Boston, MA – August 28, 2025, The New England legal community is abuzz with excitement following the announcement of the 2025 winners and finalists for the prestigious New England Legal Awards, honoring excellence among attorneys and firms across Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Organized by Law.com, the awards celebrate outstanding contributions in areas such as litigation, innovation, mentorship, and social impact. The shortlist, revealed on August 20, highlights a diverse group of legal professionals and organizations whose work has advanced justice, driven business success, and fostered community betterment. Winners will be fully unveiled and celebrated at a gala dinner on October 23 at The Westin Copley Place in Boston, where attendees can network and toast to the region’s legal luminaries.

Now in its third year, the New England Legal Awards recognize the profound influence of the legal sector in a region known for its historic courts, innovative firms, and robust public service. “This year’s finalists represent the pinnacle of professional excellence, navigating complex challenges with ingenuity and integrity,” said Heather Nevitt, Editor-in-Chief of Corporate Counsel. Submissions were rigorously evaluated by senior editorial teams and external experts, focusing on achievements from January 1, 2024, to June 1, 2025. Categories span individual honors like Attorney of the Year to firm-wide accolades such as Litigation Department of the Year, emphasizing metrics like case outcomes, client impact, and diversity initiatives.

Key Categories and Honorees

The 2025 shortlist features standout nominees across 20+ categories, with winners selected based on essays, references, and demonstrated results. Here’s a spotlight on some of the highlighted winners and finalists:

Attorney of the Year

This top honor goes to the lawyer who has had the most profound effect on the legal landscape or advanced justice in the past year. Finalists include:

• Felicia Ellsworth, WilmerHale
• Jonathan Freiman, Wiggin and Dana
• William Trach, Latham & Watkins

The winner will be announced at the gala, with finalists profiled for their groundbreaking work in high-stakes matters.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizing enduring contributions to the profession, the winners are:

• Timothy Conlon, DarrowEverett
• Nicholas DiGiovanni, Morgan, Brown & Joy
• James Glasser, Wiggin and Dana
• Gary Matsko, Davis Malm
• Robert Morris, Pullman & Comley

James Glasser of Wiggin and Dana, for instance, was lauded for his decades-long impact in complex litigation and pro bono advocacy.

Distinguished Leaders

Celebrating seasoned professionals who lead with vision, the winners include:

• Matthew Becker, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider
• Dillon Brozyna, Morgan & Morgan
• David Gacioch, McDermott Will & Schulte
• Samia Kirmani, Jackson Lewis
• Scott Moskol, Blank Rome
• Gerald Petros, Hinckley Allen
• Jack Pirozzolo, Sidley Austin
• Christopher Sica, Rome Clifford Katz & Koerner
• Moshe Spinowitz, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
• David Tolley, Latham & Watkins
• Richard Vitarelli, Jackson Lewis

These leaders were selected for their roles in firm management, client development, and industry innovation.

Banking and Finance Attorney of the Year

Finalists:

• Devon Kinnard, Sassoon Cymrot
• Ben McGuire, Greenberg Traurig
• Susan Parker, Latham & Watkins

Ben McGuire’s nomination highlights his expertise in complex financial transactions amid economic volatility.

Best Mentors

Honoring those who guide the next generation, finalists are:

• Megan Carannante, Pullman & Comley
• Liane Keister, Berluti McLaughlin & Kutchin
• Ted Mathias, Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider
• Michael Rose, Rose Kallor

Social Impact

Finalists:

• Asseret Frausto, McDermott Will & Schulte
• Scott O’Connell, Holland & Knight
• Seth Orkand, Robinson+Cole
• Kevin Prussia, WilmerHale

Unsung Hero

Winners:

• Mark Bellomy, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
• Matthew Gens, Berluti McLaughlin & Kutchin
• Kristi Kelly, Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law

These behind-the-scenes contributors were recognized for their tireless support in high-profile cases.

Litigation Department of the Year

Firms like Day Pitney, Latham & Watkins, Wiggin and Dana, and WilmerHale are finalists in general and specialty categories, including Insurance and White Collar/Compliance, where Wiggin and Dana’s department took the win.

Partner of the Year

Finalists include Molly Carey of Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, noted for her leadership in immigration law and pro bono efforts.

Regional Managing Partner of the Year

Catherine Macris of Fragomen is a finalist, praised for steering her Boston office through market challenges.

Rising Stars

Winners:

• Rachel E. Canna, Wiggin and Dana
• Zeynep E. Vallance, Wiggin and Dana

These emerging talents under 40 were celebrated for innovative contributions.

Law Firm of the Year

Finalists: Day Pitney, Latham & Watkins, Wiggin and Dana, WilmerHale

Wiggin and Dana earned additional nods as a finalist in this category, alongside wins in multiple litigation specialties.

Other Notable Categories

• Intellectual Property Attorney of the Year Finalist: Anthony D. Sabatelli, Ph.D., Wiggin and Dana
• Legal Innovator and Disruptor of the Year Finalist: Jack H. Sousa, Wiggin and Dana
• M&A Attorney of the Year Finalist: Mark S. Kaduboski, Wiggin and Dana
• In-House Impact Winners: Ben Hayden and Christina Ciaramella, Cengage Group; and others from Resolute Management, Inc., and Greenberg Traurig

For a full list of categories and honorees, visit the official New England Legal Awards site.

The Road to the Gala

The awards gala on October 23 promises an evening of networking, speeches, and reflections on the year’s achievements. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Analisa Cox at acox@alm.com. “These awards not only spotlight individual brilliance but also the collaborative spirit driving New England’s legal excellence,” said a Law.com spokesperson. Past events have drawn over 500 attendees, including judges, general counsel, and firm leaders.

As nominations poured in from across the six states, the 2025 edition underscores the region’s diversity and resilience. Congratulations to all winners and finalists—their stories of perseverance and innovation will inspire the next generation of legal professionals. Stay tuned for profiles and gala highlights on Law.com.