Richard A. Robinson

Partner

F: (860) 218 9958
Overview Insights News Education and Credentials Recognition and Community

Overview

Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court Richard "Ric" Robinson (ret.) brings a unique perspective to our firm after serving in courts throughout Connecticut before being appointed to the Connecticut Appellate Court in 2007, and the Connecticut Supreme Court in 2013. His 24-year tenure on the bench has equipped him with a deep understanding of the legal landscape, including complex commercial disputes, and a keen insight into the minds of judges and jurors.

Ric offers our clients valuable guidance at both the trial and appellate levels. His firsthand knowledge of the judicial process, coupled with his extensive experience in a wide range of practice areas, enables him to provide strategic advice and counsel on a wide range of matters. As a former judge, he is well-versed in the nuances of the law and the intricacies of courtroom procedures. His ability to anticipate potential legal challenges and develop effective strategies significantly enhances our clients' chances of success in complex commercial disputes. Clients can rely on Ric's solid reputation as a tough, incisive, and thoughtful jurist.

When appointed by then-Governor Dannel P. Malloy in 2018, Ric became the first African American Chief Justice in the history of the Connecticut Supreme Court. He started his legal career serving as Staff Counsel for the Law Department of the City of Stamford, where he was born and raised. In 1988, he became Assistant Corporation Counsel in Stamford, and then, he was appointed to be a Judge of the Superior Court in 2000. Prior to joining the State Appellate Court, during his seven years as a Superior Court Judge, Ric served as Presiding Judge (Civil) for the New Britain Judicial District (2003-2006) and the Stamford Judicial District (2007); and Assistant Administrative Judge for the Ansonia/Milford Judicial District (2006-2007).

Ric has been praised for promoting the use of technology in the judicial system; ensuring that people had access to the courts, especially during the pandemic; and making progress on diversity, equity and inclusion during his years of service on the Connecticut bench.

Insights

News

Education and Credentials

Education
West Virginia University School of Law, J.D., 1984
University of Connecticut, B.A., 1979
Admissions
State of Connecticut
State of West Virginia
U.S. District Court, Connecticut
U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia
Affiliations
Connecticut State Bar Association
Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows, Life Fellow
New Haven Inn of Court, 2002-Present
Conference of Chief Justices, 2018-2024
National Center for State Courts, First Vice President, 2023-2024
Committee on Federal-State Jurisdiction of the Judicial Conference of the United States, 2022- 2024
Lawyers Assistance, Advisory Board, 2007-2018
National Center for State Courts, National Board of Directors, 2019-2022, 2023-2024
National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts' Response to Mental Illness, 2020-2022
Advisory Committee on Cultural Competency, Chairperson, 2009-2022
Rules Committee, Chairperson, 2017-2018
Legal Internship Committee, 2013-2017
Bench-Bar, Foreclosure Committee, 2007-2014
Court Annexed, Mediator, 2005-2014
Civil Commission, 2005-2014
Judicial Education Committee, 2003-2014
Judicial Education Curriculum Committee, 2002-2014
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, Commissioner, 1997-2000; Chair 1999-2000
Assistant Corporation Counsel's Union (AFSCME), President, 1989-2000

Recognition and Community

Recognition

No aspect of these advertisements has been approved by the highest court of any state. See Awards Methodology.

NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut, 2021

Connecticut Bar Foundation Distinguished Service Award, 2020

Quinnipiac School of Law Black Student Association Thurgood Marshall Award, 2019

ABOTA Judicial Excellence Award, 2019

Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities' Alvin W. Penn Award for Excellence in Leadership, 2018

Ebony Magazine Power 100 Award, 2018

Connecticut Bar Association's Henry J. Naruk Judiciary Award for Integrity, 2017

Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Diversity Award, 2010

Community

Discovering Amistad, National Advisory Council, 2018-Present; National Advisory Board, 2015-2018

NAACP, Stamford Branch, President, 1988-1990

NAACP, Connecticut Conference, General Counsel, 1988-2000