Rachel V. Kushel is a partner and chair of Robinson+Cole’s Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigration + Tax Group.
She counsels clients on all employment law and workplace human resource issues. She defends management in state and federal court litigation matters and administrative agency claims.
Kushel’s practice focuses on a wide range of employment law matters, including employment litigation and administrative advocacy; counseling, compliance and training; handling sensitive, high-risk personnel issues and workplace investigations; and pro bono work.
She is a trained workplace investigator who regularly conducts, manages and provides advice regarding workplace investigations involving all types of employment-related issues.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
While I have obtained favorable trial verdicts multiple times and secured summary judgment (e.g., dismissal of a case prior to trial) on more than 15 occasions throughout the course of my career, I am most proud of the myriad of occasions where I have guided clients through challenging and complicated employment matters leading to favorable outcomes that avoided litigation.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
I would like to work with the next generation of lawyers to build their knowledge base and achieve professional success.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
Particularly early in my career, overcoming preconceived and erroneous judgment based on age and gender.
How are you involved in the community?
I regularly work pro bono, providing employment counseling advice for several nonprofit organizations. I was a board member at the Center for Family Justice for several years, and served on the executive committee of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section.
What are your keys to maintaining business success?
Build a foundation of credibility and transparency. Become someone that people from all parts of your industry (e.g., colleagues, clients, even competitors) can count on. Learn from both wins and losses. Treat everyone with respect.
Most importantly because it is the right thing to do, but also because you never know when you might reencounter someone in a different context.
For example, today’s competitor may become tomorrow’s business source.