Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-06

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD A. SILVER

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Context

On 2026-01-06, Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO RICHARD A. SILVER" in the Senate. The speech addressed healthcare and also covered taxes, the environment. It referenced legislation: S46.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO RICHARD A. SILVER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S46] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO RICHARD A. SILVER Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable career of Richard A. Silver. Rick has long been recognized as a model of excellence in Connecticut's legal profession and as a national leader and champion for victims of wrongful harm and injustice. His specialties are in medical malpractice, personal injury, and complex civil litigation, but he is truly a tireless advocate of fairness and decency in a wide variety of causes. Rick was born and raised in Stamford, CT, and became interested in the law as a means to give back to his community and help others. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1960, he returned to Connecticut to begin work at the law firm of David Goldstein. Rick was an immediate success--in fact, winning his very first case despite being given less than a week to prepare. In 1965, he set out on his own, eventually joined in his new firm by partners David Golub in 1975 and Ernie Teitell in 1978. From the outset, he sought to stay small and excel. His model has been so successful that many of his cases are referrals from other lawyers, a testament to the firm's extraordinary record and reputation. Rick's legal advocacy has changed the landscape of medical malpractice law in Connecticut. His arguments before the Connecticut Supreme Court for the 1976 case of Katsetos v. Stamford Hospital were pathbreaking in the assessment of medical expert testimony and cemented a statewide standard of care. His victories in many other cases like Pisel v. Stamford Hospital and Oram v. DeCholnoky have been precedent setting and historic in imposing accountability and access to legal remedies. Rick has been widely and repeatedly recognized and honored, and his leadership has been instrumental in raising standards of professional excellence. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America under Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability Litigation since 1987 and has been included in Connecticut Super Lawyers since its inception. He is also on the board of governors for the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, where he is co-chairman of the medical malpractice committee, previously served as president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is a member of both the American Law Institute and the American Association for Justice. Equally important, Rick has been an extraordinary mentor and model, generously devoting his skill to developing talent in others and finding opportunities for others to excel. He has helped young lawyers to achieve success and public service. Rick's lifelong commitment to giving back includes numerous worthy causes and organizations. His generosity is longstanding and legendary. He is a major supporter of the Silver Education Center, named in honor of his family, at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT. He is also engaged in supporting higher education as a member of the board of trustees at Quinnipiac University and a member of the advisory boards for both the Quinnipiac University School of Law and Medical School. Having recently celebrated his 90th birthday and more than six decades of remarkable public service, he shows no sign of slowing down. Now, as ever, the legal profession relies on him--as do countless clients seeking justice--for his dedication, courage, and skill. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the remarkable career and work of Richard A. Silver. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO RICHARD A. SILVER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S46] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO RICHARD A. SILVER Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable career of Richard A. Silver. Rick has long been recognized as a model of excellence in Connecticut's legal profession and as a national leader and champion for victims of wrongful harm and injustice. His specialties are in medical malpractice, personal injury, and complex civil litigation, but he is truly a tireless advocate of fairness and decency in a wide variety of causes. Rick was born and raised in Stamford, CT, and became interested in the law as a means to give back to his community and help others. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1960, he returned to Connecticut to begin work at the law firm of David Goldstein. Rick was an immediate success--in fact, winning his very first case despite being given less than a week to prepare. In 1965, he set out on his own, eventually joined in his new firm by partners David Golub in 1975 and Ernie Teitell in 1978. From the outset, he sought to stay small and excel. His model has been so successful that many of his cases are referrals from other lawyers, a testament to the firm's extraordinary record and reputation. Rick's legal advocacy has changed the landscape of medical malpractice law in Connecticut. His arguments before the Connecticut Supreme Court for the 1976 case of Katsetos v. Stamford Hospital were pathbreaking in the assessment of medical expert testimony and cemented a statewide standard of care. His victories in many other cases like Pisel v. Stamford Hospital and Oram v. DeCholnoky have been precedent setting and historic in imposing accountability and access to legal remedies. Rick has been widely and repeatedly recognized and honored, and his leadership has been instrumental in raising standards of professional excellence. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America under Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability Litigation since 1987 and has been included in Connecticut Super Lawyers since its inception. He is also on the board of governors for the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, where he is co-chairman of the medical malpractice committee, previously served as president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is a member of both the American Law Institute and the American Association for Justice. Equally important, Rick has been an extraordinary mentor and model, generously devoting his skill to developing talent in others and finding opportunities for others to excel. He has helped young lawyers to achieve success and public service. Rick's lifelong commitment to giving back includes numerous worthy causes and organizations. His generosity is longstanding and legendary. He is a major supporter of the Silver Education Center, named in honor of his family, at the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT. He is also engaged in supporting higher education as a member of the board of trustees at Quinnipiac University and a member of the advisory boards for both the Quinnipiac University School of Law and Medical School. Having recently celebrated his 90th birthday and more than six decades of remarkable public service, he shows no sign of slowing down. Now, as ever, the legal profession relies on him--as do countless clients seeking justice--for his dedication, courage, and skill. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the remarkable career and work of Richard A. Silver. ____________________