In the realm of high-stakes litigation, resilience often defines success. For Sigrid McCawley, the managing partner of Boies Schiller Flexner, this resilience was tested to its limits following a devastating ski accident earlier this year. During a family ski trip to Vail, McCawley suffered a severe injury when her ski boot dislodged, leading to a break in her femur in five places, which is known as one of the most intense and painful fractures one can experience. The femur, being the longest and strongest bone in the body, typically requires significant force to break, and McCawley’s fall was no exception.
Rushed to the hospital, McCawley underwent an emergency surgery that lasted four hours, during which a metal rod and supporting wires were inserted into her leg, structures that will now remain a permanent part of her anatomy. The subsequent recovery period was extensive and grueling. Starting in a wheelchair, she gradually moved to a walker, then to crutches, and finally to a cane. Despite the ordeal, she continued her rigorous professional schedule, even reviewing and editing case drafts from her hospital bed.
Just a few days post-accident, McCawley and her partner David Boies filed Bensky v. Indyke, a prominent lawsuit implicating Jeffrey Epstein’s attorneys and accountants in his sex trafficking operations. The case underscores McCawley’s longstanding commitment to representing survivors of sexual abuse, a role she has robustly undertaken over the past decade.
The accident has had profound effects on McCawley, not just physically but also emotionally and professionally. She noted that this experience has deepened her empathy, especially toward individuals with disabilities. Her new perspective is inspiring her to leverage Boies Schiller’s resources in advocating for disability rights, reflected in her forthcoming hosting of an event for Disability Pride Month.
Five years after the arrest of Epstein, McCawley’s dedication to justice and her capacity to lead remain unshaken. She’s currently navigating both her recovery and her return to the courtroom with fortitude. Her recent appearance in the Southern District of New York for oral arguments in the Bensky case marked a symbolic comeback for the litigator.
McCawley’s story of recovery is not just a testament to her personal strength but also an illustration of the demanding balance legal professionals must maintain between personal challenges and professional obligations. For more details, you can read the full account of her ordeal and reflections on Bloomberg Law.