Jackson Lewis Attorneys Honored at 2025 New England Legal Awards
NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2025) — Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce Samia M. Kirmani, Richard F. Vitarelli and Jessica L. Draper were recognized for excellence at the 2025 New England Legal Awards, held October 24 at The Westin Copley Place in Boston.
The New England Legal Awards honor exceptional achievement and professional excellence across Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, celebrating those who make meaningful contributions to the region’s legal community.
Samia was named a winner in the Distinguished Leader category. A principal in the firm’s Boston office, Samia serves on Jackson Lewis’ Board of Directors and co-leads both the Corporate Diversity Counseling group and Principal Elevation committees. She advises employers across a wide range of industries including biotechnology, life sciences, retail, manufacturing, energy, technology and hospitality, on complex employment issues, including multi-state compliance, internal investigations, and diversity program compliance and risk management.
“Samia is an exceptional attorney, colleague and leader whose influence is felt throughout our office and the broader Boston legal community,” said Jonathan R. Shank, Boston office managing principal. “She leads with empathy, integrity and purpose, and this recognition is a well-deserved reflection of her impact both inside and outside the firm.”
Rick, a Distinguished Leader winner, serves on the firm’s Board of Directors, and co-leads the firm’s national Labor Relations and Transactional Services (M&A) groups. With more than three decades of experience, Rick advises employers, trade associations and investors on strategic labor relations and collective bargaining matters, often in the contexts of mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and bankruptcy. His work spans industries such as construction, energy, infrastructure manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, transit and higher education. Rick, a principal, is based out of the firm’s Hartford office.
Jessica was named one of New England’s 2025 Rising Stars, which honors lawyers under 40 who have demonstrated exceptional skill in the courtroom, client service and community engagement. A principal in the Hartford office, Jessica focuses her practice on employment litigation, defending employers in harassment, discrimination, retaliation and accommodation claims before federal and state courts and agencies. She also represents higher education clients in Title IX investigations, student grievances, disability accommodations and other key matters impacting colleges and universities.
“Rick and Jessica exemplify the strength and depth of talent in our Hartford office,” said James F. Shea, Hartford office managing principal. “Their leadership and results set a high bar for excellence in our region.”
Read the full list of New England Legal Awards honorees here.
About Jackson Lewis
Focused on employment and labor law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable, and share our clients’ goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee.
Additional information about the firm can be found at jacksonlewis.com.
For more information, please contact:
Kendall Melidosian, Public Relations Manager
T: (267) 319-7831 / E: Kendall.Melidosian@jacksonlewis.com
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