Judge Holzberg (Ret.) Recognized as an ALM Outstanding Officiator

Pullman & Comley Alternative Dispute Resolution Chair Judge Robert L. Holzberg (Ret.) was recognized as an Outstanding Officiator at ALM's 2026 New England Legal Awards ceremony held on October 8 at The Westin Copley Place in Boston.

The annual awards recognize exceptional achievement across the legal profession in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, honoring attorneys, law firms, and practice groups that have demonstrated excellence in service, leadership, and results. The Outstanding Officiator Award celebrates a judge, or retired judge practicing as a mediator or arbitrator (including ADR professionals and sitting jurists), doing exceptional work. Widely respected throughout the region, Judge Holzberg has built a reputation for successfully resolving highly complex and contentious disputes through thoughtful analysis, practical solutions, and a collaborative approach to alternative dispute resolution.

This is the second consecutive year he has been recognized with the ALM Outstanding Officiator honor. In addition, Pullman & Comley's distinguished Alternative Dispute Resolution practice was once again named Specialty Litigation Department of the Year for excellence in arbitration and mediation, having previously received the department honor last year and in 2023. This recognition reflects the depth of the firm's ADR team, which includes five retired judges with nearly a century of combined judicial experience, as well as attorneys who are American Arbitration Association panelists and bring significant litigation and transactional experience to the mediation process.

In a Q&A with ALM, Judge Holzberg shared insights from his mediation practice and judicial experience, discussing complex disputes, judicial impartiality and advice for attorneys.

When asked about maintaining the right frame of mind as a judge, Judge Holzberg emphasized the importance of impartiality and fairness. “The most important aspect of maintaining the right frame of mind involves consistent self-monitoring to ensure that the judge remains impartial, open-minded and establishes an atmosphere promoting dialogue, trust and fairness.”

Judge Holzberg also offered advice to attorneys appearing before the court, stressing the importance of preparation, patience and professionalism. He encouraged lawyers to remain composed even when facing provocation from opposing counsel and to “commit to communicating fully with the client about all aspects of litigation and settlement strategy.”

Read the full article at www.law.com.