Senators' Success Fund
      Former Member

      Rowayton Beach Association
      Former President

      Shakespeare on the Sound
      Board Member

      United Church of Rowayton
      Chair of Board of Household Concerns
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Emergency Laws and Private Rights of Action," published in For the Defense (June 2022)
      • » more info

        • Emergency Laws and Private Rights of Action

        "Emergency Laws and Private Rights of Action," authored by Patrick W. Begos, published in For the Defense (June 2022)

        Pat writes that “(t)he impact of the COVID pandemic on all aspects of life and society is virtually impossible to overstate.” The article focuses on a small aspect of the pandemic, “but one that is highly significant to healthcare plans and employee benefit litigators.”

        Early in the pandemic, Congress passed two laws – the Corona Virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) - requiring health insurers and health plans to cover COVID testing services and pay testing providers either a negotiated rate or a posted “cash price.” As some providers have “sought to use the pandemic for their own enrichment,” this profiteering has led to a number of cases, and just-now developing case law, regarding exactly what rights, and what obligations, were established by the CARES Act and the FFCRA. The article addresses a central question that arises from this legislation – namely,  whether it “gives health care providers a private right of action to enforce payment obligations placed on health plans and health insurers.”

      • View article

      "Misrepresentation in the Life, Health, and Disability Insurance Application Process (ABA, 3d ed. 2022)," (4/28/2022)
      • » more info

        • Misrepresentation in the Life, Health, and Disability Insurance Application Process (ABA, 3d ed. 2022)

        "Misrepresentation in the Life, Health, and Disability Insurance Application Process (ABA, 3d ed. 2022)," authored by Patrick W. Begos (4/28/2022)

        This comprehensive publication provides practitioners in the area of life, health, and disability insurance with a national survey of each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the federal circuits regarding misrepresentations in applications as well as the applicable case law interpreting relevant statutes and developing the common law regarding misrepresentations. In addition, it addresses the evolving issues related to misrepresentations in the context of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

        Patrick was responsible for writing/updating the New York State chapter as well as writing/editing the Second Circuit chapter (including the states of New York, Connecticut and Vermont)


      "Insurance Policy Rescission Compendium, Connecticut," co-authored with Gregory J. Bennici, published by the Defense Research Institute (DRI) (March 2019)
      • » more info

        • Insurance Policy Rescission Compendium, Connecticut

        "Insurance Policy Rescission Compendium, Connecticut," co-authored by Patrick W. Begos and Gregory J. Bennici, published by the Defense Research Institute (DRI) (March 2019)

        This compendium, which surveys the law on insurance policy rescission in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 provinces in Canada, is a comprehensive resource for insurance carriers, claim professionals, defense and coverage counsel, and the judiciary. The compendium is a joint project between the DRI Insurance Law Committee and the DRI Life, Health, and Disability Committee, and combines the experience of attorneys who regularly litigate and advise clients on issues relating to rescission of insurance policies.


      "Stock plans do not substitute for an ERISA plan," published in Employee Benefit Adviser (4/5/2018)

      "The Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction," published in For the Defense, co-authored with Gregory J. Bennici (August 2017)
      • » more info

        • The Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction

        "The Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction," published in For the Defense, co-authored by Patrick W. Begos and Gregory J. Bennici (August 2017)

        Published in the member magazine for DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar, Mr. Begos and Mr. Bennici discuss how understanding the "probate exception," it's history, and the split among the circuits about whether it applies in cases for which federal question jurisdiction exists can aid in explaining to a judge why it should not apply to ERISA claims.

      • View article

      "Personal Jurisdiction under ERISA: Forget About Minimum Contacts," published in DRI ERISA Report (12/20/2016)

      "Sorry, I Can’t Write This Article," published in GP Solo (January/February 2014)

      "Defenses to Offensive Collateral Estoppel," published in DRI Today (June 2011)

      "How to Seize Stuff," published in GP Solo (July-August 2010)

      "Carefully Balanced By Design: Using Congressional Policy to Persuade the Court," published in DRI For The Defense (September 2008)

      "Worst Case Scenarios From the Files of an Employee Benefit Plan Litigator," published in Corporate Counsel (October 2007)

      "Me and My Elmo: A Middle-Tech Approach to Presentation of Evidence," published in Defense Research Institute (Fall 2007)

      "The Subprime Lending Crisis: What Does it Mean to the Leasing Industry?" published in Equipment Leasing Newsletter - American Lawyer Media (May 2007)

      "The Virtual Law Firm," published in GP Solo (July-August 2003)

      "A Map To The Minefield: Discovering and Minimizing Business Litigation Risk," published in CBIA News (June 1999)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Disability 101," (7/25/2022)
      • » more info

        • Disability 101

        "Disability 101," presented by Patrick W. Begos (7/25/2022)

        Presentation for client insurance company's in-house counsel.


      "COVID Testing Fee Disputes," as part of the 2022 DRI Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee (5/18/2022)
      • » more info

        • COVID Testing Fee Disputes

        "COVID Testing Fee Disputes," presented by Patrick W. Begos, as part of the 2022 DRI Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee (5/18/2022)

        Congress passed emergency legislation early in the pandemic that mandated coverage for COVID testing, but the legislation left many questions unanswered for insurers, and created opportunities for price-gouging by providers. Patrick Begos discussed some of the more noteworthy examples of “providers behaving badly,” and covered the legal issues and litigation regarding provider-payer disputes over COVID testing. He is a past chair of the DRI Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Conference and currently serves as chair of the Strategic Planning subcommittee.


      "What Every Litigator Should Know About ERISA," (2/12/2021)
      • » more info

        • What Every Litigator Should Know About ERISA

        "What Every Litigator Should Know About ERISA," presented by Patrick W. Begos (2/12/2021)

        Managed Care + Employee Benefit Group member, Patrick Begos, presented the DRI webinar, "What Every Litigator Should Know About ERISA," on February 12, 2021. The program discussed ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) purpose and scope, key ERISA terms and concepts, ERISA remedies, and procedural issues in ERISA litigation.


      "Defense Research Institute's (DRI) Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar," in Chicago Illinois (4/3/2019 - 4/5/2019)
      • » more info

        • Defense Research Institute's (DRI) Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar

        "Defense Research Institute's (DRI) Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar," presented by Patrick W. Begos, in Chicago Illinois (4/3/2019 - 4/5/2019)

        As program chair for the 2019 DRI seminar, Pat delivered welcome remarks and introductions. 


      "ERISA Remedies: Key Enforcement Provisions and Scope of Equitable Relief for Benefit Claims—Statutory and Plan Provision Violations, Section 502(a)(1)(B), Relief Under 502(a)(3), Limiting Equitable Remedies," live CLE webinar, presented by by Strafford (11/27/2018)
      • » more info

        • ERISA Remedies: Key Enforcement Provisions and Scope of Equitable Relief for Benefit Claims—Statutory and Plan Provision Violations, Section 502(a)(1)(B), Relief Under 502(a)(3), Limiting Equitable Remedies

        "ERISA Remedies: Key Enforcement Provisions and Scope of Equitable Relief for Benefit Claims—Statutory and Plan Provision Violations, Section 502(a)(1)(B), Relief Under 502(a)(3), Limiting Equitable Remedies," presented by Patrick W. Begos, live CLE webinar, presented by by Strafford (11/27/2018)

        Presented by Strafford, the live CLE webinar provided employee benefits counsel with a detailed analysis of the types of remedies available under ERISA and challenges in seeking monetary relief for benefit claims. The program covered equitable relief under Section 502(a)(3), other key enforcement provisions under ERISA, the scope of monetary relief, procedural strategies in litigation, and plan terms limiting the availability of equitable remedies.


      "The New DOL Disability Claim Regulations," presented during DRI's Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar in Boston, Massachusetts (4/11/2018)
      • » more info

        • The New DOL Disability Claim Regulations

        "The New DOL Disability Claim Regulations," presented by Patrick W. Begos, presented during DRI's Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar in Boston, Massachusetts (4/11/2018)

        Presented by the Defense Research Institute (DRI), the annual seminar focuses on the latest trends and developments in life, health, disability and ERISA law. Mr. Begos addressed the practical implications of the new Department of Labor (DOL) disability claim regulations for claim practices, which took effect on April 1, 2018, and their likely effects on litigation.


      "A View from the Inside Looking Out," at the Defense Research Institute's (DRI) annual Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Conference in Chicago (4/26/2017)
      • » more info

        • A View from the Inside Looking Out

        "A View from the Inside Looking Out," presented by Patrick W. Begos, at the Defense Research Institute's (DRI) annual Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA Conference in Chicago (4/26/2017)

        The session focused on legal and business trends as well as practical tips for marketing to, and communicating with, in-house counsel.


      "Risk Management and Litigation Issues Arising Out of the January 2017 Amendments to ERISA Disability Claim Regulations," co-presented with Theodore J. Tucci (January 2017)
      • » more info

        • Risk Management and Litigation Issues Arising Out of the January 2017 Amendments to ERISA Disability Claim Regulations

        "Risk Management and Litigation Issues Arising Out of the January 2017 Amendments to ERISA Disability Claim Regulations," co-presented by Theodore J. Tucci and Patrick W. Begos (January 2017)

        Health Law Litigation Team lawyers Patrick W. Begos and Theodore J. Tucci conducted a roundtable program for in-house counsel for a major group disability insurer handling claim litigation in the group benefits area. The program was on “Risk Management and Litigation Issues Arising Out of the January 2017 Amendments to ERISA Disability Claim Regulations.” The new regulations were issued by the state Department of Labor, and the substantive changes go into effect in January 2018. The new rules impose significant changes on benefit plans and insurers in the claims-handling processes that will govern claims by employees for disability benefits. Plans and insurers are beginning the process now to formulate and implement claim operation changes in order to be ready to comply with the new requirements. 
         


      "The Fiduciary Exception to Attorney-Client Privilege in ERISA Cases and Other Ethical Considerations," at American Conference Institute (October 2016)

      "Enforcement of ERISA Plan Limitation Provisions in the Post-Heimeshoff World," at American Conference Institute (October 2015)

      "Disability Law Update," at Defense Research Institute, Life Health Disability & ERISA Conference (April 2015)

      "I Write the Rules that Make the Whole Claim Untimely - Supreme Court Holds in Heimeshoff that Contractual Statutes of Limitations Under an ERISA Plan are Controlling," at Practicing Law Institute (January 2014)

      "The Supreme Court: Hartford’s Heimeshoff Case and other Noteworthy Developments," at The Hartford Legal Summit (September 2013)

      "ERISA Equitable Remedies After McCutchen and Amara," at Stafford (July 2013)

      "Advanced ERISA Claim Handling," at Defense Research Institute, Life Health Disability & ERISA Conference (April 2013)

      "Practical Evidence," at ABA National Solo and Small Firm Conference (October 2010)

      "How to Expand Your Practice Areas," at ABA National Solo and Small Firm Conference (October 2009)

      "Preventing, Managing, and Reducing Costs Associated With Disability Claims Litigation," at American Conference Institute (2009)

      "ERISA Claim Litigation 101," at Connecticut Bar Association (2008)

      "Taking it to the House: Law Firm Management," at ABA National Convention (2008)

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • June 20, 2022

        Patrick Begos Writes For the Defense Article on Pandemic Emergency Laws and Private Rights of Action

        • » more info

          Patrick Begos Writes For the Defense Article on Pandemic Emergency Laws and Private Rights of Action

          Managed Care + Employee Benefits Litigation Group member Patrick Begos authored the article “Emergency Laws and Private Rights of Action,” published in the June 2022 issue of DRI’s For The Defense. Pat writes that “(t)he impact of the COVID pandemic on all aspects of life and society is virtually impossible to overstate.” The article focuses on a small aspect of the pandemic, “but one that is highly significant to healthcare plans and employee benefit litigators.”

          Early in the pandemic, Congress passed two laws – the Corona Virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) - requiring health insurers and health plans to cover COVID testing services and pay testing providers either a negotiated rate or a posted “cash price.” As some providers have “sought to use the pandemic for their own enrichment,” this profiteering has led to a number of cases, and just-now developing case law, regarding exactly what rights, and what obligations, were established by the CARES Act and the FFCRA. The article addresses a central question that arises from this legislation – namely,  whether it “gives health care providers a private right of action to enforce payment obligations placed on health plans and health insurers.” Read the full article. 

        • View article
      • May 6, 2019

        Greg Bennici and Pat Begos Co-Author Chapter in 2019 DRI Rescission Compendium

        • » more info

          Greg Bennici and Pat Begos Co-Author Chapter in 2019 DRI Rescission Compendium

          Managed Care and Employee Benefit Litigation lawyers Greg Bennici and Pat Begos co-authored the Connecticut chapter in the recently published 2019 Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) Rescission Compendium. The Compendium, which surveys the law on insurance policy rescission in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 provinces in Canada, is a comprehensive resource for insurance carriers, claim professionals, defense and coverage counsel, and the judiciary.  Offering both an historical and current perspective on the law of rescission in Connecticut, the chapter Pat and Greg authored provides a roadmap for how to successfully analyze rescission challenges under Connecticut law. Publication in the Compendium highlights their standing as thought leaders in this area of the law. To view the chapter, click HERE. 

      • April 8, 2019

        Pat Begos, Jeannine Jacobson and Ted Tucci Speak at DRI Seminar

        • » more info

          Pat Begos, Jeannine Jacobson and Ted Tucci Speak at DRI Seminar

          Pat Begos, Jeannine Jacobson, and Ted Tucci were among the featured faculty speaking during the Defense Research Institute's (DRI) Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar in Chicago, Illinois held April 3-5, 2019. As program chair for the 2019 DRI seminar, Pat delivered welcome remarks and introductions. Jeannine presented a session on "Conversion, Portability, and Evidence of Insurability," while Ted presented a program entitled "Managing Care: E.R. Reimbursement and Other Participating Provider Issues." The annual seminar featured more than 20 presentations from leading practitioners who offered insights into trends and developments in the law. Areas of discussion included the impact of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2018 disability claims regulations; practical tips for defending health insurance class actions; updates on life, health, disability, and ERISA litigation; and what to expect from the U.S. Supreme Court in the near future.

      • December 4, 2018

        Pat Begos Presents Webinar on ERISA Remedies

        • » more info

          Pat Begos Presents Webinar on ERISA Remedies

          Health + Benefits Litigation Team lawyer Patrick W. Begos presented a program entitled "ERISA Remedies: Key Enforcement Provisions and Scope of Equitable Relief for Benefit Claims—Statutory and Plan Provision Violations, Section 502(a)(1)(B), Relief Under 502(a)(3), Limiting Equitable Remedies" on November 27, 2018. Presented by Strafford, the live CLE webinar provided employee benefits counsel with a detailed analysis of the types of remedies available under ERISA and challenges in seeking monetary relief for benefit claims. The program covered equitable relief under Section 502(a)(3), other key enforcement provisions under ERISA, the scope of monetary relief, procedural strategies in litigation, and plan terms limiting the availability of equitable remedies.

      • April 17, 2018

        Pat Begos Presents on the New DOL Disability Claim Regulations During Annual DRI Seminar

        • » more info

          Pat Begos Presents on the New DOL Disability Claim Regulations During Annual DRI Seminar

          Health and Benefits Litigation Group lawyer Patrick W. Begos presented a program on “The New DOL Disability Claim Regulations” during the Life, Health, Disability, and ERISA seminar held on April 11-13, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. Presented by the Defense Research Institute, the annual seminar focuses on the latest trends and developments in life, health, disability and ERISA law. Mr. Begos addressed the practical implications of the new Department of Labor (DOL) disability claim regulations for claim practices, which took effect on April 1, 2018, and their likely effects on litigation. Mr. Begos served as Program Vice Chair for the seminar, and will be Program Chair for the April 2019 program in Chicago, Illinois.

      • August 21, 2017

        Patrick Begos and Greg Bennici Co-author Article Published in For the Defense

        • » more info

          Patrick Begos and Greg Bennici Co-author Article Published in For the Defense

          Business Litigation Group lawyers Patrick W. Begos and Gregory J. Bennici co-wrote the article "The Probate Exception to Federal Jurisdiction," published in the August 2017 issue of For the Defense, the member magazine for DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar. The article focuses on how understanding the "probate exception," it's history, and the split among the circuits about whether it applies in cases for which federal question jurisdiction exists can aid in explaining to a judge why it should not apply to ERISA claims. Mr. Begos and Mr. Bennici also discuss the important distinguishing factors to be cognizant of when contemplating what effect the probate exception might have on any particular claim. Click here to view the entire article. 

      • March 15, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Conduct Roundtable on Claims Litigation

        • » more info

          Robinson+Cole Lawyers Conduct Roundtable on Claims Litigation

          Health Law Litigation Team lawyers Patrick W. Begos and Theodore J. Tucci recently conducted a roundtable program for in-house counsel for a major group disability insurer handling claim litigation in the group benefits area. The program was on “Risk Management and Litigation Issues Arising Out of the January 2017 Amendments to ERISA Disability Claim Regulations.” The new regulations were issued by the state Department of Labor, and the substantive changes go into effect in January 2018. The new rules impose significant changes on benefit plans and insurers in the claims-handling processes that will govern claims by employees for disability benefits. Plans and insurers are beginning the process now to formulate and implement claim operation changes in order to be ready to comply with the new requirements. 

      R+C News Releases

      • September 30, 2022

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • August 18, 2022

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

        • » more info

          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.

        • View article
      • October 7, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • October 8, 2020

        Robinson+Cole Recognized in Benchmark Litigation

      • October 2, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

      • January 3, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Welcomes New Litigation Partner

        • » more info

          Robinson+Cole Welcomes New Litigation Partner

          Robinson+Cole’s Business Litigation Group welcomes Patrick W. Begos as a partner in the firm’s Stamford office. Mr. Begos has nearly 30 years of commercial and insurance litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation experience, representing companies and individuals in a wide array of industries.

          “We are excited to welcome Pat to the firm,” said Theodore J. Tucci, chair of the firm’s Health and Benefits Litigation Group. “His addition to Robinson+Cole significantly expands our litigation depth and geographic reach in representing clients in pension and life, health, and disability benefits matters.” Read more in the full release.

        • View article
    • Legal Updates/Newsletters

      Legal Updates/Newsletters

      "New EBSA Relief Notice Affects Extension of ERISA Claim Deadlines" co-authored with Jean E. Tomasco (3/5/2021)

      "EBSA Notice and COBRA Extension Expiration" co-authored with Virginia E. McGarrity, Jean E. Tomasco, Alisha N. Sullivan and Bruce B. Barth (3/1/2021)

      "COVID-19: EBSA Notice and Final Rule Regarding Extension of Certain Timeframes for Employee Benefits Plans" (5/1/20)