Crisis & Risk Management
Practice Areas
Ellen provides strategic advice and counsel to clients on a range of crises including government investigations and enforcement actions, private litigation, cyber incidents and other high-stakes matters with the potential to affect reputation and value. Ellen also has an active practice advising non-profit organizations, independent schools and universities, and she has a number of pro bono clients. In crisis matters that involve litigation, Ellen works closely with clients, in-house and outside counsel to ensure that all communications are informed by, and in support of, legal strategy. As a former government attorney, she recognizes that legal concerns are paramount and carefully balances those interests with clients’ reputational imperatives. Recent and representative assignments include advising an international pharmaceutical company in connection with a potential FDA enforcement action, an electric vehicle manufacturer in connection with recalls and labor issues, a mutual fund company in connection with allegations of front-running, a Fortune 100 CEO in connection with a Board-mandated executive transition, and a corporate Board of Directors in connection with an investigation into employee misconduct.
Career
Ellen has leveraged her prior experience as a government attorney and network news producer to tell compelling stories that protect reputations and mitigate harm. She served as Counsel and Spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, an attorney/advisor at DOJ and in the White House Counsel’s Office. She also oversaw legal coverage for ABC Network News.
Professional Memberships
Sylvester Manor Educational Farm: Capital Campaign Board Member
Perlman Music Program: Advisor
Publications
Ellen speaks regularly about litigation support and crisis management at professional conferences, including the Federal Bar Association, Practicing Law Institute and the National Employment Lawyers Association.