Cecilia R. Showalter is an associate in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and is based in the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office.  Cecilia focuses her practice on high-profile cases involving law, media and policy issues.  She helps clients handle litigation and regulatory matters, as well as congressional investigations and government and media relations. 

Prior to joining McDermott, Cecilia worked in the legal strategic and crisis communications practice group within the litigation division of a global law firm.  Prior to entering the practice of law, she worked as a staff writer for Fast Company Magazine in Boston, Massachusetts.

Cecilia received her J.D., cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law and her B.A. in English, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania.  While in law school, she served as the associate special events editor for The American University Law Review and as a board member of  the Hispanic Law Students Association.  Cecilia is a frequent contributor to the Legal Crisis Strategies Blog covering topics on crisis management and prevention. 

Cecilia is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Virginia. 

Representative Experience

• Counseled a professional sports union on media, policy and legal strategy regarding disability and other benefits for retired players
• Represented a leading natural supermarket chain in defense of a merger challenged by the Federal Trade Commission using litigation, government and media strategies, which resulted in a favorable settlement
• Successfully prepared and executed media and government strategies for an international cruise line related to cruise ship safety, including three congressional hearings
• Represented a former chairman and CEO of a publicly traded internet company in connection with federal criminal charges related to fraud and violation of securities laws

 

Practices & Industries

• Government Strategies
• Legal Crises Strategies
• Trial

Related Information

• Media Mentions
• Publications