Ex-Judge's Law Firm Faces Disqualification

0:00A big ethics clash is pausing in Connecticut courts over former Chief Justice Richard Robinson jumping from the bench to a law firm handling a case he, once oversaw. This decade-old contract beef pits CCP equity partners founder John Clinton against three ex-partners. Robinson retired in 2024, joined day Pitney as counsel for Clinton, and now faces a disqualification push for breaking rules on. Judges turned to lawyers. The dispute hit the state Supreme Court twice. Back in 2022, Robinson led the panel that sent it back down without ruling. After he joined the firm, billing records show he logged 15.7 hours and $1,110 an hour while prepping the second appeal. That round also bounced it to lower court for a fresh trial set this spring. The opposing partners, wrapped by attorneys like Gary Flynn, argue Robinson gave day Pitney inside or edge on how justices saw the contract issues.

1:00Violating conduct rules that bar ex-judges from substantial work on old cases without everyone's written okay. They want the whole firm sidelined. Day Pitney cops to the rule slip, but fires back that Robinson's input was tiny and irrelevant, so no need for harsh punishment like disqualification. They note he stopped work, last August 2025, and stays out no matter what. Right now the fights on ice as both sides hash out a deal. With public access to filing spotting, eyes stay glued for the next move ahead of that spring trial. From your city, powered by AI, this is Hartford News Today. I'm Corey with The Story.