Cary Rice is a strategic litigator known for her sharp advocacy and ability to connect with clients, witnesses, and opposing counsel alike. She brings a pragmatic, people-centered approach to complex disputes, blending rigorous analytic skills with an understanding of what works in the courtroom and outside of it.

Cary represents companies in the technology, transportation, financial services, healthcare, and energy industries in complex litigation nationwide. She routinely defends technology platform companies in high-stakes litigation arising from the use of mobile applications and digital marketplaces. In that role, Cary works closely with industry clients to navigate evolving legal frameworks governing platform-based businesses, including personal injury and sexual assault claims, product liability theories, and other tort and commercial disputes.

Cary regularly handles cases presenting novel issues involving the intersection of traditional tort law and modern app-based business models, and works with clients to develop litigation strategies that protect both immediate case outcomes and broader business operations. Her matters frequently involve sensitive allegations and complex factual records, and she is experienced in guiding clients through litigation with reputational, operational, and regulatory implications.

Cary’s practice has also included assisting companies in responding to state and federal agency inquiries, conducting internal investigations, presenting to federal agencies and preparing witnesses for government interviews, and developing customized compliance programs.

An active pro bono practitioner and community member, Cary has represented the Pennsylvania Innocence Project in both federal and state courts and regularly represents tenants in landlord-tenant matters. She is also active in the pediatric cancer community and advocates for increased awareness and support for affected families, including through her work with the Madelyn James Foundation.

Cary has been named to Benchmark Litigation’s “40 Under 40” list for 2024–2026 and was listed by The Best Lawyers in America as “One to Watch” for Commercial Litigation for 2024–2026. Before joining Hangley Aronchick, Cary practiced in the litigation and white collar defense groups at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP and Bingham McCutchen LLP in Washington, D.C.

Recognitions

Named to Benchmark Litigation’s “40 Under 40” list, 2024- 2026

Listed in The Best Lawyers in America as “One to Watch” for Commercial Litigation, 2024 – 2026

Dean’s Scholar Award (2010 and 2011), Harvard Law School

Best Brief Runner-up, National Animal Law Moot Court Competition

AWARD METHODOLOGIES

Teaching and Presentations

Presenter, “Who Can Bind the Company: Litigating Authority Issues,” Association of Corporate Counsel 2020 Litigation Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 9, 2020

Presenter, “Strategic Considerations When Litigating a Pro Bono Civil Rights Case,” CLE, July 13, 2017

Publications and Media

Co-author, “Minimizing Ultimate Liability in Pa. Multi-Party Litigation: Preserving Joint and Several Liability, Contribution and Fault Allocation RightsThe Legal Intelligencer, October 6, 2025

“Four Loko a.k.a. Blackout in a Can: The Federal Regulation of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages,” Harvard Law School, October 2011

“Responsibility and the ‘Sport of Kings’: Imposing an Affirmative Duty of Care on the Primary Financial Beneficiaries of the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industry,” 4 Stan. J. Animal L. & Pol’y 64 (2011)

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