Chief Justice Richard Robinson: A Legacy of Fairness, Learning, and Leadership

When Richard A. Robinson was sworn in as Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court in 2018, he made history as the first African American to hold the position. A lifelong student of history and human behavior, he has spent his career working to ensure fairness, modernize Connecticut’s judicial system, and confront implicit bias in the pursuit of justice.

A Life Shaped by Education and Mentorship

Born in Stamford in 1957, Robinson grew up in a city marked by racial disparities in housing and in the public education system. His parents, who moved to Connecticut seeking opportunity, instilled in him a deep love of learning. His father was raised in the south in the 1930s,  and despite only receiving a third-grade education, was a voracious reader who valued knowledge above all else. “He was the most intelligent and educated man that I ever knew,” said Robinson.

One of Robinson’s most formative moments came in fourth grade when his teacher, Mrs. Harris, told his class: “You are the cream of the crop—you can do anything you want.” It was the first time he had heard those words, and they left a lasting impact. Decades later, when he became Chief Justice, Mrs. Harris’s son Greg Harris contacted and said that his mother had passed away, but that she would be so proud of him. While he did not get to thank Mrs. Harris for the impact that she had on his life, Robinson said that talking to her son about it was the next best thing.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Robinson attended West Virginia University College of Law, where he faced challenges in a largely non-diverse environment. Struggling with the format of law school exams in his first year, he turned to Professor Rothstein, who created an exam-preparation course not just for Robinson but for all students—an example of equitable problem-solving that Robinson carried into his own leadership.

A Career Committed to Justice

Robinson began his legal career in 1985 as a staff attorney for the City of Stamford, later serving as Assistant Corporation Counsel. His judicial career began in 2000 with his appointment to the Connecticut Superior Court, followed by the Appellate Court in 2007 before then-Governor Dannel Malloy appointed Robinson to the Connecticut Supreme Court in 2013. In 2018, Malloy appointed Robinson as Chief Justice, becoming the first Black leader of the state’s highest court.

Reforming the Judicial System

As Chief Justice, Robinson led major efforts to modernize Connecticut’s judicial system and confront implicit bias. He championed policies, training, and statistical analysis to ensure fairness in sentencing, bonding, and jury selection. His Jury Selection Task Force introduced reforms such as revised jury instructions on implicit bias, new court rules to prevent racial discrimination, and improved accessibility for jurors through financial support for transportation and family care.

A firm believer in self-awareness, Robinson encourages people to “practice the pause”—to recognize implicit bias and make conscious, fair decisions. “Implicit bias is real, we all have it, AND we can out-think those initial thoughts.”

A National Voice

Under Robinson’s leadership, Connecticut became one of the most diverse judicial systems in the country. His expertise led to invitations to speak and train courts nationwide, including in places  where discussions on race and bias can be met with resistance. “Being able to travel to these different areas gives me a lot of hope,” Robinson says. “It deepens my belief that most people are good—that we are all better than our biggest mistake.”

His message remains clear: true justice requires inclusivity, deep listening, and a commitment to fairness.

A Lasting Impact

Justice Richard Robinson’s career is not just about breaking barriers—it’s about building a more just, empathetic, and fair legal system. He will continue to inspire future leaders in the legal profession and beyond in his new role as Partner at Day Pitney, one of the largest law firms in the region. In addition to working in the litigation department and serving the appellate practice group, Robinson will continue to provide data-driven trainings and give public presentations on implicit bias and the justice system.

“I’m deeply grateful that I can continue to do this work and develop a practice at a forward-looking firm,” Robinson says. “It’s an incredible opportunity.”

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During Black History Month, we honor Chief Justice Richard Robinson not just for the history he has made, but for the future he continues to shape.