Robinson+Cole lawyers Virginia McGarrity and Mallori Thompson and Chief Talent Officer Catherine Duke were selected for recognition at this year's Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Awards, presented by Corporate Counsel in Chicago, IL, on April 14, 2026. The Awards recognize outstanding women in the legal industry who have made a remarkable impact across multiple categories, celebrating trailblazers, advocates, and leaders whose exceptional skill, dedication, and commitment continue to advance equality in the profession.

Virginia won the “Law Firm Ally of the Year” award, reflecting her ability to listen with empathy and seek understanding from different perspectives and an unwavering commitment to diversity efforts within the firm. Virginia has paired legal excellence with a deeply rooted, values-driven commitment to inclusion and equity. As chair of Robinson+Cole’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging Committee and leader of the firm’s Employee Benefits + Compensation practice, she models allyship that is empathetic, visible, vocal, and effective. Virginia approaches inclusion not as an initiative, but as the operating system for how the firm works—an approach reflected in R+C’s sixth consecutive Mansfield Certification Plus and recognition as a 2025 Top Inclusive Workplace. She has cultivated trusted, firmwide spaces for dialogue and learning through Town Halls that elevate voices and translate insight into action. Her mentorship of students and attorneys alike is grounded in honesty, care, and a deep understanding of professional growth. Beyond the firm, Virginia advances equity through leadership roles in community organizations dedicated to dialogue and social justice. Her impact has been recognized by numerous legal and business honors and is felt in the careers she has shaped, the communities she has strengthened, and the inclusive culture she continues to build at R+C.

Mallori was named a “Next Generation of Leaders (Law Firm)” winner, which reflects her meaningful advancements in service, public or societal interest, and other initiatives she has engaged with to improve the legal profession and surrounding community. Mallori handles complex business disputes and internal investigations with rigor shaped by her experiences in appellate advocacy and prestigious federal and state judicial clerkships. She is also equally committed to developing others by supporting the next generation of lawyers through mentorship and leadership roles, including serving as one of R+C’s summer associate coordinators. Her dedication to the access of justice is reflected in her Community Justice Fellowship at Greater Hartford Legal Aid, her hands-on work addressing family violence, and determined focus on equity in the legal system. Mallori strengthens the profession through inclusive leadership as Past President of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association and Co-Chair of the Connecticut Bar Association’s DEI Committee. Her impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including R+C’s DEI+B Award and National Black Lawyers’ Top 40 Under 40.

Catherine Duke was named a finalist in the “Talent Management” category, which focuses on exceptional women who build firm culture to help grow and retain talent across their organization. Cathy’s visionary approach has reshaped how R+C recruits, develops, and retains its people. Drawing on her experience as a former practicing attorney, Cathy has built a forward-thinking Talent team focused on creating an inclusive environment where diverse professionals can grow and thrive. Under her leadership, the firm has introduced innovative initiatives spanning career development, mentoring, wellbeing, and equitable parental and caregiver benefits. Cathy has also championed data-driven programs like Stay Interviews and firmwide training on implicit bias and microaggressions, reinforcing a culture of belonging and respect. The impact of her leadership is reflected in consistent national recognition for inclusion, culture, and talent development, including six consecutive years of Mansfield Rule certifications (three consecutive years with the “Plus” annotation) and top Vault rankings. Beyond the firm, Cathy is a respected voice in the legal industry, contributing to national organizations and advisory groups focused on professional development and diversity. Together, her work exemplifies a sustained commitment to people-first leadership and the future of the legal profession.