Megan Williams, Esq.
“VLJ is really, really great at taking a group of lawyers who are passionate, but who may not be highly experienced in landlord-tenant issues, and helping them to grow in their pro bono practice. The circumstances our clients must navigate can be tense and unfair, but the clinic generates many positive and productive results. Lawyers have a duty to serve clients, and we are tasked with facilitating the navigation of the legal system, especially when there are systemic inequalities in the treatment of certain people. Pro bono is a great opportunity for young lawyers to try new things, flesh out new practice areas, and focus on where you can actually make a difference. It’s an opportunity to get creative and add value to clients’ lives.”
While the saying “April showers bring May flowers” exists, there is no rain on our parade as we recognize and celebrate VLJ’s April 2023 Volunteer of the Month, Megan Williams. Megan is an associate at Lowenstein Sandler LLP who joined the firm in January 2021. Megan was no stranger to Lowenstein as she was a summer associate during law school. Megan graduated with a B.A., cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh, and she received her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law, where she was managing editor of the German Law Journal.
At Lowenstein, Megan is associated with the firm’s Corporate and Tech Groups; her day-to-day work involves corporate governance matters, venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, and related deals for emerging growth companies. Megan discovered an appreciation for tech and corporate work while a summer associate, which was fueled by her interest in the client base and how much she enjoyed working with her team. Megan is also an active member in the firm’s Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), a “grassroots program that is designed to empower and support our women lawyers to achieve and facilitate both professional and personal success.” In the spirit of building and nurturing a community at Lowenstein, Megan supports the firm’s summer associate program and mentoring opportunities.
Megan began her volunteer story at VLJ in 2019 as a summer associate through Lowenstein’s tenancy-related pro bono efforts. Seeing the potential to engage in lifechanging advocacy, Megan was drawn to VLJ’s Tenancy Program. In 2022 alone, through the Lowenstein-Prudential Tenancy Clinic, Megan generously donated over 27 hours of her time at six legal clinics where she assisted six clients. Megan mentioned that the Tenancy Clinic is very popular at Lowenstein; she added: “It felt like real world problems could be solved on the spot.”
One particular volunteer experience stayed with Megan. In December 2022, she extended her representation of a tenant beyond the Lowenstein-Prudential Tenancy Clinic to participate in a Case Management Conference (CMC) related to the tenant’s case. The CMC showed Megan how crucial it is for tenants to have a network of support and guidance when navigating the eviction process, and Megan experienced her client’s appreciation first hand when the CMC resulted in a favorable outcome.
Megan remarked, “It was memorable to participate in the CMC and successfully argue why my client’s situation was unfair, and why the proposed resolution should be adopted. To have success in that moment, to have a win for a client and know they have a safe and stable place to sleep, was a great feeling. Not only did I get to develop my skills as an attorney, but the work product had an immediate impact on someone’s life and domicile. It was fulfilling to see the impact I could have.”
The combined support that Megan has received from VLJ and Lowenstein’s Pro Bono practice via the tenancy clinic have allowed her to expand her experience in a field that she had not been exposed to prior to her involvement with the clinic. “VLJ is really, really great at taking a group of lawyers who are passionate, but who may not be highly experienced in landlord-tenant issues, and helping them to grow in their pro bono practice. The circumstances our clients must navigate can be tense and unfair, but the clinic generates many positive and productive results. Lawyers have a duty to serve clients, and we are tasked with facilitating the navigation of the legal system, especially when there are systemic inequalities in the treatment of certain people. Pro bono is a great opportunity for young lawyers to try new things, flesh out new practice areas, and focus on where you can actually make a difference. It’s an opportunity to get creative and add value to clients’ lives.”
To Megan and the many volunteers who generously and tirelessly advocate to keep New Jerseyans safely housed at home, you are seen and appreciated. Thank you for joining us on the road to full, barrier-free access to justice. Through your commitment, dedication, and compassion, you take cases and change lives.
To Megan, our April 2023 Volunteer of the Month, thank you!
Connect with Megan on LinkedIn