Emily Lagan is an Associate Attorney at Regan Zambri Long PLLC. Emily represents victims who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries, as well as families who are seeking justice in wrongful death cases. She joined Regan Zambri Long straight from law school after two summer clerkships with the firm. Since joining the firm, she has represented individuals injured in automobile and pedestrian collisions, gas explosions, premises accidents, and in medical malpractice cases throughout DC, MD, and VA. Emily says, “Our clients come to us after suffering horrible traumas, and it is an honor and privilege to help them seek justice.”
Emily spent five years living in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, and she and her husband now live in Bethesda with their 15-year-old rescued Yorkie, Nigel. The couple likes to travel and just got back from a week in the Basque region of Spain after spending two weeks on a safari in Africa last year for their honeymoon. More locally, they take any chance they can get to visit the many beautiful vineyards in the Charlottesville area. Emily loves to try new restaurants, but her favorite hobbies are antiquing and home renovation projects. Reach out to her if you also love antique stores and estate sales (this area is fabulous for them), so you can go together!
Emily is a current member of the WBA Board of Directors. She is also a member of the DC Bar Foundation’s Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council and serves on the Steering Committee for the DC Bar’s Early Career Lawyers Community. Emily is a member of the DC Trial Lawyers Association, the Virgina Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice.
When did you join the WBA?
2018
In what committees/forums have you been involved?
Prior to joining the Board in 2023, I was a founding co-chair of the Young Lawyers Committee. I have also been a member of the Litigation Forum and Solo and Small Practice Forum since I joined the WBA. I am currently a member of the Engagement Committee and am one of the board liaisons for the Professional Development Committee.
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I was introduced to the WBA by Ellen Jakovic, a past president. Ellen and I went to the same high school in Albany, NY, and when she learned that I was moving to DC, she graciously took me under her wing. My first WBA event was Stars of the Bar in September 2018. I remember feeling so welcomed, and I walked away from the event with the keen sense that this is an organization that truly does uplift and support women lawyers. I signed up to be a member right after that event and have never looked back!
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
I am at a boutique firm of eight lawyers, and many of the other associations I am involved with are specific to my practice areas of personal injury and medical malpractice. The WBA has a wonderfully diverse membership, and I really enjoy learning about (and from) other lawyers who are doing such interesting and important work. I cannot understate the camaraderie, either—this is an organization that welcomes everyone and invests in its members, both personally and professionally. I am so grateful for the friends and mentors I have met through the WBA.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
My mom is the strongest woman I know. She is not a lawyer, but she has had the biggest impact on my career. She is an example of patience, grace, selflessness, and she is a true task master!
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Where you work is just as important as what you do for work. Find a place where you feel valued, supported, and where your bosses and mentors encourage your growth. I am fortunate to say that I not only love what I do, I love the firm and people I work for and with.
What is the best advice you have received?
Litigation is adversarial by nature, but your nature does not have to be adversarial.