Alan Rutkin and Deborah Robson Recipients of Leadership In Law Awards

Alan Rutkin, a partner in the firm’s Insurance & Coverage Litigation Practice Group and Deborah Robson, the firm’s Office Services Manager, have been selected as recipients of Long Island Business News’ “Leadership In Law” Awards for 2012.  The Leadership in Law Award recognizes individuals who dem- onstrate dedication, hard work, skill, tenacity and excellence, as well as leadership qualities in both the legal profession and in the community. Mr. Rutkin will receive the “Partner” award and Ms. Robson will receive the “Unsung Hero” award.

Mr. Rutkin is not only a distinguished leader in the practice of law, but he is also an active leader in the legal community; speaking at national conferences, writing a regularly featured column in a leading insurance industry trade magazine, and taking the lead in professional associations as well as pro bono and charitable endeavors.He possesses more than twenty-five years of experience in disputes involving enviromental issues and other complex claims, including claims against policyholder-owned insurers. Mr. Rutkin has addressed through litigation, arbitration and negotiation scores of claims in excess of $10 million. He is credited with successfully arbitrating a claim in 2009 arising from a toppled oil well, believed to be the only insurance coverage case of its kind addressed to final conclusion.  A frequent speaker on litigation and insurance topics, including the insurance implications of the current credit crisis, Mr. Rutkin has spoken at the A.M. Best Insurance Information & Technology Conference, the American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute, the New York City Bar Association, the Insurance Federation of New York, the American Bar Association (ABA) and Avus International Loss Adjusters in Austria.

Ms. Robson is responsible for managing the firm’s fax, mail, reception, supplies, maintenance, catering, messenger and security functions.  She also overseas office moves; including shifting of attorneys and professional staff.  Ms. Robson also plans all of the firm’s major events, including the holiday client reception held in the lobby of RXR Plaza each year and the firm’s holiday party, support staff outing, partner retreats, receptions, and a host of other initiatives.For more than a decade, she has lead the firm’s Mentoring Team, assembling a group of attorneys and other firm professionals who agree to mentor a child, for whom English is a Second Language (ESL) at the Summit Lane School.  The group meets with their mentees weekly throughout the school year – an enormous commitment.  This year, the group received recognitition for their extraordinary commitment to these children, including a proclamation from Hempstead Town Supervisor, Kate Murray.

Mr. Rutkin and Ms. Robson will be honored at a dinner held at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Thursday, November 29.