RK Alumni Connect Newsletter

We are excited to highlight alumni news, firm news, including recent firm successes, pro bono work, and past and upcoming events.

Announcements

Alumni News:

In October 2025, Jill Casselman was appointed to serve as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court by Governor Gavin Newsom. Jill was an associate at Robins Kaplan from 2013-2019, where she practiced property and complex business litigation. In 2019, she joined the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

We congratulate Jill on this distinguished achievement and wish her continued success in her judicial service.

Firm News:

Robins Kaplan Achieves National Tier 1 Rankings in Multiple Practice Areas on 2026 Best Law Firms List
Robins Kaplan has been recognized as a National Tier 1 firm across three practice areas on the 2026 “Best Law Firms” list, compiled by Best Lawyers. In addition to earning top-tier national rankings, Robins Kaplan offices also secured Tier 1 placements in several metropolitan areas. Read more here.

Robins Kaplan Named One of BTI’s Most Feared Firms in Litigation for 2026
BTI has named the firm to its annual list of "Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation." This recognition highlights the firm’s strategic, aggressive, and innovative approach to litigation. Read more here.

Practice Highlights

The firm continues its track record of impactful work both inside and outside of the courtroom. Here are a few recent highlights:

Robins Kaplan Secures Complete Victory in Trademark, Copyright and Misappropriation Likeness Litigation on Behalf of Renowned Mexican Band Banda Maguey
Robins Kaplan secured a complete settlement victory on behalf of its client legendary Mexican musical group Banda Maguey and its band members Fernando Guardado, Jose Rosario Cisneros, and Luis Antonio Plasencia. The resolution concludes two-and-a-half years of litigation against multiple defendants in two cases centered on the unauthorized use of the Banda Maguey name and brand in the United States, and entailed related proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and various tribunals in Mexico. Read more here.

Robins Kaplan Files Complaint Against Eagan Police and Dakota County Correctional Officers After Man Dies from Stroke Due to Deliberate Indifference
The civil rights attorneys at Minneapolis-based law firm Robins Kaplan have filed a lawsuit against Eagan police officers, Dakota County correctional officers, and Dakota County, after 50-year-old Minnesota resident Kingsley Fifi Bimpong suffered a hemorrhagic stroke which resulted in his death. The complaint alleges that the authorities failed to take appropriate action for five hours and 40 minutes while Kingsley was in custody, exhibiting obvious physical and cognitive abnormalities that required urgent medical attention. Read more here.

Pro Bono

Law360 Ranks Robins Kaplan Among Top Firms in Nation for Pro Bono
Robins Kaplan is pleased to announce that it ranked second in the nation for pro bono among firms with 101-250 attorneys, according to Law360’s annual pro bono survey. Read more here.

Pro Bono Representation Protects Safety and Academic Work of Victim-Survivor of Domestic Violence
The firm recently represented a PhD student who was seeking a harassment restraining order against a faculty member. We successfully negotiated a detailed agreement which barred direct contact with our client while outlining terms that allow our client to move forward with their academic career, going far beyond what could have been obtained in a trial.

Pro Bono Opportunities

• Tubman Pro Bono Safety Project (Minnesota): Help victim-survivors of domestic violence obtain orders of protection.
• ABA Free Legal Answers (Nationwide): Help a low-income client with legal advice online through the American Bar Association.
• Children’s Law Center (Minnesota): Advocate for the express wishes of a child in foster care.

Stay Connected

Events

15th Annual Disability Justice Seminar
On October 7, 2025, Robins Kaplan, along with the Federal Bar Association’s Minnesota Chapter Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental, hosted the 15th Annual Disability Justice Seminar. Attendees from across the Twin Cities gathered to learn more about the evolution of disability rights law, the impact of landmark cases, and ongoing efforts of the implementation of the Minnesota Olmstead Plan, to honor Sr. U.S. District Judge for the District of Minnesota Donovan W. Frank’s 40 years on the bench, and to discuss the path from exclusion to inclusion in disability justice within the federal judiciary.

New York Office 15 Year Anniversary
In November 2025, the New York office gathered to celebrate its fifteen-year anniversary — a milestone made possible by our exceptional colleagues, alumni, and friends who have helped build and strengthen this office since day one.

(Left to right: Robins Kaplan partners Tim Purdon and B. Todd Jones, Executive Board Chair and Managing Partner Tony Froio, former U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch, partner Brendan Johnson and former summer associate Angela Ni)

New Year Message

Dear Robins Kaplan Alumni,

As we welcome 2026, I want to take a moment to connect with you and celebrate the continued growth and evolution of our firm. This year is especially meaningful as we mark 30 years in Los Angeles and 15 years in New York — milestones that reflect our enduring commitment to our clients, communities, and the legal profession.

Over the past year, our teams have continued to do work we’re proud of, both for our clients and in our communities. From strengthening pro bono partnerships to expanding mentorship opportunities within the firm, we’ve stayed focused on the work that reinforces our values and makes a lasting impact.

Our alumni play an essential role in that story. Many of you continue to lead in your fields, serve your communities, and contribute to the profession in ways that reflect the best of what we stand for. Your experiences and perspectives enrich our broader network, and staying connected with you remains a priority for us.

As we look ahead, we’re planning several opportunities to reconnect —through events, conversations, and initiatives designed to bring our alumni community even closer together. I hope you’ll join us when you can, and I always welcome hearing from you directly.

Wishing you and your families a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Best regards,

Tony Froio
Chair of the Executive Board and Managing Partner