Higgins Cavanagh & Cooney

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day Weekend, we take a moment to remember the heroes who gave everything for our freedom. Their courage, sacrifice, and love for this country will never be forgotten.

While our offices will be closed for the holiday, we are still here to help all our clients. We wish you a joyous weekend with family and friends on this unofficial start of summer and will be back in office on Tuesday.

05/12/2026

It was another beautiful Mother's Day and HCC was once again grateful for the opportunity to spend it with family and friends as a sponsor of the Gianna Cirella Memorial Mother's Day Annual 5k race/walk held in honor of Gianna and in support of sepsis awareness advocacy. The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund has been established to provide assistance for sepsis research, education and to children and their families who have been affected by sepsis.

Several members of the HCC team were present for the event, including Christel Donnelly, Stephen Cooney and Peter Garvey (and HCC team kids). Not pictured but handling official duties was event founder and Mom of Gianna, Tara Cirella. Also not pictured and taking a cool down lap, Allie Rampy.

Thanks to all for again making the event a success and helping with the important work.

For more information, please visit gistrong.org or reach out to [email protected].

03/20/2026

HCC CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY!!

In 1951, HIGGINS, CAVANAGH & COONEY LLP began its legal practice in Providence, Rhode Island.

Also in 1951, President Truman gave the first transcontinental address to the nation, Congress ratified the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and the first direct dial telephone service started.

A lot has changed in 75 years, but HCC has been a constant.

We are proud to be celebrating the 75th anniversary of our firm's inception, and ongoing commitment to legal excellence, in 2026.
Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney LLP was born out of a deep connection to the city of Providence. Both James H. Higgins, Jr. (Brown University), and Joseph V. Cavanagh (Providence College), locally attended school during their college years and shared an educational background at Harvard Law School. In 1962, they were joined by John P. Cooney, former Chief Judge of the Providence District Court and a well-respected Rhode Island legal figure. These three former Presidents of the Rhode Island Bar Association created a lasting legal legacy that has grown to represent not only Providence, but also the state, region, and beyond, and our team continues to provide professional excellence across a wide legal spectrum.

We have had a remarkable number of professionals grace the halls of HCC—whether in Turks Head, Dyer Street, or Dorrance Street—-and we're grateful and fortunate they were, and are, part of the team. Please share a memory or reach out as we continue to celebrate our diamond anniversary throughout the year.

We also would not exist without our valued clients, for whom we zealously advocate and counsel in all legal endeavors on a case-by-case basis. We are grateful for your allowing us to be professionally and personally rewarded by assisting with your needs.

Thanks to everyone who has had a role in allowing HCC to grow and thrive over several generations.

12/05/2025

It was great fun as always catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones, at the RWU Law Alumni Association Holiday party this week in Providence. HCC was well-represented! Pictured above are alum Keriann Dengos ('22), Steve Cooney ('02), Matt Pimentel ('13), Bill Thomas ('23) and Linda Dumont ('24).

Special thanks to the RWU Law Alumni Association for your continued service to the Rhode Island legal community.

11/06/2025

HCC Recognized as Tier 1 Law Firm in Multiple Practice Areas by Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”
Best Lawyers® has released its latest “Best Law Firms” rankings for the state of Rhode Island, and Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney (HCC) is proud to announce its continued recognition as a Tier 1 law firm in several key practice areas.
HCC has earned Tier 1 rankings in:
• Insurance Law
• Litigation – Insurance
• Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

This marks the thirteenth consecutive year that HCC has received Tier 1 designations in these areas, reflecting our sustained commitment to legal excellence and client service.
In addition, HCC was also recognized for:
• Employment Law – Management
• Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants

The Best Law Firms rankings honor firms that consistently demonstrate outstanding legal expertise and deep industry knowledge. Each firm is rigorously evaluated through client feedback, peer reviews, and leadership interviews, resulting in a trusted guide for individuals and businesses seeking top-tier legal representation across the United States.
We are honored by this recognition and remain committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel to our clients.

09/30/2025

September is Sepsis Awareness Month

This year, HCC, in coordination with The Defense Counsel of Rhode Island’s (DCRI) and the Defense Research Institute’s (DRI) International Day of Service, is proud to partner with the Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund to raise awareness for sepsis—a life-threatening condition that affects millions each year. In support of this important cause, we are wearing purple to help shine a light on the urgent need for education, research, and support.

The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund was established to advance sepsis research, promote public education, and provide assistance to children and families impacted by this devastating illness.

If you would like to contribute, any donation—no matter the size—can make a meaningful difference. To donate, please visit www.gistrong.org.

Thank you for your support and commitment to this vital cause.

09/23/2025

James A. Ruggieri named to Care New England's Board of Directors.

James A. Ruggieri Named to Care New England’s Board of Directors

09/17/2025

HCC is excited to announce Linda Dumont joining our firm. Welcome!!!!

08/26/2025

Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney Recognized as a Best Legacy Law Firm by Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney was recently included in the inaugural edition of "In the Lead: Best Legacy Law Firms," compiled by Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly.

The prestigious publication highlighted nine law firms in Rhode Island that have not merely survived but thrived for 25 years or more. Founded in 1951, Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney is the second-oldest firm to be included on this select list.

During that time, Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney has successfully weathered economic shifts, technological transformations, and an evolving legal landscape, all while remaining committed to exceptional client service.

Read Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly’s profile of Higgins, Cavanagh & Cooney here:https://www.hcc-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/HCC-Reprint.pdf

08/21/2025

Congratulations to James Ruggieri, Paul Callaghan, Peter Garvey, Stephen Cooney, Gerald DeMaria and Melissa Horne for being recognized as Best Lawyers in America, 2026 and Adrianna Hughes and Matthew Pimentel for being recognized as Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch 2026!