Crisis and Emergency Response Attorney

Wilson Elser is a leading defense litigation law firm with more than 1300 attorneys in 43 offices throughout the United States. Founded in 1978, we rank among the top 100 law firms identified by The American Lawyer and 36 in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms. We’re also Mansfield Certified Plus.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long‑term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Crisis and Emergency Response Attorney position in our McLean,
VA Office.

We offer a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

We are seeking an experienced attorney to join our Crisis Response & Management team, representing a large logistics services provider, facing high‑stakes liability matters involving catastrophic incidents, fatalities, transportation accidents, and significant reputational exposure. This role requires a lawyer who is comfortable operating in fast‑moving, high‑pressure environments and who can partner closely with clients, insurers, and multidisciplinary response teams from the earliest stages of an incident through litigation.

The ideal candidate brings strong investigative instincts, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to develop proactive legal strategies in matters involving substantial legal, financial, and reputational risk.

• Provide rapid, on‑site and remote legal response following catastrophic incidents, fatalities, violent acts, or other high‑exposure events
• Conduct and oversee early‑stage investigations, including fact development, witness coordination, evidence preservation, and engagement of third‑party experts
• Develop and execute proactive legal strategies designed to mitigate liability, and minimize business disruption
• Collaborate with internal attorneys across offices and practice areas to deliver coordinated, firmwide client service
• Work closely with external professionals such as investigators, accident reconstructionist, forensic experts, and engineers
• Advise insurance carriers, self‑insured clients, and corporate stakeholders on risk management and claim strategy
• Participate in a rotating on‑call structure supporting Wilson Elser’s 24/7 emergency response system, including client access through a dedicated answering service and on‑alert deployment

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Admission to practice in the state you reside in
• 7+ years of relevant legal experience
  , preferably including litigation, investigations, transportation incident, catastrophic loss and other high‑exposure matters
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive matters involving fatalities, violent acts, or significant public scrutiny
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross‑functional teams
• Willingness and ability to respond quickly to urgent matters, including occasional travel and on‑site response

• Flexibility: Hybrid work arrangements to support work‑life blend
• Benefits: Outstanding benefits package, including 401(k) match and generous PTO plan
• Career Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Employee Perks: Access to corporate discount plans and other benefits