W. Richard Smith Jr.

W. Richard Smith Jr.

Of Counsel

W. Richard Smith Jr.

Of Counsel

  • Overview

    Biography

    Richard Smith is a member of the firm's Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group, where his practice focuses on environmental and utility regulation, and resource management law. He advises a wide variety of business, utility, and municipal clients regarding their environmental compliance and permitting strategies, telecommunications facility permitting, risk and crisis management, emergency response and business continuity planning, resource development projects, and commercial transactions.

    Natural Resource Matters

    Rich has assisted both businesses and municipal clients in the development and permitting of public and complex private water supply systems under the state's diversion permit authority and the state water supply planning process. Other resource-sensitive projects managed by him include the permitting, construction and operation of coastal facilities. These projects typically require discharge permits under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (and its state law analog) and the approval of structures, dredging, and filling activities under the Coastal Zone Management Act and related statutory permit programs administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state and local agencies. Rich is an advisor to the National Aquaculture Association Board and has assisted the association and aquaculture businesses in addressing a variety of industry issues related to state and federal aquaculture programs, including animal health and quarantine orders, compensation for product loss, biosecurity matters, project permitting and proposed regulations and legislation.

    Environmental Investigation and Remediation Projects

    Rich also counsels clients with respect to the evaluation, mitigation, and allocation of potential liability for environmental site conditions and the remediation of contaminated property. He has conducted environmental due diligence investigations and risk management projects for more than 200 sites being considered for acquisition or lease. He has also counseled a state bond authority with respect to environmental permitting and compliance issues concerning borrower facilities in numerous transactions valued at a total of more than $600 million.

    Commercial Transactions

    Rich counsels clients in the purchase and sale of businesses and real estate development projects, focusing on environmental risks, permitting, and legal requirements related to the transfer of regulated operations, including environmental remediation programs.

    Health and Safety Regulation

    Rich counsels food industry and agricultural sector clients with respect to regulatory programs administered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These projects concern matters ranging from food labeling standards to animal health issues and the disease eradication and compensation program of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. His publications and public speaking in this area include the legal requirements and obligations of governmental and private sector entities related to public health emergencies, as well as business continuity planning strategies. 

    Rich has been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list in the practice area of Environmental Law from 2006 to 2012. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America© as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the area of Environmental Law for 2011, and has been listed by that organization in the practice area of Environmental Law since 2007.

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Evaluate emergency response protocols and facility incident response for confidential infrastructure client.

      • Counseling food industry with respect to the FDA registration requirements of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

      • Represented lead party in the first regionalization effort in Connecticut to join communities in a water distribution infrastructure system to address potable water supply needs and infrastructure security requirements. The project included the construction of approximately $12 million of new infrastructure to connect existing water supply systems in multiple municipal utilities. Our efforts included preparation of several agreements for construction, funding, rate-setting, and system operations requirements of the project. The project has been heralded by regulators as a model for future efforts to optimize efficient allocation of increasingly scarce water resources and to address water security objectives related to natural, accidental, or man-made water supply emergencies.
      • Represented client before the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in a disease eradication project. This project included negotiation of measures for stock depopulation, facility disinfection, development of biosecurity protocols, and financial compensation for lost stock at an aquaculture production facility.

      • Representation of private dam owner in permitting procedure before Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to partially remove structure below regulating threshold, including analysis of permitting criteria for ecosystem impacts and hazard analysis standards.

      • Representation of a public golf course facility as permit applicant under Connecticut Water Diversion Policy Act for approval of a water supply pond and irrigation distribution system for public golf course facility.
      • Representation of a private golf course facility as permit applicant under Connecticut Water Diversion Policy Act for approval of a water supply pond system and irrigation distribution system for golf course facility.
      • Representation of a municipal water department in the earliest multimunicipal permit and operating agreement with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection regarding coordinated water supply diversions from the Quinnipiac River.
      • Aquaculture permit project representing a commercial aquaculture operation in securing state and federal structures permits.
      • Public ferry terminal expansion project representing a municipal ferry operation in securing state and federal permits for the expansion of a coastal ferry terminal.
      • Counseling national telecommunication company on environmental issues associated with facility siting projects, coordinating environmental due diligence investigations of prospective sites, and assisting in the evaluation of environmental compliance requirements, site development, and remediation issues in Connecticut.

      • For marina and coastal residential development project, representing the developer in securing local zoning, coastal management approval, and Corps of Engineers structures permits for 86-slip marina, public fishing pier, and 116-unit residential development project.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      American Bar Association
      Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Law, Vice Chair of Public Service of Homeland Security Committee

      National Aquaculture Association
      Board of Directors, Advisor

      ASIS International

      National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association
      Council of Counsel Member

      United States Delegation to Second Session of the United Nations Committee on Fisheries
      Subcommittee on Aquaculture, Trondheim, Norway; Private Sector Advisor (2003)
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© as Hartford Lawyer of the Year in the area of Environmental Law for 2011

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Environmental Law since 2007.

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2006 to 2012.

  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Pandemic Flu: Operational Impacts and Regulatory Requirements," published in Robinson & Cole's Environmental and Utilities Legal Update (9/2009)

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Permitting Challenges for Offshore Marine Aquaculture Facilities," spoke at the Aquaculture America 2015 meeting in New Orleans (2/21/2015)
      • » more info

        • Permitting Challenges for Offshore Marine Aquaculture Facilities

        "Permitting Challenges for Offshore Marine Aquaculture Facilities," presented by W. Richard Smith Jr., spoke at the Aquaculture America 2015 meeting in New Orleans (2/21/2015)

        The presentation was part of the Regulatory Barriers and Opportunities Session of the meeting and reviewed the advances and limitations of federal efforts to authorize large-scale fish production in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The discussion included a review of the proposed Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council regulations now under consideration by NOAA at the Department of Commerce.


      "Water Supply, Conservation & Use: Market Drivers & Responses," co-presented with Earl W. Phillips Jr., presented to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association

      "Emergency Management and Continuity Planning – The Developing Legal Issues," presented to the Connecticut Power & Energy Society, program on How Do We Get Prepared? (3/2013)

      "Getting a Good Deal Buying or Selling an SSG Business – Business and Environmental Legal Strategies," at National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, co-presented with Earl W. Phillips Jr.

      "Aquaculture 101: Selecting a Business Entity That Works for You – Alternatives & Considerations," at Aquaculture America 2011 Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana (2/2011)

      "Future Environmental Standards for Offshore Aquaculture," at Aquaculture America 2009, Chair of daylong session of 12 speakers concerning U.S. offshore aquaculture (2/2009)

      "Selecting an Aquaculture Business Entity That Works for You," at Aquaculture America 2009 (2/2009)

      "Future Environmental Standards for Offshore Aquaculture," at Aquaculture America 2008 in Orlando, Florida (2/2008)

      "Aquaculture 101: Selecting a Business Entity That Works for You – Alternatives & Considerations," at Aquaculture America 2008 in Orlando, Florida (2/2008)

      "Public Health Emergency Powers: Management of Property," at Public Health Emergency Law course, by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness, Moderator and Speaker (6/2007)

      "The Challenges to a National Offshore Aquaculture Act Program," at USB-Aquaculture Coalition Meeting held at Aquaculture America 2007 (2/28/2007)

      "Marine Aquaculture: A Growing Business, Legal Landscape – State Programs," at Environmental Law Institute, Washington, D.C. (2/2007)

      "Avian Influenza and Business Continuity Planning," presented to Connecticut Business & Industry Association (8/2006)

      "Animal Feeding Operations – USEPA Air Compliance Agreement," at the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association, Windsor, Connecticut, a discussion of the proposed USEPA Consent Agreement to settle enforcement exposure and to conduct monitoring investigations for agriculture facilities under the Clean Air Act, CERCLA, and EPCRA. (5/2005)

      "U.S. Offshore Aquaculture: Elements of a Viable System," at Aquaculture America 2005, New Orleans, Louisiana (1/2005)

      "The Operational Challenge of Effective Biosecurity Programs," at Aquaculture 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii, co-presented with John R. MacMillan, Ph.D., President, National Aquaculture Association (3/2004)
      • » more info

        • The Operational Challenge of Effective Biosecurity Programs

        "The Operational Challenge of Effective Biosecurity Programs," at Aquaculture 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii, co-presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. and John R. MacMillan, Ph.D., President, National Aquaculture Association (3/2004)
        This presentation reviews the objectives of biosecurity plans for commercial aquaculture facilities, the drivers that influence such plans and the challenges presented by different types of production facilities. Also considered are the limitations that arise from proscriptive regulatory standards for biosecurity plans versus stated objectives that leave adaptability and flexibility available in design of facility plans.
      • View article

      "U.S. Regulation of Offshore Aquaculture: Can We Compete in a Global Market?" at Aquaculture 2004: The International Triennial Meeting of the National Aquaculture Association, the World Aquaculture Association, and the American Fisheries Society, Honolulu, Hawaii (3/2004)
      • » more info

        • U.S. Regulation of Offshore Aquaculture: Can We Compete in a Global Market?

        "U.S. Regulation of Offshore Aquaculture: Can We Compete in a Global Market?" at Aquaculture 2004: The International Triennial Meeting of the National Aquaculture Association, the World Aquaculture Association, and the American Fisheries Society, Honolulu, Hawaii, presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. (3/2004)
        This presentation discusses the elements to address in development of federal legislation to support offshore aquaculture beyond state waters. The production of food fish is identified as the primary purpose of such efforts, and the need to coordinate various regulatory programs reviewed.
      • View article

      "The Aquaculture Facility Permit Process and Regulatory Compliance Requirements: How to Explain Them to Your Banker," at Aquaculture 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii (3/2004)
      • » more info

        • The Aquaculture Facility Permit Process and Regulatory Compliance Requirements: How to Explain Them to Your Banker

        "The Aquaculture Facility Permit Process and Regulatory Compliance Requirements: How to Explain Them to Your Banker," at Aquaculture 2004, Honolulu, Hawaii, presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. (3/2004)
        This presentation reviews the interests of lenders in understanding environmental permit requirments and other regulatory impacts on operations and the loan review and approval process. Issues related to the borrower's repayment of debt, the value of security and potential liability are discussed. Also reviewed are measures to improve lender confidence in the ability of borrower aquaculturists to meet operating requirements and their obligations to lenders.

      "Impact of Environmental Regulation on Aquaculture Operations and Business Planning," at Aquaculture America 2003, Louisville, Kentucky (2/2003)

      "Legal and Regulatory Hurdles for Aquaculture," at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Joint National Aquaculture Program Planning Workshop, St. Louis, Missouri (11/2002)

      "Clean Water Act Requirements for Recirculating Aquaculture," at The Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture, Roanoke, Virginia (7/2002)
      • » more info

        • Clean Water Act Requirements for Recirculating Aquaculture

        "Clean Water Act Requirements for Recirculating Aquaculture," at The Fourth International Conference on Recirculating Aquaculture, Roanoke, Virginia, presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. (7/2002)
        A review of Clean Water Act permit program requirements, aquaculture issues and the status of federal rulemaking.

      "Water Quality Concerns for Aquaculture," at Water Quality Initiative Conference, Baltimore, Maryland (2/2002)

      "Future Obligations for Wastewater Discharges in Aquaculture: Braving a New World," at Aquaculture America 2002, San Diego, California (1/2002)

      "Aquaculture Facility Permits – The State/Federal Permitting Process, Public Participation, and Multi-Agency Review," at Aquaculture America 2001, Orlando, Florida (1/2001)
      • » more info

        • Aquaculture Facility Permits – The State/Federal Permitting Process, Public Participation, and Multi-Agency Review

        "Aquaculture Facility Permits – The State/Federal Permitting Process, Public Participation, and Multi-Agency Review," at Aquaculture America 2001, Orlando, Florida, presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. (1/2001)
        Presentation delineates the steps involved in obtaining state and federal permits required for aquaculture operations.

      "Aquaculture and the Environment: Regulatory Issues and Responses," at Connecticut Sea Grant Program (3/2000)
      • » more info

        • Aquaculture and the Environment: Regulatory Issues and Responses

        "Aquaculture and the Environment: Regulatory Issues and Responses," at Connecticut Sea Grant Program, presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. (3/2000)
        A review of the revisions to Connecticut's aquaculture permit program and related federal efforts to update regulations applicable to aquaculture operations.

      "What Every Contractor Needs to Know About Brownfields," at Connecticut Construction Industries Association (11/1998)
      • » more info

        • What Every Contractor Needs to Know About Brownfields

        "What Every Contractor Needs to Know About Brownfields," at Connecticut Construction Industries Association, presented by W. Richard Smith Jr. (11/1998)
        Presentation instructs contractors on the critical issues that may arise on brownfields' projects.

      "Aquaculture and the Environment – Environmental Regulations, Permits, and Operating Issues: How to Maintain a Sense of Humor," at Aquaculture America 2000, New Orleans, Louisiana

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • August 20, 2018

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

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

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

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

        • View article
      • March 4, 2015

        Richard Smith Speaks on Offshore Aquaculture Permitting

        • » more info

          Richard Smith Speaks on Offshore Aquaculture Permitting

          Environmental lawyer W. Richard Smith spoke on the permitting challenges for offshore marine aquaculture facilities at the Aquaculture America 2015 meeting in New Orleans on February 21, 2015. The presentation was part of the Regulatory Barriers and Opportunities Session of the meeting and reviewed the advances and limitations of federal efforts to authorize large-scale fish production in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The discussion included a review of the proposed Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council regulations now under consideration by NOAA at the Department of Commerce.

      • December 9, 2014

        Environmental and Utilities Lawyers Plan HRSC Presentation

        • » more info

          Environmental and Utilities Lawyers Plan HRSC Presentation

          Environmental + Utilities Group partners Richard Smith and Christopher Foster organized a presentation that explored the environmental investigation technique known as High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC). The session, held on December 4, 2014, was presented on location in our Hartford and Boston offices as well as via webinar. Mr. Smith introduced the speakers, Gordon T. Brookman, senior vice president at GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc., and Richard J. Desrosiers, a technical consultant at GZA.

          The goal of HRSC is to improve certainty regarding geologic conditions and clean versus contaminated zones. These refined understandings of the subsurface and contaminant transport can lead to the development of cost-effective and more "surgical" remedial design.


           

      • April 4, 2013

        Hartford Lawyers Participate in Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Conference

        • » more info

          Hartford Lawyers Participate in Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Conference

          Environmental and Utilities Practice Group partners W. Richard Smith, Jr., and Joey Lee Miranda each participated in panels at the annual Connecticut Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Conference sponsored by the Connecticut Power & Energy Society. This year, the conference focused on emergency preparedness and planning. Ms. Miranda moderated the panel "Are We Prepared?" which included speakers from CL&P, Norwich Public Utilities, and FirstLight Power Resources. Mr. Smith presented on the "Getting Prepared" panel regarding the emerging legal issues associated with emergency planning.
      • July 20, 2012

        Robinson & Cole Participates in Legal Food Frenzy for Massachusetts Food Banks

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          Robinson & Cole Participates in Legal Food Frenzy for Massachusetts Food Banks

          The Boston Bar Association recognized Robinson & Cole and other law firms and legal organizations for participating in the 2012 Legal Food Frenzy at a reception on June 27. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley thanked participants at the reception for their achievements in raising funds and collecting food to benefit Merrimack Valley Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and Worcester County Food Bank. These food banks serve more than 800 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters to feed hungry families across Massachusetts. Boston office receptionist Monica Vela and summer intern Julie Tran represented Robinson & Cole at the reception. Ms. Vela organized Robinson & Cole’s participation in Legal Food Frenzy.

          “The event was successful because of everyone’s generosity and support,” Ms. Vela said. “Hunger in our community is everywhere and to contribute to The Greater Boston Food Bank is a great way to help out neighbors.
      • April 8, 2011

        Earl Phillips and Rich Smith Present at National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Convention

        • » more info

          Earl Phillips and Rich Smith Present at National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Convention

          Earl W. Phillips, Jr., chair of the Environmental and Utilities Practice Group, and W. Richard Smith, Jr., chair of the land law section, presented “Getting a Good Deal Buying or Selling an SSG Business – Business and Environmental Legal Strategies” at the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association annual convention March 21, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The presentation discussed alternative approaches to negotiation of business and environmental provisions of purchase and sales agreements for regulated facilities and properties. Qualified attendees received continuing legal education credits.

      R+C News Releases

      • 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.

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      • August 19, 2021

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

        • » more info

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

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

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

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

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      • August 20, 2020

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

        • » more info

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

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

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

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

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      • August 15, 2019

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

        • » more info

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

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

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

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      • August 15, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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      • August 15, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

        • View article
      • August 18, 2015

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

        • » more info

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

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

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

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

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      • August 19, 2014

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

        • » more info

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

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

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

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

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      • August 16, 2013

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

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

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

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

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      • October 22, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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      • August 28, 2012

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

        • » more info

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

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

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

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      • September 12, 2011

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

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

          Robinson & Cole LLP was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 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."

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      • November 10, 2010

        Best Lawyers Names Five Robinson & Cole Attorneys as Lawyers of the Year, Most Chosen in the Hartford Community

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          Best Lawyers Names Five Robinson & Cole Attorneys as Lawyers of the Year, Most Chosen in the Hartford Community

          The Best Lawyers in America® (Copyright 2010 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC) has named its 2011 "Lawyers of the Year," each of whom represents a significant practice area in a large legal community. Five Robinson & Cole LLP attorneys have received this designation in their respective practice areas, the most chosen from any law firm in the Hartford community. Those honored include the following:

          • Stephen E. Goldman, Hartford Insurance Lawyer of the Year
          • Edward J. Samorajczyk, Jr., Hartford Securities Lawyer of the Year
          • W. Richard Smith, Jr., Hartford Environmental Lawyer of the Year
          • Richard W. Tomeo, Hartford Tax Lawyer of the Year
          • James A. Wade, Hartford Bet-the-Company Litigator of the Year

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