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.
Education and Credentials
Education
- West Virginia University School of Law, J.D., 1984
- University of Connecticut, B.A., 1979
Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia
- U.S. District Court, Connecticut
- State of Connecticut
- State 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 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
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Recognitions
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 Involvement
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
In The Media
Media Mention
- Retired Conn. Chief Justice Discusses Career and New Role, Law360 Pulse, September 26, 2024
- Former Chief Justice Richard Robinson Joins Day Pitney, Diverse Lawyers Network, September 20, 2024
- The Daily Docket Industry Moves, Thomson Reuters' The Daily Docket , September 23, 2024
- Day Pitney Adds Former Chief Justice to Litigation Dept, CT News Junkie, September 17, 2024
- Chief Justice Robinson Joins Day Pitney, Connecticut Law Tribune, September 17, 2024
- Day Pitney Taps Ex-Connecticut Chief Justice Robinson as Partner, Bloomberg Law, September 16, 2024
- Retired Conn. Chief Justice Starts Next Chapter at Day Pitney, Law360, September 16, 2024
- 'Humble Yet Assertive': Recently Retired Chief Justice Robinson Named Partner at CT Law Firm, Hartford Business Journal, September 16, 2024
Speaking Engagements
- Judicial Institutes, 2003-Present
- Spring and Fall Lectures, 2003-Present