Emergency Response Investigator

Wilson Elser is a leading defense litigation law firm with more than 1400 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. 

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 Emergency Response Investigator position in our New York Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

(Former Law Enforcement / Government Investigators Encouraged to Apply)

Wilson Elser is seeking experienced incident and accident investigation professionals to join our national Crisis Response & Management team. This role is ideal for former state troopers, government investigators, transportation accident specialists, or public-sector professionals who have spent their careers responding to serious incidents and are now looking for flexible, impactful work.

Our team supports clients facing catastrophic events, such as fatal transportation accidents, product failures, cyber incidents, and other high-exposure situations. We rely on seasoned professionals who know how to assess scenes, preserve facts, and operate calmly under pressure.

This is not a law enforcement role and not a legal position, but your investigative experience is critical to the legal defense and crisis management process. While this role is national in scope it does not necessarily involve travel

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond rapidly, on site or remotely, to serious incidents, including transportation accidents, fatalities, and other high-risk events
• Assist attorneys by conducting early-stage fact gathering, scene assessments, and witness coordination
• Help ensure critical evidence is identified and preserved properly from the outset
• Coordinate with accident reconstructionist, engineers, forensic experts, adjusters, and investigators
• Provide practical insight based on real-world investigative experience to help shape response strategy
• Document findings clearly and accurately for legal and insurance purposes
• Support clients during high-stress situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
• Participate in a rotating on-call structure that provides 24/7/365 response capability (flexible and scheduled in advance)

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of experience in accident investigation, law enforcement, or government investigative work
• Extensive experience responding to serious or fatal incidents
• Strong understanding of evidence handling, scene documentation, and witness interaction
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and professional in high-pressure situations
• Strong organizational skills are a must for the successful candidate
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with attorneys and technical experts
• Willingness to respond quickly when needed, including occasional on-site travel
• Former law enforcement and government investigators encouraged to apply

Why Should You Apply? 

• Benefits: Outstanding benefits package, including 401k match and generous PTO plan
• Career Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Employee Perks: Access to corporate discount plans and other benefits