Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com March 23, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 43 ADVERTISEMENT Members of the Hartford office of Robinson+Cole gather together to celebrate their firm's support for "Go Red for Women." Through "Jeans Days" such as this, in 2014 the Hartford office alone raised nearly $2,000 which was donated to local causes. ' ' The firm has a very strong commitment to our people. Profiles in Excellence Celebrating 10 Years ~ 2006-2015 T he fact that the Hartford-based law firm of Robinson+Cole is recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Connecticut is impressive beyond the award itself. With 205 lawyers and 195 sup- port staff members in seven Northeast offices and one in Florida and one in California — well, that's a lot of happy people over a vast territory. For the firm, founded in 1845, this focus on employ- ees is nothing new. Maggie Bowen has been its human resources manager for nearly 26 years. "Culturally, it's something that's been here for many, many years," she said of the employee-centric commitment. "We continue to strive to make it a best place to work." By providing team members with work flexibility, competitive benefits, performance-based incentives, social activities, wellness initiatives and community involvement, Bowen said the firm has built a reputation that speaks for itself. And the evidence is there: when recruiting, she finds potential employees who say they've always wanted to work at Robinson+Cole. Remote support Technology has been a great tool in helping the firm's employees telecommute, participate in trainings, increase their efficiency and collaborate between loca- tions, Bowen said. Some attorneys may meet with cli- ents closer to home or work from home in the morning and see clients later in the day. With more adults facing issues with aging parents, flexibility is becoming even more important, she noted. And the firm has more than kept up with these work- place needs. "The pace of technology is not slowing down," said Director of Finance Rob Inglis. "Younger attorneys are used to and expect to work in that environment; mobility is a big thing. It's really how work gets done now." An exceptional benefits package is another way employees are shown they are valued at the firm. Bowen said the company puts 6.5 percent into 401(k) plans and is incredibly generous in matching employees' contribu- tions as well. This, paired with a solid health care plan, contributes to the positive workplace culture. Attorneys and staffers are also encouraged to bet- ter themselves professionally, said Bowen, with perfor- mance- based incentives. The firm encourages continu- ing education and offers tuition reimbursement for all employees, with some requirements. Membership in professional organizations is also supported. Team building with social activities is accomplished in myriad ways. For instance, the firm has a history of sponsoring softball and basketball teams, hosts Friday night socials and an ice cream social, and offers birthday cakes and holiday parties, all to foster camaraderie. "There's a conscious effort to provide the same type of experience across offices," Bowen said. A newer focus at Robinson+Cole is to help employees improve their health, physically and mentally. "Studies show great benefit when you have people feeling good," Inglis said. A wellness committee, with eight members across all offices, works to find new ways to promote good health. This comes in the form of wellness fairs, more ergonomi- cally friendly standing desks, "lunch and learn" programs broadcast to each office, the offering of healthy food and information, and discounted YMCA memberships. The Hartford office, says Bowen, has showers and a bike room for storage. Our Passport to Wellness program, where employees had their "passports" stamped from vendors at our wellness fair, was a big success last year, she said. Volunteerism is another way the firm gives to its employees — improving where they work and live. Pro bono work is done via affiliations with social service agencies, including the Greater Hartford Legal Aid Foun- dation, founded in 1914 by firm associate Thomas Hewes. "There is a special emphasis on women, children and veterans," said Brian T. Smith, director of marketing and business development for Robinson+Cole. For instance, through a domestic violence program, attorneys advo- cate for women seeking restraining orders at court in Middletown on a regular basis. "The firm has a very strong commitment to our peo- ple," said Bowen. "It makes us attractive and one of the best places to work." Employee amenities constant, evolving Robinson +Cole Address: 280 Trumbull St., Hartford, CT 06103; 1055 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901; 88 Howard Street, Suite C-1, New London, CT 06320; Boston, Providence, New York, Albany, Los Angeles, Miami Phone: 860-275-8200 Fax: 860-275-8299 Website: www.rc.com Number of Employees: 318 in CT, 400 firmwide Top Executives: John B. Lynch Jr., Managing Partner; Michael R. Enright; Rhonda J. Tobin; Edward V. (Ted) O'Hanlan; J. Michael Wirvin; Howard K. Shafer, COO Product or Service: Legal Services Year Founded: 1845 Recognized as a Best Place to Work in CT: seven out of the last ten years

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