Robinson & Cole LLP’s partners were confident they could expand into Rhode Island with Dana M. Horton, a senior associate attorney, staffing the office.
Daniel Sullivan, one of the firm’s partners, remarks in her 40 Under Forty application that her “experience and skill set were a critical part of our firm’s ability to expand into Providence.” The firm had observed that rather than being intimidated, she’s energized by new opportunities.
One of the strengths of the University of Rhode Island graduate is mentoring, something she learned early in her career. When she interned with H. Reed Cosper, the state of Rhode Island mental health advocate, his approach to his vocation impressed her. “He advocated for people who cannot advocate for themselves. I watched him do that many times with no fear,” she says.
Since that time, Horton has held multiple legal positions and now successfully represents some of the country’s most well-known companies. But remembering Cosper’s example, she finds time to advocate for others, especially as a mentor.
Alexandria Baez, an associate attorney at Robinson & Cole, saw how Horton made the effort she didn’t need to: “Mentoring me was something that she took upon herself.”
Horton volunteers her time to represent those who cannot do it themselves. Her pro bono efforts on three cases in 2009 prevented evictions from homes and aided a severely ill Rhode Island resident.
Time from her schedule is also taken for the Human Rights Committee for Perspectives Corporation, the North Kingstown-based service provider for developmentally disabled adults and children.
“What is impressive about Dana is that she is not only a go-to person for those of us here at Robinson & Cole, but for our clients, the Rhode Island legal community, and her personal community of Westerly,” said Patricia Igoe, partner at Robinson and Cole. •
