We Are Pleased to Welcome Michael J. Kearney, Jr. to our Tax Group

Hartford Symphony Orchestra Elects Bruce B. Barth to Board of Directors

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  Hartford Symphony Orchestra Elects Bruce B. Barth to Board of Directors

  The Hartford Symphony Orchestra has elected Bruce B. Barth to its Board of Directors. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 70th anniversary, which spans the 2013 to 2014 season. Its mission is to perform live orchestral music of the highest quality for continually expanding audiences and, through its educational programs, to increase the understanding and enjoyment of that music by residents in Connecticut.
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Robinson & Cole Receives 34 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Three National Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers Survey

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  Robinson & Cole Receives 34 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Three National Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers Survey

  Robinson & Cole received 34 first-tier metropolitan rankings in the 2014 "Best Law Firms" list from U.S. News & World Report. The firm also received three national rankings, including Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Land Use & Zoning Law and a Tier 3 ranking for Real Estate Law.
  
  The rankings are presented in tiers, either on the national or metropolitan lists, by practice area. The 2014 national rankings cover 74 practice areas while the metropolitan rankings cover as many as 120 practice areas. Both rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers were asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice areas.
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Super Lawyers® Names 61 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2013 List

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  Super Lawyers® Names 61 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2013 List

  A total of 61 Robinson & Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Florida for 2013. 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, 19 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.
  
  
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Robinson & Cole Announces Annual Pro Bono, Mentor, and Community Service Awards

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  Robinson & Cole Announces Annual Pro Bono, Mentor, and Community Service Awards

  Robinson & Cole recognized 13 lawyers for their initiative and outstanding dedication to the firm and the community at a reception on August 8, 2013, at Billings Forge Community Works. Managing partner John B. Lynch Jr. announced the Mentor of the Year, Community Service, and Distinguished Service awards while Pro Bono partner Edward J. Heath presented the firm's Pro Bono Award.
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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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Hartford Lawyers Co-author Article on Connecticut Tax Law

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  Hartford Lawyers Co-author Article on Connecticut Tax Law

  Tax lawyers Felicia S. Hoeniger and Scott E. Sebastian co-authored an article published in the March 2013 issue of the Connecticut Bar Journal. The article, "2012 Connecticut Tax Law Developments," provides an overview of legislative developments and litigation and administrative developments in Connecticut tax law that occurred during 2012.

Christine Bromberg Elected Vice-Chair of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Board of Directors

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  Christine Bromberg Elected Vice-Chair of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Board of Directors

  Junior Achievement of Southwest New England has elected Christine E. Bromberg vice-chair of its Board of Directors. Junior Achievement empowers young people to own their economic success. More than 35,000 students in seven counties in Connecticut benefit from its programs.
  
  "Junior Achievement is fortunate to have a strong board of directors and members like Christine who are passionate about Junior Achievement's mission and provide great service to the organization," said Louis Golden, president of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England. "As vice-chair, Christine will be one of the key leaders helping us develop new programs with high impact and serve even more young people in this region."
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Scott Sebastian Selected for Lawyers of Color's 2013 Hot List

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  Scott Sebastian Selected for Lawyers of Color's 2013 Hot List

  Robinson & Cole tax lawyer Scott E. Sebastian has been named by Lawyers of Color (LOC) to the 2013 Hot List for the Eastern Region. This inaugural list recognizes 100 early- to midcareer attorneys for excellence in their profession. Candidates were selected based on their accomplishments and their commitment to continued diversity in the legal field. Honorees were recognized at a reception in New York City on June 8, 2013. They will also be featured in the LOC's Hot List Special Issue, to be published in July 2013.

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Speak at Connecticut Tax Conference

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  Robinson & Cole Lawyers Speak at Connecticut Tax Conference

  Tax lawyers Scott E. Sebastian and Felicia S. Hoeniger spoke at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association's 2013 Connecticut Tax Conference on June 21, 2013, at the Farmington Marriott. In their presentation, "Sales and Use Taxes for the Construction Industry," Mr. Sebastian and Ms. Hoeniger discussed developments in the taxation of construction projects and provided tips on how to prepare for an audit.

Susan E. Roberts Elevated to Counsel at Robinson & Cole LLP

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  Susan E. Roberts Elevated to Counsel at Robinson & Cole LLP

  Robinson & Cole LLP is pleased to announce that Susan E. Roberts has been elevated to counsel within the firm's Tax Group.
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Susan Roberts Speaks at NBI Seminar

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  Susan Roberts Speaks at NBI Seminar

  Tax lawyer Susan E. Roberts presented the session "Liability of Directors and Officers" on May 21, 2013, in Hartford, Connecticut. Her presentation was part of the National Business Institute's (NBI) Tax-Exempt Organizations from Start to Finish seminar, designed for attorneys, in-house counsel, CPAs and accountants, and tax return preparers, among others, which covered the legal and tax nuts and bolts of exempt organizations. Ms. Roberts spoke about fiduciary duties and indemnification, private inurement/private benefits, and excess benefit transactions, as well as discussed relevant case studies.

Hartford Tax Lawyer Participates in UConn School of Law Panel

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  Hartford Tax Lawyer Participates in UConn School of Law Panel

  Tax lawyer Christine E. Bromberg participated in the panel "Corporate Raw" at the University of Connecticut School of Law on April 3, 2013. The event, hosted by the school's Tax Law Society and Corporate Law Society, brought together leading practitioners in Connecticut with students interested in corporate and tax law to discuss, among other things, career opportunities and the practice of law in these two areas. This is the second time that Ms. Bromberg, an adjunct professor of corporate taxation at the law school, has been a part of this panel.

Scott Sebastian Elected Commissioner in West Hartford

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  Scott Sebastian Elected Commissioner in West Hartford

  Tax lawyer Scott E. Sebastian was elected as a commissioner of the Town of West Hartford's Conservation and Environment Commission. The goals of the commission include developing and conserving natural resources as well as protecting the integrity of the environment within the territorial limits of the town. Each commission member serves a five-year term.

Susan Roberts Presents at Lorman Seminar

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  Susan Roberts Presents at Lorman Seminar

  Tax lawyer Susan E. Roberts presented at the Lorman Education Services seminar ”Public Charities in Connecticut” in Hartford, Connecticut, on January 17, 2013. Her session, “Tax Exemption and Formation,” covered preliminary formation questions, issues related to recognition of tax-exempt status, and Connecticut Regulation of Charities, among other areas.

The Wall Street Journal Quotes Felicia Hoeniger

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  The Wall Street Journal Quotes Felicia Hoeniger

  The Wall Street Journal quoted tax attorney Felicia S. Hoeniger in the article “Tips for Snowbirds Before They Take Flight.” The article discusses state income tax liability issues regarding domicile and residence.

Christine E. Bromberg Speaks at Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Annual Tax 360 Conference

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  Christine E. Bromberg Speaks at Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Annual Tax 360 Conference

  Tax partner Christine E. Bromberg presented “Recent Federal Income Tax Developments Involving Cancellation of the Indebtedness Income” at the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Tax360 Conference on November 27, 2012. During her presentation, Ms. Bromberg discussed, among other things, planning opportunities for deferring or excluding cancellation of the indebtedness income, U.S. federal income tax implications involving cancellation of indebtedness arising from real estate workouts involving recourse and nonrecourse debt, plus recently finalized Treasury regulations on the debt for equity rules under Section 108(e)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code and deferral techniques under Section 108(i) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Felicia Hoeniger Addresses Accountants at University of Connecticut Income Tax School

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  Felicia Hoeniger Addresses Accountants at University of Connecticut Income Tax School

  Tax attorney Felicia S. Hoeniger presented “A Practitioner’s Perspective” to approximately 130 accountants at the University of Connecticut Income Tax School for Practitioners. Her presentation focused on Connecticut state tax issues, including personal income, corporation, business, and sales and use taxes.

Scott Sebastian Continues Leadership Role with Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association

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  Scott Sebastian Continues Leadership Role with Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association

  The Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association elected tax attorney Scott E. Sebastian to serve as secretary for the 2012/2013 year. He was the association’s treasurer for the 2011/2012. The Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association is the Connecticut affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Tax Attorneys Taking on Leadership Roles with Connecticut Bar Association Tax Section Executive Committee

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  Tax Attorneys Taking on Leadership Roles with Connecticut Bar Association Tax Section Executive Committee

  The Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association Tax Section has reappointed tax attorney Felicia S. Hoeniger to serve as chair of the Connecticut Corporation Business Tax Subcommittee.
  
  The Executive Committee has also appointed tax attorney Scott E. Sebastian as chair of its Sales and Use Tax Subcommittee.

Robinson & Cole Receives 32 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in U.S.News - Best Lawyers Survey

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  Robinson & Cole Receives 32 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in U.S.News - Best Lawyers Survey

  Robinson & Cole received 32 first-tier rankings, across the cities of Hartford, Stamford, New London, Boston, and Providence, in the 2013 "Best Law Firms" list from U.S.News & World Report.
  
  The firm also received four national rankings, including Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Litigation-Construction, and Tier 3 rankings for Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law.
  
  The rankings are presented in tiers, either in the national list or metropolitan area, by practice area. The 2013 national rankings cover 80 practice areas, while the metropolitan lists cover as many as 118 practice areas. Both rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers were asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice area.
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Scott Sebastian Part of Faculty for Sales and Use Tax Seminar

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  Scott Sebastian Part of Faculty for Sales and Use Tax Seminar

  Tax attorney Scott E. Sebastian was part of the faculty for the seminar “Sales and Use Tax in Connecticut,” attended by 50 people and hosted by Lorman Education Services on October 9, 2012. Mr. Sebastian presented five sessions at the seminar: “Sales Subject to Tax,” “Purchasing an Existing Business,” “Exemptions,” “Voluntary Disclosures,” and “Appeals from Audit.” This is the third time Mr. Sebastian has served as a faculty member for a Lorman seminar.

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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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® 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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Hartford’s Camp Courant Selects Tax Attorney Scott Sebastian to Serve on its Board of Directors

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  Hartford’s Camp Courant Selects Tax Attorney Scott Sebastian to Serve on its Board of Directors

  Hartford's Camp Courant, the largest free day camp in the nation, has selected Robinson & Cole tax associate Scott E. Sebastian to serve on its Board of Directors. Mr. Sebastian sought a position on the board as a way to give back to the community and, in particular, help Hartford-area children. Camp Courant serves approximately 700 children from Hartford, ages 5 through 12, for six weeks over the summer. Campers participate in a variety of recreational, educational, and cultural programs geared toward developing self-esteem, building positive relationships, and having fun at the campsite in Farmington.
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Tax Attorney’s Article Discusses State Tax Residency and Domicile Issues

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  Tax Attorney’s Article Discusses State Tax Residency and Domicile Issues

  Tax counsel Felicia S. Hoeniger cowrote the article “Personal Income Tax Issues Related to Residency and Domicile,” published in the spring 2012 issue of The Practical Tax Lawyer magazine. This article is based on a paper the authors presented at a seminar sponsored by the American Bar Association’s Section of Taxation and Section of Real Property & Probate Law, Trust & Estate Division. The paper analyzes how tax law differentiates between residency and domicile.
  
  The American Law Institute and the Section of Taxation of the American Bar Association publish The Practical Tax Lawyer.

Felicia Hoeniger Presents to New York Tax Study Group

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  Felicia Hoeniger Presents to New York Tax Study Group

  Tax counsel Felicia S. Hoeniger presented “Connecticut State Tax Update and Developments” to the New York Tax Study Group on April 23, 2012, in New York City. The group is comprised of New York lawyers and accounts who meet regularly to discuss developments and evolving issues in state and federal tax law.

Attorneys Offer Advice on Connecticut Taxes for Upcoming Tax Season

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  Attorneys Offer Advice on Connecticut Taxes for Upcoming Tax Season

  Tax counsel Felicia S. Hoeniger and tax associate Scott E. Sebastian presented “A Practitioner’s Perspective on CT Taxes” before approximately 185 people at the 2011 University of Connecticut Tax School on November 16, 2011. Ms. Hoeniger and Mr. Sebastian discussed positives and negatives in dealing with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
  
  The University of Connecticut Income Tax School is a two-day program on federal and state taxes. The program provides updates on the latest tax law for the upcoming tax season for tax practitioners, accountants, consultants, attorneys and others who professionally prepare taxes.

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in the Connecticut Society of CPAs’ Annual Tax Conference

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  Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate in the Connecticut Society of CPAs’ Annual Tax Conference

  Attorneys Felicia S. Hoeniger, Virginia E. McGarrity, and Kelley Galica Peck participated in the panel discussion “To Love, Honor and Share Tax Deductions…?” at the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (CSCPA) Tax360º Conference on November 9, 2011, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. While marriage for same-sex couples is now legal in Connecticut, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized by the federal government and most states, creating new, significant estate and financial planning challenges for CPAs, financial planners, attorneys, and other professionals. The panel discussed tax and estate planning techniques to address the unique needs of same-sex couples and the challenges to recognizing same-sex relationships in private employer benefit plans.

Tax Lawyer Discusses How States are Limiting Sales and Use Tax Refunds

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  Tax Lawyer Discusses How States are Limiting Sales and Use Tax Refunds

  Tax counsel Felicia S. Hoeniger copresented “Refund Roadblocks” at the 2011 Sales Tax Symposium sponsored by the Institute for Professionals in Taxation on September 27 in Orlando, Florida. The presentation discussed issues taxpayers should be aware of when seeking sales and use tax refunds and appropriate responses and potential constitutional challenges taxpayers can raise if a state denies a refund claim.

Tax Attorney Joins Robinson & Cole’s New York Deal Team

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  Tax Attorney Joins Robinson & Cole’s New York Deal Team

  Robinson and Cole LLP welcomes attorney Michael P. Walutes as counsel in the Tax Group. Mr. Walutes brings more than 20 years of experience counseling public and private companies, debt and equity funds, REITs, and other entities on the tax aspects of a wide variety of transactions. He is resident in the firm's New York office.
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Tax Attorney Offers Advice to Businesses at Sales and Use Tax Seminar

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  Tax Attorney Offers Advice to Businesses at Sales and Use Tax Seminar

  Tax attorney Scott E. Sebastian was part of a three-person faculty for a day-long seminar, “Sales and Use Tax in Connecticut,” sponsored by Lorman Educational Services at the Crowne Plaza Hartford - Downtown on August 10, 2011. The conference offered advice to help businesses learn about sales and use tax essentials for compliance and planning needs. Mr. Sebastian delivered presentations about the structure of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, purchasing an existing business, voluntary disclosures, appeals from an audit, sales subject to tax, and recent development in sales and use tax laws.

Reflexite Combines with ORAFOL to Create Leading Global Reflective Materials, Graphic Products, and Industrial Tapes Group

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  Reflexite Combines with ORAFOL to Create Leading Global Reflective Materials, Graphic Products, and Industrial Tapes Group

  Robinson & Cole represented Reflexite in its merger with ORAFOL Europe GmbH. The combined companies create one of the world’s leading global reflective materials, graphic products, and industrial tapes groups. Prior to the merger, Reflexite was an ESOP company with more than 100 shareholders and several hundred ESOP plan participants, which added another level of complexity to the merger. Attorneys from several of Robinson & Cole’s practice groups collaborated to close the deal within a short time frame; they include: John B. Lynch Jr., Cathryn A. Reynolds, Matthew S. Spaeder, and Taylor A. Denis on the mergers and acquisitions side; Bruce B. Barth and Virginia E. McGarrity for ESOP and ERISA matters; Kathleen M. Porter on antitrust and HSR matters; W. Richard Smith Jr. for environmental and transfer act matters; and Christine E. Bromberg and Susan E. Roberts on the tax side. As part of the ORAFOL group, Reflexite will continue to refine and grow its current strategy and will remain an independent entity consolidated into ORAFOL International, Inc., ORAFOL’s U.S. holding company.

  ORAFOL’s press release.

Felicia Hoeniger Selected to Editorial Board of the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives

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  Felicia Hoeniger Selected to Editorial Board of the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives

  The Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives has selected state tax counsel Felicia S. Hoeniger to succeed tax partner Richard W. Tomeo on its taxation editorial board as a department/state editor at the end of 2011. The Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives provides tax professionals with practical and up-to-date coverage of issues in multistate taxation. Robinson & Cole tax attorneys have been involved with the publication since its inception almost 20 years ago.

Susan Roberts Elected to Board of Directors of Connecticut Oral Health Initiative

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  Susan Roberts Elected to Board of Directors of Connecticut Oral Health Initiative

  The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has elected tax attorney Susan E. Roberts to its board of directors. COHI was founded in 2002 and works towards its mission of increasing awareness of the importance of oral health, especially in children, through advocacy, coalition building, and educational outreach initiatives. Ms. Roberts’ term begins in September 2011.

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present at CBIA’s 2011 Connecticut Tax Conference

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  Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present at CBIA’s 2011 Connecticut Tax Conference

  Tax attorneys John R. Shaughnessy Jr., Scott E. Sebastian, and Felicia S. Hoeniger spoke at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association's Connecticut Tax Conference on May 20, 2011, at the Farmington Marriott. Mr. Shaughnessy and Mr. Sebastian along with Paul Greenfield of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services gave an update on developments in the taxation of construction projects and tips on how to prepare for an audit in the presentation “Sales and Use Taxes for the Construction Industry.” Ms. Hoeniger and Douglas Joseph of BlumShapiro addressed how to reduce risk and stay current in the ever-changing world of sales tax on service providers in the presentation “Sales and Use Taxes for the Service Industry.”

Tax Attorney Speaks to UCONN Law Students about Opportunities in Corporate Law

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  Tax Attorney Speaks to UCONN Law Students about Opportunities in Corporate Law

  Tax law partner Christine E. Bromberg spoke at the Corporate and Securities Law Society’s Corporate Raw 2010 seminar at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) School of Law in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 10, 2010. Ms. Bromberg participated in “Thinking Outside the Corporate Box,” which consisted of a distinguished panel of in-house corporate lawyers and private practitioners. The panel explored different career paths and opportunities (international, domestic, in-house, and private practice) for UCONN law students interested in practicing corporate law after they graduate. Ms. Bromberg is also an adjunct professor at the university teaching corporate taxation.

Tax Partner Analyzes Tax Incentives for Investment and Job Growth in Connecticut

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  Tax Partner Analyzes Tax Incentives for Investment and Job Growth in Connecticut

  Richard W. Tomeo, partner in the firm’s Tax Planning and Representation Group, spoke about Connecticut tax incentives for investment and job growth to the Community Builders’ Institute (CBI) at Northeast Utilities in Berlin, Connecticut, on November 5, 2010. More than 70 professionals involved with municipal economic development efforts attended the seminar $'s & Dirt, Funding for Moving Dirt. CBI teaches the basics of advanced economic development and land use planning. The program’s primary goal is to raise the capacity of land use decision makers across the state and demonstrate the value of continuing professional education.

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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Attorney Moderates Panel at National Tax Conference

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  Attorney Moderates Panel at National Tax Conference

  Tax attorney Richard W. Tomeo moderated a panel discussion at the National Association of State Bar Tax Sections conference in San Francisco, California, on October 30, 2010. The panel explored the progress of efforts to secure adoption of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Model State Tax Tribunal Act and efforts to obtain ABA approval of the proposed Transactional Tax Overpayment Model Act. Mr. Tomeo is on the section’s executive committee.

  For the conference’s agenda, click here.

Tax Attorneys Present at Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Tax360º Conference

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  Tax Attorneys Present at Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Tax360º Conference

  Tax attorneys Felicia S. Hoeniger and Richard W. Tomeo participated on a panel discussion at the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (CSCPA) Tax360º Conference on November 2, 2010, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. Ms. Hoeniger and Mr. Tomeo spoke at the second general panel, “The Brave New World of Economic Nexus in Connecticut and Elsewhere,” which discussed the state’s new economic nexus rules for personal and corporate income tax compared to other states, as well as potential constitutional implications. Ms. Hoeniger also participated in an additional panel, “Sales Tax Audit Challenges for Cash Businesses: Business Records, Audit Periods, Penalties, and More,” discussing unique sales tax issues that cash businesses face, including resolving state tax issues before they arise, sales tax audit issues, and audit periods exceeding the statute of limitations.

  To read more about the CSCPA Tax360º conference, click here.

Connecticut Bar Association Appoints Robinson & Cole Attorney as Subcommittee Chair

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  Connecticut Bar Association Appoints Robinson & Cole Attorney as Subcommittee Chair

  The Connecticut Bar Association Tax Section has appointed Felicia S. Hoeniger as chair of the Corporation Business Tax Subcommittee. A counsel in the firm’s tax group, she is succeeding Robinson & Cole partner and tax group chair Richard W. Tomeo in this role. Ms. Hoeniger has been a member of the subcommittee for the past two years.

Tax Attorney Moderates Panel Discussion on Purchasing Digital Products

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  Tax Attorney Moderates Panel Discussion on Purchasing Digital Products

  John R. Shaughnessy, Jr., counsel in the firm’s Tax Planning and Representation Group, moderated a panel, Purchasing Digital Products: A Comparison of Canadian and U.S. Taxes, at the fall meeting of the American Bar Association’s Tax Section in Toronto, Ontario, on September 24, 2010. The panel explored the systemic differences between taxes in the United States and Canada, focusing on issues relating to what goods are subject to tax and the differing approaches the two countries have to sourcing. To see the presentation, click here.

  In addition to moderating Purchasing Digital Products, Mr. Shaughnessy was a panelist in another presentation on current sales tax developments around the United States.

Tax Attorneys Write Summary of 2009 Connecticut Tax Law Developments

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  Tax Attorneys Write Summary of 2009 Connecticut Tax Law Developments

  The Connecticut Bar Journal published an article on recent Connecticut tax law developments authored by tax attorneys John R. Shaughnessy and Scott E. Sebastian. The article provides a summary of tax-related cases, legislation, and administrative actions that occurred in 2009. A few notable changes include the following:

  • The adoption of an "economic nexus" standard, which would expand the income-taxing jurisdiction of the state to include out-of-state businesses with no physical presence in Connecticut.
  • The imposition of a 10 percent corporation tax surcharge for tax years beginning in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
  • The implementation of a new 6.5 percent income tax rate for individuals earning more than $500,000 or $1 million for joint filers.
  • Decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court in Achillion Pharmaceuticals that a corporate tax credit must be sold in the year earned, thus precluding the sale of credits carried forward from previous years.
  • Decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court in Rainforest Cafe that a taxpayer who complied with the use tax provisions was relieved of the additional burden of withholding a portion of the purchase price to a non-resident contractor who failed to post a bond with the state.
  • The Department of Revenue Services underwent a few leadership changes. Richard Nicholson was named the new commissioner and John Kutsukos the new chief of compliance.

Scott Sebastian Named Cochair of Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section Tax Committee

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  Scott Sebastian Named Cochair of Connecticut Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section Tax Committee

  Scott E. Sebastian, an associate attorney in the Tax and Tax-Exempt Organizations Practice Group, was recently elected cochair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Tax Committee. Mr. Sebastian joined the CBA in November 2007 and has been a member of the CBA Tax Section. As cochair, Mr. Sebastian will also serve on the YLS Executive Committee. The YLS strives for the promotion of justice, the encouragement of public service, and the promotion of diversity and education of young lawyers and newly admitted practitioners. The Tax Section aims to further the continuing legal education of members of the section and the bar at large, serve as a resource concerning federal and state tax laws, and serve as a liaison for the bar with the Internal Revenue Service and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present at CBIA 2010 Tax Conference

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  Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present at CBIA 2010 Tax Conference

  Tax attorneys Jack Shaughnessy and Felicia S. Hoeniger presented at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2010 Connecticut Tax Conference on May 21 in Farmington, Connecticut. Mr. Shaughnessy spoke about the application of Connecticut’s sales and use tax for construction contractors with Paul Greenfield of the Department of Revenue Services. They highlighted the various roles a contractor may play, from purchaser to retailer to service provider, and how the tax implications may change, depending on the contractor’s role as well as audit and record keeping considerations. To see their presentation, click here. Ms. Hoeniger provided an overview of Connecticut tax issues for property developers and managers with Michael J. O’Sullivan of the State of Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services. Highlights covered the purchasing or selling of a business, constructing property, and managing property, as well as current developments. To see their presentation, click here.

Robinson & Cole Tax Attorneys Present at Tax Seminars in New Orleans

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  Robinson & Cole Tax Attorneys Present at Tax Seminars in New Orleans

  Tax and tax exempt attorneys Felicia S. Hoeniger and John R. Shaughnessy, Jr. recently discussed several topics to members of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation in New Orleans, LA. Ms. Hoeniger appeared at the Advanced Sales Tax Seminar sponsored by the American Bar Association and the Institute for Professionals in Taxation as part of a panel titled “The Definition of ‘Is’: Should Taxpayers Give Deference to Tax Agencies in the Interpretation of Tax Statutes - A Tax Administrator and Practitioner Debate on Current Issues.” Mr. Shaughnessy spoke at the same seminar about “State and Local Tax Issues for Construction Contractors.” He also spoke at the Advanced Property Tax Seminar where he covered the northeastern U.S. as part of a panel discussing current developments around the country.