Hartford-Based Attorney Honored As Female 'Trailblazer'

Courtesy of Robinson+Cole

HARTFORD, CT — Robinson+Cole lawyer and partner in charge of the firm’s Hartford office, Keisha S. Palmer, was recognized by The Bond Buyer as a “Trailblazing Woman in Public Finance.”

Her honor came during the publication’s annual Deal of the Year Awards Gala held in New York City Dec. 6.

Palmer was also featured in a special supplement published in the Dec. 7 edition of The Bond Buyer.

"Supported by the Northeast Women in Public Finance (NEWPF), the Trailblazing Women in Public Finance award honors an elite group of women recognized for their accomplishments and commitment to the industry as well as helping to define a new generation of leaders," according to an announcement by the law firm.

Palmer was among just four other women selected from the private sector to receive the national award.

Palmer advises state, municipal and Indian tribal governments as well as quasi-government agencies on all aspects of the issuance of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and other debt.

Since joining Robinson+Cole in the fall of 2009, Palmer’s work has included assisting public and private entities in understanding the complexities inherent in transactions involving tax-advantaged obligations.

She represents the State of Connecticut as bond counsel and lead tax counsel, leading negotiations on the issuance of over $16.2 billion of general obligation bonds and notes, including refunding bonds, economic recovery notes, working capital financings, general obligation bonds issued as qualified 501(c)(3) bonds, and bank credit facilities.

Palmer has held numerous leadership positions of several professional associations and organizations, including the National Association of Bond Lawyers, Northeast Women in Public Finance and the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association.

She serves as chair of Robinson+Cole’s Hiring Committee and is an active member of the firm’s Diversity Equity + Inclusion and Nomination Committees.

In 2008, in collaboration with Hartford Public Schools and the University of Connecticut School of Law, Palmer co-founded the Summer Law Institute, a four-week pipeline program designed to introduce urban students to the possibilities that exist in the legal profession, to create clear pathways for increased diversity within the legal community and to open doors and directly impact young people in the Hartford area.

Earlier this year, Palmer was selected by the Hartford Business Journal for inclusion in its 2022 “Women in Business” recognition.

She was among 25 honorees who demonstrate business savvy, confidence in themselves and their organizations, and a strong track record of professional leadership.

For Keisha S. Palmer's biography, click on this link.

For more information on The Bond Trader, click on this link.

For more information on Robinson + Cole, click on this link.