Robinson+Cole recognized 13 lawyers and business professionals for their mentorship; community service; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI+B) leadership; pro bono service; wellbeing initiatives; and technology innovation as part of the firm's annual awards program. The awards were presented by Managing Partner J. Michael Wirvin, who noted that the honors hold special significance because recipients are nominated by their colleagues and peers.

Mentors of the Year

The 2026 Robinson+Cole Mentor + Advisor Award recipients were Meryl Breeden, Katherine Skonberg, and Heather Seidel.

Meryl, counsel in the firm’s Financial Lines team in New York, was recognized for her meaningful impact as a trusted mentor and advisor. Through both formal and informal mentoring relationships, she provides practical guidance, thoughtful perspective, and steadfast support that helps colleagues navigate complex matters, build confidence, and integrate into the firm. She also served as a panelist during associate orientation, sharing valuable insights on professional development and career growth.

Katherine, an associate in the Business Transactions group in Washington, DC, was honored for her commitment to helping colleagues feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they navigate their careers at Robinson+Cole. As both a junior advisor and lateral advisor, she is known for fostering connection and helping colleagues build relationships, ask questions, and successfully integrate into the firm's culture.

Heather, office administrator for the Boston, Providence, Washington, DC, and Bethesda offices, was recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to mentoring, supporting, and advocating for colleagues. Her guidance during the Boston office relocation and her ongoing commitment to helping others succeed have earned her widespread respect across the firm.

Community Service Award

The 2026 Robinson+Cole Community Service Award was presented to Lauren Sigg and Doreen Wiese.

Lauren, a partner in the Immigration group in Hartford, was recognized for her sustained commitment to community service through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism. Her service includes board leadership with Interval House, Connecticut's largest domestic violence agency, work with the Hartford Advisory Board of Pro Bono Partnership, and mentorship of emerging community leaders. Her efforts have strengthened organizations and expanded support for individuals and families throughout the community.

Doreen, a paralegal in the Boston office, was honored for her longstanding dedication to service and volunteer leadership. Through her involvement with church organizations, educational programs, Orphan Grain Train, and Operation Christmas Child, she has devoted significant time to supporting charitable initiatives and helping individuals in need.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Award

Immediate Past Managing Partner and Chair of the Firm’s Growth Committee Rhonda Tobin received the firm's 2026 DEI+B Award for her enduring commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. As Robinson+Cole's first woman managing partner and a longtime member of the firm's Managing Committee, Rhonda helped cultivate a culture grounded in inclusion, collaboration, civility, and belonging. During her tenure, the firm achieved Mansfield Certification Plus status, strengthened its DEI+B efforts, and advanced policies and practices that support inclusion and professional growth. Her leadership extended beyond the firm through community service and civic engagement, including her role as chair of the Connecticut Judicial Review Council.

Pro Bono Award

The firm's Pro Bono Committee recognized Stephanie Oppenheim, Tyler Haas, and Isabella Grillo for their outstanding commitment to pro bono service.

Stephanie, an associate in the Managed Care + ERISA Litigation group in Philadelphia, was honored for her leadership in organizing and leading the firm's record-clearing clinic in collaboration with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity and for her ongoing volunteer work supporting low-income Philadelphians through estate planning, guardianship, family law, and gender-affirming name change matters.

Tyler, an associate in the Business Litigation group in Hartford, was recognized for contributing nearly 350 hours of pro bono service in less than two years at the firm. His work has included assisting clients seeking sentence reductions in federal criminal matters and representing individuals facing significant legal and privacy concerns in civil matters.

Isabella, an associate in the Managed Care + ERISA Litigation group in Boston, was honored for dedicating more than 250 hours of pro bono service to immigration and civil rights matters. Her efforts have included representing a child in a complex immigration case and assisting an incarcerated client in a federal civil rights matter involving religious rights.

Wellbeing Award

The firm’s Wellbeing Committee awarded Ray Carta and Valerie York.

Ray, counsel in the firm’s Managed Care + ERISA Litigation counsel in Stamford, was recognized for his leadership of the Wellbeing Committee's Parents and Caregivers Subcommittee and for creating opportunities for colleagues to discuss work-life balance, parenting, and caregiving responsibilities. His initiatives have included a firmwide book club, educational programming on caregiver benefits, and peer networking opportunities for parents and caregivers across the firm.

Valerie, a legal administrative assistant in Boston, was honored for her meaningful contributions to wellbeing programming through her service on the Wellbeing Committee and her leadership of the firm's monthly Mindful Monday meditation sessions. She has further strengthened the firm's wellbeing efforts through mental health first aid certification and extensive community volunteer service.

Technology Champion Award

This year marked the introduction of the firm's inaugural Technology Champion Award, recognizing individuals who advance technology adoption, innovation, and responsible use of emerging technologies across Robinson+Cole. The first recipients were Austin Provost and Jessica Altieri.

Austin, a partner in the firm’s Real Estate + Development partner in Stamford, was recognized for his leadership in helping the firm implement and responsibly apply emerging technologies. As a member of the Technology Committee, he has championed practical technology solutions, shared best practices related to generative AI, and provided training that helps colleagues confidently incorporate technology into their daily work.  

Jessica, Senior Communications Manager, was honored for her leadership in embracing emerging technology and helping colleagues adopt new ways of working. Through her work on the Technology Committee's Embracing Technology Subcommittee, firmwide presentations, and one-on-one coaching, she has demonstrated how technology can support business development, personal branding, client engagement, and communications strategy. She was also recognized for helping identify and implement technology solutions supporting the firm's RC360° podcast.