I had the opportunity to work with two Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys when we were all serving on a leadership committee. They are really smart and motivated people. It’s incredible to now work with them. Weitz & Luxenberg is a really special place, and I am so excited to be here.”
Ilana S. Wolk is a member of Weitz & Luxenberg’s experienced team of personal injury litigators. She brings with her more than a decade of litigation experience handling the types of legal cases Weitz & Luxenberg takes on.
Experienced Personal Injury Litigator
For Ms. Wolk, the practice of law has always been about helping people in cases where she could make a real difference in their lives. At W&L she is focusing on personal injury litigation, due to her extensive experience in medical malpractice, New York labor law, premises liability, products liability, negligence, and mass torts. She has also successfully resolved aviation cases.
Ms. Wolk handles cases from inception through resolution, including everything in between. She interviews and prepares witnesses, takes and defends depositions, and collaborates with experts. She does everything in preparation for trial and aims for optimal settlement for her clients.
Being There for Clients When the Unimaginable Happens
“For me, everything has always been about helping people when the unimaginable happens,” Ms. Wolk says. “My goal is to be there for someone and help bring about some kind of healing — that is what really matters. I want to offer some relief.”
She continues, “And being able to resolve their case is something. It doesn’t undo the terrible thing that has happened, but it is something. My clients were seen. They told their story. They’ve been acknowledged. It’s a kind of peace to have some closure.”
Helping Clients in Their Worst Moments
“The cases I’ve handled, like so many at Weitz & Luxenberg, are heartbreaking,” admits Ms. Wolk. “Someone may lose a loved one or experience a debilitating injury. Sometimes it’s too shocking for my clients to fully grasp what has happened to them. It may be the worst moment in their life, but they know something has gone wrong. And I want to help them figure out who is responsible.”
“To think you might be the only source of a silver lining for someone. It’s meaningful to be there for them,” she explains.
Assuring Clients They Are in Good Hands
“When I first meet a client, everything begins with assurance,” declares Ms. Wolk. “I talk to them. I tell them about the legal process.”
She reveals, “I’m doing a lot of things at one time. On one hand, you have to be smart, and your client has to know you know what you’re doing. You want to assure them you’re tough and are up to the challenge. “
Ms. Wolk adds, “You also want to show you care and have compassion. You want your client to know you are completely there for them and that you are going to do everything legally possible to fight for them.”
Notable Wins for Her Clients
Over the years, Ms. Wolk has amassed multiple wins in personal injury cases totaling roughly $24 million. These include $8 million for a client who slipped and fell, suffering a traumatic brain injury. She also won $4.5 million for a failure to provide an adequate work platform, resulting in serious injury to her client.
Solid Legal Credentials
Ms. Wolk is licensed to practice law in the states of New York and New Jersey, as well as the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York and the District Court of New Jersey. She earned her J.D. from Emory University Law School in Atlanta, Georgia, and her B.A. from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
She was named a New York Metro Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2020. This award recognizes her legal ability in personal injury and product liability for cases for plaintiffs.
Ms. Wolk was previously appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Science Committee for the Exactech defective polyethylene hip, knee and ankle implants multidistrict litigation.
She has worked with many Spanish speaking clients who prefer to communicate in that language.
Outside the Office
Outside the office, Ms. Wolk loves spending time with her husband and cavapoo puppy. She also enjoys camping, cycling, and traveling. Her husband is French, and they love visiting his family in France when possible. She also loves going out to dinner and attending Broadway shows.