Patricia Brown Holmes on Crisis Leadership
Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila (RSHC) partner Patricia Brown Holmes was featured in Best Lawyers Women in the Law for her article, “The Woman Lawyer’s Playbook for Leading Through Crisis.” In it, Holmes emphasizes a critical distinction: crisis management is leadership, not just legal analysis. She explains that in today’s fast-moving, high-scrutiny environment, lawyers are expected to go beyond outlining options. Clients want clear, decisive direction in “bet-the-company” moments—when stakes are high and facts are still unfolding.
Her playbook centers on a few essentials:
- Stay calm and focused under pressure
- Assess quickly with incomplete information
- Deliver strategic, actionable guidance
- Balance legal risk with business and reputational impact
Holmes also underscores a key reality: unlike fictional portrayals, real crises are messy, uncertain, and often irreversible, making judgment and leadership indispensable.
Her insights reflect our approach at RSHC: delivering not only legal excellence, but steady, trusted leadership when it matters most.
*Pages 14-15