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Megan McGrath

Senior Associate at Leinenweber Baroni & Daffa Adjunct Faculty, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, NITA

Professional Background

Megan McGrath is a seasoned senior associate at Leinenweber, Baroni & Daffada, located in the vibrant city of Chicago. Her career is defined by her robust experience as a trial attorney, specializing in federal civil rights litigation where she adeptly represents government entities and law enforcement officers. Megan's impressive legal journey began when she served as an Assistant State's Attorney in the Civil Actions Bureau for the Cook County State Attorney’s Office, where her passion for trial advocacy was ignited. During her tenure, she gained invaluable experience handling complex civil rights matters, which paved the way for her current position.

As a prominent trial attorney, Megan has successfully tried over ten jury trials in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She has had the privilege of representing notable clients such as the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff's Office in a range of significant civil rights cases. Her litigation expertise encompasses a variety of contentious issues, including police shootings, allegations of unlawful search and seizure, false arrest, excessive force, and several other injury claims arising from civil rights violations. In a memorable highlight of her career, Megan effectively argued a case before the esteemed Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018, showcasing her exceptional skills and thorough preparation.

In addition to her work as a trial attorney, Megan is profoundly committed to legal education. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she instructs aspiring attorneys in trial practice. Her dedication to teaching is reflected in her tenure as a faculty member at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, where she contributes her trial expertise as an instructor for the Building Trial Skills course. Megan has also dedicated several years to educating legal minds at John Marshall Law School, imparting her knowledge in a course focused on legal writing.

Education and Achievements

Megan's educational background is rooted in excellence. She earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she graduated with an Advocacy Certificate and was recognized for her impressive academic prowess, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame, graduating Cum Laude. This strong foundation has equipped her with the critical thinking and analytical skills that are vital in the practice of law.

Beyond her legal accomplishments, Megan's commitment to community service and pro bono work is commendable. In 2014, while working as an associate at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP, she was honored with the Northern District of Illinois' Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service. This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication not only to her profession but also to serving individuals in need within her community. Moreover, Megan actively contributes to the legal profession as a Peer Mentor for the Lawyers' Assistance Program in Chicago, offering support and guidance to fellow attorneys in their professional journeys.

Achievements

Megan McGrath’s career is marked by a series of notable achievements that distinguish her as a leader in her field. With a wealth of experience as a trial attorney and educator, she has quickly established herself as a trusted legal professional committed to civil rights advocacy. Some of her significant accomplishments include:

  • Successfully representing government entities and law enforcement officers in over ten trials, focusing on civil rights issues, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
  • Arguing a landmark case before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in 2018, which underscores her skills as an effective advocate in complex legal matters.
  • Receiving the Northern District of Illinois' Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service in 2014, reflecting her commitment to serving underserved populations and making a meaningful impact through her work.
  • Serving as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she fosters the development of future lawyers by sharing her in-depth knowledge and practical experience in trial practice.
  • Involvement as a faculty member of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, where she trains trial skills that are crucial for effective litigation and fosters excellence in the legal profession.

Megan's journey reflects a remarkable blend of practical legal experience, devotion to civil rights, and a passion for educating the next generation of attorneys. Her drive to empower others in the legal field, alongside her extensive courtroom experience, makes her a valuable asset to her firm, her students, and the legal community at large.

Related Questions

How did Megan McGrath transfer her skills from teaching 5th graders to educating law students?
What inspired Megan McGrath to focus her practice on federal civil rights litigation?
Can Megan McGrath elaborate on her experience arguing cases before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals?
What challenges has Megan McGrath faced while representing law enforcement in civil rights matters?
In what ways does Megan McGrath incorporate her trial experience into her teaching methodology?
How has Megan McGrath contributed to the community through pro bono service?
What motivates Megan McGrath to mentor other lawyers in the Chicago area?
How has Megan McGrath’s educational background shaped her approach to legal practice?
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Location

Greater Chicago Area