ROBERT W. HELLNER
Robert’s civil practice involves defending
employment law, professional malpractice, environmental law, commercial
lender liability and personal injury claims in both New York and
Connecticut state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
Robert's employment practice involves defending
employers against claims such as wrongful discharge and employment
discrimination under state, federal and New York City law, as
well as advising and defending employers in employee benefits
litigation brought under the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act (ERISA). Robert’s professional malpractice practice
involves defending individual attorneys and law firms against
legal malpractice, defamation and unfair trade practices claims.
He also has extensive experience defending commercial lender clients
in contested foreclosure matters and contractors against environmental
claims involving hazardous material spills. In addition, Robert
has substantial experience with both major and minor personal
injury claims arising out of premises liability, motor vehicle
accidents and rental car liability.
Before joining Litchfield Cavo, Robert was
selected for a year clerkship in the legal research division of
the Connecticut Superior Court, assisting judges in the judicial
districts of New Haven, Hartford, New Britain, and Litchfield.
Before that, Robert served as a law clerk for the Attorney General
of Connecticut where he was authorized to appear in civil proceedings
for the Department of Public Health & Safety and assisted
in the drafting of Opinion Letters.
Robert served several terms as an associate
member of the Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission for
the town of Canton, Connecticut. He is also a former board member
of the Friends of Heublein Tower, a non-profit preservation society.
Education
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law, JD, 2005; Journal
of Technology, Law & Policy, Network Editor
- Carnegie Mellon University, BA, 2001; honors in English with
Art History specialty
Admissions
- New York
- Connecticut
- United States District Court: District of Connecticut, Southern
District of New York, Eastern District of New York
- Mohegan Tribal Gaming Disputes Court
Professional Activities
- Defense Research Institute, Professional Liability and Insurance
Defense committees
- Connecticut Bar Association
Publications
- National Forum for Environmental & Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI)
newsletter, editor, 2009-2010