Robinson+Cole was recognized in several categories at Law.com’s New England Legal Awards, on October 8, 2026, in Boston, MA.

Business Litigation group chair Edward Heath was named as a Distinguished Leader, recognizing his exceptional accomplishments in high-stakes litigation, driving strategic growth, leading complex transactions, or influencing consequential legislative efforts.  Beyond his individual practice, Ed has played a central role in Robinson+Cole’s growth and strategic direction. As Business Litigation group chair, he leads one of the firm’s core practices, mentoring attorneys and fostering a collaborative, culture. He has served on the firm’s Managing Committee for the last four years, contributing to firmwide decision-making and long-term planning. Ed’s leadership extends well beyond the firm. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Foundation and was appointed Vice President of the Board, reflecting the high regard in which he is held within the profession. He also serves as Counsel to the Federal Grievance Committee for the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, a role entrusted by the court’s Chief Judge and one that speaks to his integrity and professional standing. In addition, Ed’s longstanding leadership with Greater Hartford Legal Aid—including serving as its president—demonstrates a sustained commitment to expanding access to justice. Finally, Ed is an active member of the Connecticut Judicial Branch’s Access to Justice Commission. Read more in his honoree profile.

Real Estate + Development group co-chair Deirdre Robinson was named Real Estate Attorney of the Year, recognizing her exceptional leadership, legal excellence, and contributions to innovation across the New England real estate industry. Over the past year, Deirdre has continued to lead transformative transactions that address one of the region’s most pressing challenges: the preservation and creation of affordable housing in highly competitive markets. One of the most significant projects she assisted with dealt was the comprehensive redevelopment of the Mary Ellen McCormack public housing community, which was Boston’s first public housing development and one of the oldest in the United States. The project aims to revitalize the development, fully replacing all 1,016 deeply subsidized public housing units, with residents’ right of return, as part of a new 3,300 unit mixed-income community. In addition, she led the R+C team representing WinnCompanies in its acquisition of Newton Gardens, a 112-unit multifamily community in Newton, Massachusetts. This innovative transaction—executed in partnership with local and state agencies—will convert all units into long-term affordable and workforce housing, helping to prevent resident displacement while expanding housing access in a high-cost Greater Boston market.

Managed Care + ERISA Litigation group member Rita Nerney was named as a Rising Star Winner, recognizing her excellent client service, service to the Boston Bar Association, and pro bono work and community service efforts. Read more in her honoree profile.

The Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications group was named as the Litigation Department of the Year in the Environmental category, recognizing its high-level of performance in complex, high-stakes environmental disputes defined by technical complexity and substantial financial and regulatory consequences.

The Construction Law group was named as the Litigation Department of the Year in the Construction category, recognizing its consistent excellence, complexity, ingenuity, and diligence in innovative, results-driven advocacy.

In addition, Managing Partner J. Michael Wirvin was among the finalists in the Legal Innovators & Disrupters category; Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging Committee chair Virginia McGarrity was among the finalists in the Social Impact category; Immigration group member Carmen Ruiz was a finalist in the Most Promising Newcomer category; and the firm’s Insurance + Reinsurance group was among the finalists in the Litigation Department of the Year: Insurance category.

The New England Legal Awards is a distinguished celebration of professional excellence within the legal community across Connecticut, Main, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, highlighting individuals who have made outstanding contributions to both their legal profession and the region.