Managing Intellectual Property Magazine Names Robinson+Cole Partner a 2019 IP Star

Intellectual Property + Technology Group Chair Jacqueline Pennino Scheib has been named an IP Star in the 2019/20 edition of “IP STARS,” published by Managing Intellectual Property, one of the industry’s leading publications. Honorees are recognized as “the top practitioners in private practice who have performed exceptionally well for their clients and firms in the past year.” Ms. Scheib was highlighted for her work in the area of IP transactions as well as several Trade Mark categories, including strategy and counseling as well as litigation. IP Stars provides in-depth analysis and rankings of some 1,900 IP firms and 5,200 practitioners globally. The IP Stars were selected through a rigorous process and weighted review of information that included interviews and surveys of partners and law firms across the country. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Adds Intellectual Property Litigation Partner

Robinson+Cole (R+C) is pleased to announce the addition of John L. Cordani to the firm’s Business Litigation practice, where he will focus his practice on Intellectual Property and Information Technology litigation. Mr. Cordani joins as a partner in the Hartford, Connecticut office. Prior to joining R+C, he was with McCarter & English LLP and prior to that a partner with Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Honored to be Recognized by Brass City Charter School with Boardroom Dedication

The Brass City Charter School (BCCS) in Waterbury, CT has named a boardroom in its newly expanded facilities the “Robinson+Cole Boardroom” in recognition of pro bono work done on behalf of the school by Robinson+Cole.

Robinson+Cole’s work on behalf of BCCS involved helping on the acquisition and financing of the location of the two-year construction project at the school. The R+C team led by Steven L. Elbaum and David M. Panico included lawyers and paralegals in the firm’s Real Estate, Construction, and Public Finance Groups. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyer Receives the Bridge Family Center’s First George C. Hastings Award

Robinson+Cole Real Estate + Development Group partner Brian R. Smith received the Bridge Family Center’s inaugural George C. Hastings Award at the Bridge’s Annual Meeting on June 4, 2019 in West Hartford, CT. The award, named for the late Robinson+Cole partner and one of the Bridge’s founding leaders, is presented to an individual who exemplifies Hastings’ strong and compassionate character and who embodies his life-long commitment to serving the underprivileged and those in need. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyer Named President of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York

Robinson+Cole lawyer Noel B. Vales was installed as President of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA New York) at the organization’s 6th Anniversary dinner at Aureole Restaurant in New York City on May 30, 2019.  Mr. Vales was one of nine founding attorneys of FALA New York, which was established in 2013 through a shared interest in creating a formal professional affiliation group for Filipino Americans in the legal profession. Mr. Vales is a member of Robinson+Cole’s Real Estate + Development Group and serves on the firm’s Diversity + Inclusion Committee. He is also a regional governor for the National Filipino American Bar Association. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Continues to Expand National Bankruptcy Practice and Grow Wilmington Presence

Robinson+Cole (R+C) is pleased to announce the addition of Jamie L. Edmonson to the firm’s growing Bankruptcy + Reorganizations practice. She joins as partner in the Wilmington, Delaware office, from Venable LLP, where she was partner-in-charge of the office.

Edmonson joins R+C following a significant expansion of the firm’s bankruptcy practice in January when R+C welcomed five attorneys and opened new offices in Philadelphia and Wilmington. Natalie D. Ramsey, Mark A. Fink, and Davis Lee Wright, all of whom practice bankruptcy in Delaware, joined as partners, bringing their decades of experience in bankruptcy, corporate reorganization and litigation matters throughout the United States. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Receives Presidential Award for Export Service

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented Robinson & Cole LLP with the President’s “E” Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. In total, Secretary Ross honored 48 U.S. companies with the President’s “E” Award, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. Read more in the press release.

CT Law Tribune Honors Four Firm Lawyers at 2019 CT Legal Awards Event

The Connecticut Law Tribune honored four Robinson+Cole lawyers at the publication’s 2019 Connecticut Legal Awards “Professional Excellence” event on May 16, 2019 at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford. The awards recognize both new and seasoned lawyers who have demonstrated knowledge, skill and compassion, making their mark in the legal field and earning the trust and respect of their clients and peers alike.  

Business Litigation Group lawyer Jim Wade received the Tribune’s Lifetime Achievement Award as a lawyer “who has left a lasting imprint on the legal community of Connecticut.” Bankruptcy and Reorganizations Group lawyer Patrick Birney was given the Distinguished Leader Award as one who “achieved impressive results in 2018 and demonstrated clear leadership skills that helped (him) achieve those results.” 

Ben Jensen, Business Litigation, and Abby Warren, Labor and Employment, were named New Leaders in the Law. This distinction spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and/or in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity. Also in attendance were Robinson+Cole lawyers Bruce Barth, Frank Coulom, Eric Daniels, Ed Heath, Keisha Palmer, Jim Ray and Rhonda Tobin. To see a photo of R+C at the event, Click Here for our LinkedIn post and feel free to like/share with your LinkedIn connections.

Michele Maresca Moderates Program on Opportunity Zones at ICSC Deal Making Conference in Boston

Real Estate + Development Group lawyer Michele Maresca moderated the program "Opportunity Zones: The Many Perspectives on the Land of OZ" at the  2019 New England Conference and Deal Making, which was presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in Boston, MA from July 15-17, 2019. The panel discussion addressed key questions from the perspectives of a developer, real estate investor, and local municipality, including:
•   What are Opportunity Zones? 
•   How did they come to be? 
•   Where are they? 
•   How do they work, and 
•   What are the issues surrounding them? 

The conference provided opportunities to connect, learn and road test ideas with other professionals, gain information about the most current industry issues, and meet and make deals with colleagues and retailers doing business in the same region. Michele is part of the ICSC's State Volunteer Leadership in Connecticut and a member of the 2019 Program Planning Committee. Robinson+Cole was a member-hosted Reception sponsor.
 

Robinson & Cole's Boston Associates Participate in the 2019 GBLS Associates Fund Drive

Health Law Group lawyer, Anna Gurevich, and Business Transactions Group lawyer, Andy Monthey, led Boston office’s participation in the 2019 Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) Associates Fund Drive. Every year, associates at Boston law firms compete to raise money for GBLS. Together, Team Anna and Team Andy raised $7,765 in support of the GBLS Family Law Unit, a significant increase over last year’s contributions, and one that far exceeded this year’s campaign goal of $7,000, and the amounts raised by other prominent Boston law firms. This exceptional generosity confirms the lawyers and staff of Robinson+Cole as among the Boston region’s most generous firms. Larry Heffernan, Chair of the firm's Real Estate Litigation and Title Insurance Team, serves on the GBLS Board of Directors. 

GBLS provides free civil legal aid to low-income clients in Boston and 31 surrounding cities and towns, representing individuals, families and community groups in court and before administrative agencies. While the Associates Drive specifically supports the agency’s domestic violence work, GBLS also provides representation in cases involving housing, consumer issues, immigration, employment, public benefits, health and disability, Criminal Offender Record Information, and education, as well as having a special outreach project for the elderly. 

In 2018, GBLS served more than 10,000 clients. Unfortunately, over 60% of eligible clients are denied representation because of lack of funding. Donations from this drive go directly to help fund staff attorney salaries, and may allow the agency to hire additional attorneys. GBLS assists only low-income persons who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. To qualify as “low-income,” an applicant must have income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty line, which for a family of four is $31,375 per year.

Linn Freedman is Quoted in Health Data Management Article

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyer Linn Freedman was quoted extensively in the article “Providers need contingencies if the power goes out,” published in the July 9, 2019 edition of Health Data Management. The article discusses the preparedness a health care organization needs in order to anticipate, prevent, and/or respond to power blackouts. According to the article, failure to take appropriate measures can result in the loss of open data, significant lost revenue and potential major expenses for hospitals, as well as inconvenience, and a disruption in the provision of health care for patients.  

Linn emphasized that much of the most vital health information is in the core electronic health record system and a host of ancillary systems, including picture archiving and medical imaging communication systems (PACS). Although an electrical blackout can be mitigated with generators that can be operational for weeks, an Internet outage poses even more concerning issues for hospitals and medical providers to provide care to patients.

“Everything is digital – all medical devices, drug monitoring systems, PACS and imaging,” she said. “If Internet service goes down for an extended time, a hospital would be devastated to not have the ability to access products and services” it uses to provide health care to patients. To view the full article, click here.  

Jeff White Speaks on Manufacturing and Exporting in Hartford Business Journal Interview

Manufacturing Law Industry Team Chair Jeff White was featured in an interview in the July 8, 2019 edition of the Hartford Business Journal. Jeff offered his thoughts on the key export countries of the firm’s clients, the impact of recent tariffs and retaliatory actions on U.S. manufacturers, and an emerging industry (and vital player in the state’s economy) to watch in the next decade. In May, Jeff and Kevin Daly traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the Presidential Award for Export Service on behalf of the firm, which was cited for “work of broad impact within the business community to further expand U.S. exports.” To read the full Hartford Business Journal story, click here. 

Les Levinson Authors Article on Healthcare Financing Anti-assignment Limitations

Health Care Transactions Team co-Chair Les Levinson authored the recently published Lexis Practice Advisor article “Healthcare Financing Anti-assignment Limitations.” The practice note describes how to structure financing transactions for healthcare providers to overcome anti-assignment and collection limitations on Medicare and Medicaid receivables. To view the article, click here. It also will be published in the Fall 2019 quarterly print edition of "The Lexis Practice Advisor Journal."

Earl Phillips Presents on PFAS at Air & Waste Management Association's ACE 2019 Meeting

Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group lawyer Earl W. Phillips, Jr. presented on "Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Specific Technical Challenges, Litigation, and Solutions" at the Air & Waste Management Association’s ACE 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada on June 25, 2019. The panel addressed the predominant sources and routes of exposure associated with adults and children in the general public, communities in close proximity to production areas, and occupational populations, where inhalation may be the primary driver. Methodologies to derive inhalation-based toxicity criteria to allow for screening level assessment were presented, focused on U.S. EPA- and ATSDR- (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) promulgated standards.

Focused primarily on the impact to human health, few PFAS sites have addressed ecological risk. An ecological exposure model for birds and mammals was discussed as applied to five Aqueous Film-Forming Foam-impacted sites to clarify exposure pathways and identify key receptors of concern, including site-specific modeling results and prioritization. Discussion also included soil as a key intermediary source at PFAS sites affected by the deposit of airborne emissions from PFAS manufacturing processes - based on leaching and overland transport of suspended particles - and the resulting impact to underlying groundwater. Soil represents a key reservoir with respect to ongoing sources of contamination in water. The legal landscape for these considerations is dynamic, further complicating data gaps. The panel looked at cases involving both individuals and classes of plaintiffs seeking personal injury damages and health monitoring, water companies seeking protection, as well as municipalities and State environmental and public health agencies.
 

Robinson+Cole achieves favorable decision for our client Sentinel Insurance Co. Ltd., a Hartford Insurance company

R+C was pleased to assist our client Sentinel Insurance Co. Ltd., a Hartford Insurance company, in achieving a favorable decision in the New York Appellate Division, First Department, and subsequently defending that appellate outcome in the trial court. Read the article here.

Ted O'Hanlan Represents the Town of Branford in Eminent Domain Matter

Land Use Group lawyer Ted O&#’;Hanlan) on June 12, 2019. The hearing involved a proposal for the Town to use eminent domain to take Crescent Bluff Avenue and adjacent property claimed and retained by one of several neighbors, in order to guarantee use of the road by the other neighbors and permit public access to Long Island Sound. Following presentations for and against the proposal, the matter was referred to the RTM Administrative Committee for review, with a meeting scheduled for July 9th. To learn more, you can read news stories here and here. 

Jeff White Is Quoted in Article on the Use of New Technology in Manufacturing Plants

Manufacturing Industry Team Chair Jeff White was quoted in the June 26, 2019 edition of The Indiana Lawyer in its article “Internet of things in manufacturing creates new data, cybersecurity questions.” The publication noted that Robinson+Cole has “one of the nation’s top manufacturing law practices.”

The story focuses on today’s “manufacturing 4.0” plants – high-tech environments that feature automated production marked by connectivity among the devices that keep a factory humming, all overseen by trained technologists who understand the workings of such complex machinery. Jeff observed that manufacturers across the country are using new technologies for multiple purposes. While automated equipment can be used in place of human labor when a skilled workforce isn’t available, Jeff also sees new technology being used to attract skilled workers to manufacturing plants. To read the full article, click here.

Anna Jinhua Wang Attends the 2019 SelectUSA Investment Summit

Business Transactions Group member Anna Jinhua Wang attended the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. from June 10-12, 2019. The Investment Summit is dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States, connecting qualified foreign firms directly with U.S. economic development organizations to help facilitate business investment and job creation. It plays a vital role in attracting and facilitating international investment into the U.S. by raising awareness of the wide range of opportunities and positive business climate and facilitating vital direct connections between investors and economic development organizations. 

The Investment Summit allows international investors, from start-ups to medium-sized enterprises to multinationals, to hear from high-profile CEOs, senior executives, and U.S. government leaders, who set the tone for business and investment policies and trends in the United States. 

The 2019 event attracted some 2,000 attendees, including representatives from U.S. state and local governments, U.S. economic development organizations, and advisors, service providers, companies, chambers of commerce, and associations facilitating FDI into the U.S. During the Summit, Anna met with some of the delegates from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among others. 
 

Jackie Scheib Moderates Panel Discussion on International Trade at CT Technology Council Event

Intellectual Property + Technology Group Chair Jackie Scheib moderated the panel discussion “International Trade: Scaling Beyond Our Borders” at ScaleUp CT! presented by the Connecticut Technology Council (Council) at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT on June 6, 2019. The Council works to connect tech companies with growth resources and advocates for a pro-tech industry policy. In our digital world, any business could become an international business, provided it has a skilled workforce, access to capital, and networking opportunities with potential customers and partners. 

The panel of experienced international business experts discussed some of the key issues that businesses venturing into the increasingly complex realm of international trade must consider, including: 
•  the significant advantages and disadvantages of international trade;
•  the role of culture in determining whether and where to expand;
•  methods for expanding internationally;
•  the economic implications of expanding internationally;
•  navigating customs, exchange rates, and import/export laws; and
•  protecting Intellectual Property Rights

The ScaleUp CT! keynote speaker was Josh Geballe, Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Administrative Services, who spoke on “Scaling Up a Digital Strategy for State Government.” Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the event. 
 

Ryan Leichsenring Presents on State Tax Credits and Incentives at CBIA's 2019 CT Tax Conference

Tax Group lawyer Ryan Leichsenring  presented a program on "Connecticut State Tax Credits & Incentives” at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2019 Connecticut Tax Conference on June 11, 2019 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. With a new governor and new administration in place, and faced with recurring state budget deficits, businesses are anticipating tax changes. The CBIA’s annual tax conference discussed how the legislature’s actions during the recently completed general session and proposed changes in tax policy could impact a company’s bottom line. Ryan’s presentation focused on advising attendees on the existing statutory credit programs, what to expect in the future given recent amendments to these programs, and practical strategies to maximize state tax savings.

Deborah George Speaks to Rhode Island Bar Association on Cyber Threats and Cyber Liability Insurance

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team member Deborah George took part in the Rhode Island Bar Association’s 2019 Annual Meeting in Providence on June 14, 2019. Deborah was part of a workshop panel that addressed “The Latest on Cyber Threats & Cyber Liability Insurance: How You Can Protect Your Law Firm and Your Clients.” The workshop was presented in three sections: first, a brief description of recent cyberattacks and general overview of data privacy and cybersecurity hot topics; second, an introduction to cyber liability insurance and the types of coverages provided; and third, a discussion of the legal and ethical issues for lawyers involving data protection and security, recent court decisions involving cyber liability insurance, and tips for lawyers about how to protect data in their firm.

Jackie Scheib Participates in Two Red Cross Events

Intellectual Property and Technology lawyer Jackie Scheib participated at two recent Red Cross events, the “Women Who Lead Luncheon” presented by the American Red Cross Greater New York on May 14, 2019 in New York City, and the “Humanitarian Luncheon” presented by the American Red Cross of Connecticut and Rhode Island on June 4, 2019 in Darien, CT. Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, was the featured guest at the “Women Who Lead Luncheon,” and was interviewed by legal analyst Ashleigh Banfield. Both events were fundraisers highlighting the organization’s Tiffany Circle, a global community of women leaders who advance the Red Cross humanitarian mission. Jackie is a Tiffany Circle member, and addressed the “Humanitarian Luncheon” audience of some 100 people. To view a photo from the “Women Who Lead Luncheon” of some of the Tiffany Circle members with Ashleigh Banfield, please click here.

Je'Quana Orr Is Profiled in UConn School of Law Publication

Business Litigation Group lawyer Je'Quana Orr was the subject of the Alumni Profile in the UConn School of Law’s June 2019 newsletter. The story in the quarterly online publication highlights her early engagement with the law as a high school student in Hartford participating in the first Summer Mock Trial Competition at UConn, where she is remembered as an attentive and engaged student. Je’Quana credits hands-on experiences in law school and a summer internship at Robinson+Cole with preparing her for a professional career. To read the article, click here.

Kathryn Rattigan Is a Presenter and Panelist at Information Management Conference

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Group lawyer Kathryn Rattigan presented “Drones in the National Airspace: Threats and Mitigation of Risk” at the INFORM 2019 conference at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey on June 13, 2019. In her program, Kathryn discussed advances in drone technology and the related implications.

Kathryn also was part of the panel “Surviving a Data Breach.” The panel discussion included experts in the fields of privacy, data security, public relations and reputation management, and addressed critical and sensitive issues such as:
•  protecting your company from a data breach 
•  the reporting/notification requirements for different industries
•  how to work with the FBI
•  evidence preservation and maintaining logs for internal use and law enforcement
•  handling requests from regulators, credit monitoring companies, and others
•  managing your reputation internally and externally, and 
•  moving past a data breach. 

The conference was a two-day Information Management event hosted by ARMA New Jersey, which offered sessions focused on Records and Information Management & Information Governance (IG) practices, Privacy, Security & Risk issues, and Strategy & Communications, as well as other trending IG updates to cutting-edge technology impacting the way we work.
 

Jim Ray and Emilee Mooney Scott Address CBIA on Technical and Legal Challenges of PFAS

Jim Ray and Emilee Mooney Scott spoke on technical and legal challenges and litigation associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) at the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s (CBIA) 2019 Energy & Environment Conference in Cromwell, CT on June 13, 2019. Jim discussed "What Are the Health, Environmental, and Litigation Challenges of PFAS?" Emilee presented on "How Are the Technical, Regulatory, and Legal Challenges of PFAS Being Addressed?" Both panels also included scientists from GZA GeoEnvironmental, an engineering and science consulting firm. The keynote speaker for the conference was Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the event.

Rhonda Tobin Presents at DRI Insurance Seminar in Washington, D.C.

Litigation Section Co-Chair Rhonda Tobin presented to some 250 insurance professionals at the Defense Research Institute’s “Insurance Bad Faith and Extra-Contractual Liability” seminar in Washington, D.C. on June 5, 2019. Rhonda presented with Naomi Kinderman, Assistant Vice President Claims, Senior Counsel at firm client W.R. Berkley Corporation, headquartered in Greenwich, CT. Their topic was “Fear of Trials: An In-House Perspective on the Vanishing Jury Trial and Outside Counsel’s Perspective on How to Manage a Bad Faith Case.” Representing the viewpoints of both in-house and outside counsel, they examined the growing perception that insurers are afraid to try cases and shared their perspectives on how to identify and defend those cases that can be won at trial. 

Members of the Hartford Office's EE+T Group Take Part in Keney Park Sustainability Project

Members of the Hartford office’s Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group participated in the Keney Park Sustainability Project in Hartford, CT on the afternoon of June 6, 2019. The community service team - including Keney Park Sustainability Project Board member Emily Deans, Brian Freeman, Bob Melvin, Jim Ray, Jon Schaefer, Emilee Mooney Scott, and UConn legal extern James Zimmer - assisted with weeding and planting cucumbers and zucchini. 

The goals of the Project include:

• Creating an onsite and mobile teaching kitchen to increase nutrition awareness and access to healthy food for low-income families;
• Supporting the development and sustainability of community-based food systems, such as farmers markets, community gardens, school-based gardening, home gardens and other agricultural projects; and
• Educating families about the impact of the environment on mental, physical and spiritual health by practicing sustainable techniques that promote a healthy, symbiotic relationship between and our environment.  

The vision of the Project is “to create the next generation of healthy, productive and environmentally conscious citizens” by providing hands-on training, on-site demonstrations, outreach and community collaborations that help families become more self-sustainable and environmentally aware. At 693 acres, Keney Park is the largest park within the Hartford city system. It was a gift from the investor and wholesale grocer, Henry Keney in 1894, and was designed by the architectural firm led by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the great American landscape artist who designed Central Park in New York City. 

Conor Duffy Is Named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation

Health Law Group and Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team member Conor Duffy has been invited to join the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). Fellows comprise a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose careers “have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities.” They are recommended by their peers and elected by the Board of the ABF. The prestigious invitation was extended in recognition of Conor’s contributions that support “the ABF’s groundbreaking research on the role and impact of law, lawyers and the legal process on society,” which help in the advancement of justice. 

Linn Freedman Wins LexBlog's First Readers Choice Award

We congratulate Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team Chair Linn Freedman on winning one of LexBlog's three inaugural "Reader's Choice Awards" for the month of May. Her post, "FBI Flash: Ryuk Ransomware Continues to Attack U.S. Businesses," which detailed a ransomware attack that has hit more than 100 U.S. companies since August 2018, was one of the most popular on the website.

In recognizing Linn's work as one of the Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team’s most prolific bloggers, LexBlog wrote, "Authoring some of the most widely read content on LexBlog is no small feat; our network of 22,000 legal bloggers (and growing) brings in about 200 blog posts daily, adding up to almost 6000 new posts every month... The criteria is simple; the bloggers who authored the most trafficked blog posts during the specified month will receive the award. Their blog page on LexBlog will also receive an official emblem that will link to the winning post." You can read about Linn's selection here, and visit Robinson+Cole's Data Privacy + Security "Insider" blog here. 

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

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

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

Linn Freedman Presents at Annual Meeting of Greater Boston Chapter of ACFE

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team Chair Linn Freedman presented the program “Recent Cybersecurity Risks and Tips to Mitigate Them” at the annual meeting of the Greater Boston Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners on May 30, 2019. The theme of the all-day meeting and training was “Fraud in Many Forms.” Attendees also heard presentations on the subjects of "Stolen Identity Refund Fraud" from Ryan Talbot, a Special Agent of the Internal Revenue Service; "Business Email Compromise" offered by Josh Hatter, of the Financial Crimes Section of the U.S. Secret Service; "Healthcare Fraud-A Public Perspective" given by Toby Unger, Chief of the Medicaid Fraud Division, Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and "Healthcare Fraud-A Private Perspective" from Joshua Orr, Associate General Counsel and Director of Fraud Prevention and Recovery for Tufts Health Plans. 

Linn Freedman Is Panelist at New England Litigation Technology Professional's "Connect 2019" Conference

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team Chair Linn Freedman spoke at the 2nd annual New England Litigation Technology Professional's "Connect 2019," in Boston, MA on May 30, 2019. The one-day conference brought together industry experts and leaders from within the litigation and technology communities. Linn was featured on the "Privacy Panel," which offered practical insights covering the latest trends and developments in data privacy and technology. Other topics of panel discussion included "Trends in AI and Future Lawyering," "Proportionality in eDiscovery – From Mobile Devices to TAR" and "Anti-Money Laundering – New Battlegrounds for Due Diligence and Enforcement." The Honorable F. Dennis Saylor IV, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Massachusetts, was the event’s keynote speaker.  

Lisa Thompson Addresses Boston Bar Association's Health Care Conference

Health Law Group member Lisa Thompson was a featured speaker at the Boston Bar Association’s inaugural Health Care Conference in Boston, MA on May 30, 2019. Lisa spoke as a panelist on the program “Data Sharing Across the Health Care Industry.” She also participated as a member of the conference’s Advisory Committee. 

The event covered a variety of legal trends and developments affecting health care providers and institutions, payers, insurers, physicians, and medical groups, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, offering programs that included “Innovations in Health Care,” “Drug Pricing,” “Health Care Enforcement: What’s On the Horizon?” and the “Right to Try and Expanded Access to Investigational Drugs.” The full day of education and networking brought together firm experts, in-house counsel, regulators and policy leaders, and healthcare specialists – practitioners with the skills to help guide clients through the legal and regulatory changes they may face, as well as the industry knowledge to seize opportunities for growth and collaboration that can drive further improvement in the health care system.
 

Virginia McGarrity Authors Article on ACA Employer Shared Responsibility

Employee Benefits + Compensation Group lawyer Virginia McGarrity authored the article “ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Mandate,” published as a Practice Note in Lexis Practice Advisor® on March 19, 2019. The article describes the shared responsibility rules for so-called applicable large employers (ALE) implemented by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). 

Commonly referred to as the employer mandate or pay-or-play provisions of the ACA, the rules were designed to promote employers’ traditional role in providing access to health insurance for their employees despite rising health care costs, and to complement the ACA’s individual mandate, which requires individuals to obtain health coverage or pay an excise tax. And while tax reform legislation enacted in November 2017 effectively repeals the individual mandate as of 2019, the employer shared responsibility rules remain intact. Click here to read the full article. 

Jackie Scheib Presents at BioCT's "Legal & Tax Considerations for Life Sciences Companies Licensing Technology" Event

Intellectual Property + Technology Group Chair Jackie Scheib presented at BioCT's "Legal & Tax Considerations for Life Sciences Companies Licensing Technology" event in New Haven, CT on May 30, 2019. Her presentation addressed a variety of topics, including:

• Models for capturing revenue, negotiating for flexibility (or restrictions) in licenses, provisions to control for success as well as failure including bankruptcy, dispute resolution, and failure to commercialize, and mechanisms for controlling risk and containing liability.

The program also included remarks from representatives of CohnReznick LLP who spoke about revenue recognition considerations in licensing transactions and the new revenue standard applicable to collaborative licenses of IP.  The presentation was capped by Sean Cassidy, CFO of the Bio-pharma company Arvinas, Inc. He discussed its partnerships with two well-known pharmaceuticals/biotechs and negotiations for multi-year, strategic license agreements and research collaborations. The event was sponsored by Robinson+Cole and CohnReznick. 
 

Firm Attorneys Host AWI New England Local Circle Meeting in Boston

Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Rachel Kushel, Natale Di Natale, and Abby Warren hosted the Association of Workplace Investigators’ (AWI) New England Local Circle meeting at Robinson+Cole’s Boston office on May 23, 2019. The meeting featured a lively roundtable discussion on the topics of Investigative Reports and Findings, and offered networking opportunities.

AWI is an international professional membership association for attorneys, human resource professionals, private investigators and others who conduct, manage, or have a professional interest in workplace investigations, with a membership of more than 1,000 professionals. The organization is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the quality of impartial workplace investigations, as well as offering training and education programs. Britt-Marie is a co-convener of the New England Local Circle and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for AWI.

Jim Ray Presents Webinar on PFAS-Related Litigation

Jim Ray gave a webinar presentation on May 22 to public- and private-sector environmental professionals on litigation involving claims of health risks and environmental harm from the PFAS family of chemical compounds (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances). The webinar, “PFAS:  It’s Not Just a Groundwater Issue,” was presented by the New England Section of the Air & Waste Management Association. PFAS chemicals are found in Teflon coatings, water-proof fabrics, fire-fighting foams, food packaging, and a broad array of other products and applications. Jim was joined on the panel by technical leads at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the multi-national consulting firm TRC Environmental.

Robinson+Cole Receives Presidential Award for Export Service

Robinson+Cole received the Presidential Award for Export Service - the only law firm recognized among 48 awardees from across the U.S. Jeff White and Kevin Daly accepted the award on behalf of the firm presented by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Gilbert B. Kaplan at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on May 23, 2019. The "E" Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

In a congratulatory letter to the firm, Secretary Ross said “Robinson+Cole has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The "E" Awards Committee was very impressed with Robinson+Cole's work of broad impact within the business community to further expand U.S. exports. Your company's case studies demonstrating measurable export growth achieved by its clients were also particularly notable. Robinson+Cole's achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs.” The firm was honored to have R+C alumna, Joanne Rapuano, Chief Compliance Officer, North America for Embraer Executive Aircraft, Inc. join us at the ceremony. Jeff, Kevin and Joanne also met with U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal while in D.C. yesterday. Please see photos posted to R+C’s LinkedIn. 

Keisha Palmer Attends the 16th Annual Latinas and Power Symposium

Keisha Palmer attended the 16th Annual Latinas and Power Symposium at the invitation of Hartford City Treasurer, Adam Cloud, and Assistant City Treasurer, Carmen Sierra, held in Hartford, CT on May 16, 2019. Ms. Sierra received the Community Service award for her many years of service to the Latina community and the community in general. Former Robinson & Cole partner, Stanford "Sandy" Cloud, Jr., received the Honorary Latina Award for his consistent support throughout the years for the Latina community. Welcoming remarks were made by Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn Wooden and Sara Bronin, on behalf of her husband, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. 

Brian Freeman and Emilee Mooney Scott Present at MCTA Meeting

Brian Freeman and Emilee Mooney Scott were featured speakers at the recent half-day meeting of the Massachusetts Chemistry & Technology Alliance in Westfield, MA. Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the event, titled “Air Permitting & Compliance: What to Know, What to Do, What Not to Do.” Brian presented “Case Studies: Taking the Air Pollution Control Program from the Theoretical to the Practical,” and moderated a panel discussion on “Regulation, Permitting, Compliance & Enforcement.” Emilee presented a program on compliance audits and self-disclosure. The meeting also offered remarks from representatives of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as well as Tighe & Bond, an engineering and environmental consulting company, and Trinity Consultants, an environmental health and safety solutions firm.

Kathryn Rattigan Presents on "Cybersecurity in the Commercial Drone Industry" at Boston Bar Association

Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Group lawyer Kathryn Rattigan presented the program "Cybersecurity in the Commercial Drone Industry: Threats and Mitigation of Risk," hosted by the Boston Bar Association on May 23, 2019.  As drones extend further into areas of modern life, from package delivery to commercial surveillance, the law is straining to keep pace with technological advancements.  

During the brown bag seminar, Kathryn discussed how drones can be used to collect valuable data and increase the productivity, safety, and efficiency of organizations across many industries. She also provided an overview of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 regulations, waivers, the FAA “DroneZone,” and the FAA’s LAANC portal. In addition, she spoke about the onslaught of cybersecurity concerns and threats that must be better understood in order to allow drones to continue to operate safely in the national airspace.
 

Firm Lawyers Contribute to CBA's Appellate Advocacy Institute

Several members of Robinson+Cole's Appellate Practice Group recently contributed to the Connecticut Bar Association's (CBA) Appellate Advocacy Institute, an intensive two-day CLE program aimed at sharpening practitioner's appellate advocacy skills. Linda Morkan and Denis O'Malley, joined by Jeff Babbin of Wiggin & Dana, sat on a panel entitled "The Road to Appellate Review: How and When Your Case Can Get a Second (or Third) Look." Linda and Denis discussed drafting effective petitions for certification to the Connecticut Supreme Court - Linda drawing on her extensive experience as an appellate practitioner in Connecticut and Denis drawing on his recent experience as a clerk for the Court. Thomas Donlon, who serve as co-chair of the CBA's Appellate Advocacy Section, helped plan the Appellate Advocacy Institute. Jeff White also served as a faculty member at the Institute.

 

Providence Office Honored by United Way of Rhode Island

Earlier this month, Peter Lacouture and Brenda Vucci were honored at the United Way of Rhode Island’s "Campaign Leaders Thank You Luncheon" held at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The luncheon celebrated contributions and success in the 2018-2019 United Way campaign and recognized the top fundraisers among small, mid-size, and major companies in Rhode Island. Brenda and Peter were honored by the organization as “Change Makers,” defined as “dedicated Campaign Leaders and Committee members who inspire their colleagues to change lives and strengthen our community.” Kathryn Rattigan and Brenda attended the luncheon on behalf of Robinson+Cole. 

Jackie Scheib, Maria Scungio and Alaine Doolan Attend INTA Annual Meeting

Jackie Scheib, Maria Scungio and Alaine Doolan attended the International Trademark Association's Annual Meeting in Boston from May 18-22, 2019. The meeting highlighted a number of trending topics that are transforming the global IP landscape for the law, brand management and trademark protection, including "A Year of the EU GDPR and Access to WHOIS Data: Impact and Outlook for Brand Enforcement” and “Brexit: The Implications for Trademarks in the United Kingdom and the European Union." In addition to the general sessions, Jackie, Maria and Alaine hosted and attended a number of networking events, and held meetings with clients and law firms they work with from around the world. 

Ed Heath, Kevin Daly and Jeff White Speak at International Space Trade Summit

Robinson+Cole was a sponsor of the International Space Trade Summit in Hartford, CT on May 19-21, 2019, presented by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Kevin Daly was a panelist during the session “Export Compliance – An Industry Perspective: OEM & Supply Chain Perspectives on Meeting the Technological Challenges of Space.” Jeff White served as chair of the steering committee for the compliance track of programs. Ed Heath spoke on a panel focused on “Government Contracting and Related Compliance Strategies,” which covered topics including anti-bribery laws (such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), government contracting, and cybersecurity requirements.

The Summit focused on aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing and IT companies from the "5 Eyes" alliance countries - U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.K. - bringing those capabilities and the countries’ high-tech supply chains into the global space sector conversation. Current and future capabilities required to be in the sector as well as available opportunities were discussed, and companies were introduced to the space agencies, original equipment manufacturers, and supply chain subject matter experts in the 5 Eyes countries, allowing the firms to gain a better understanding of their respective space sectors.  Check out news and photos from the conference on LinkedIn.