Edward Harrington graduated cum laude from College of the Holy Cross and earned a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. He served in the United States Navy and held various roles in the U.S. Department of Justice, including prosecuting organized crime figures. Harrington transitioned to private practice and later served as the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. He was twice a candidate for Attorney General of Massachusetts. Throughout his career, Harrington focused on judicial integrity, civil rights, and combating organized crime.

Edward Harrington's career reveals a unique blend of law enforcement and judicial philosophy, marked by a dogged pursuit of organized crime while simultaneously upholding judicial integrity. His support for controversial investigative techniques like wiretaps to combat crime contrasts with his steadfast emphasis on judicial independence. Harrington's involvement in high-profile cases, such as the prosecution of Raymond Patriarca and the trial of FBI agent John Connolly, showcases a calculated approach to law enforcement that balances aggressive tactics with a commitment to legal principles.