I represent businesses and business owners with respect to all of their business and personal needs. I was historically a commercial litigator with significant wins under my belt. As I evolved as an attorney, I learned to identify the needs of my clients, and realized that not all of those needs require a litigation solution. I opened my own practice and now use my experience and expansive network of partners to service all legal needs of a business owner.
How has your practice evolved in the last few years?
My practice has evolved from exclusively high stakes litigation, often “bet the house” litigation matters, to handling issues that add value for my clients. Of course I still handle litigation, the necessary evil of business, and handle those cases enthusiastically. But, I very much enjoy learning about my clients and their lives and offering advice to assist in growing their businesses. Sometimes my biggest value for a client is the perfect introduction at the perfect time.
If you could offer one piece of advice for young lawyers, what would it be?
Never eat lunch alone. I spent my early years as an attorney networking, even though not encouraged by my firm to do so. I developed a network of people that help me in so many ways. I can make appropriate introductions for almost any client or friend. I can seek out expertise on a topic I may not have experience with and still manage the issue for my client. I have an expansive network of female attorneys on which I can rely for advice on almost any topic that impacts my career. I have mentors (and mentees) that have changed my path. Networking has been the key to my success. I wish they taught the importance of this concept in law school.
How has civility made a difference in your practice of law?
As a young female litigator, I experienced unprofessionalism very early and very often. I was naïve as to the true depths of the problems that face women in the work place, some of which are exacerbated by being in the field of litigation. Litigation is adversarial by nature (a part I love about my practice), but men and women are treated differently by clients, colleagues, and even judges sometimes.
I learned how to use my traits to my advantage. I would often allow opposing counsel to continue his assumptions and then deliver performances at hearings and trial that would leave that opponent regretting he ever underestimated me.
I often make a special effort to find common ground with judges and opposing counsel so that we can argue about the merits but leave with mutual respect. I learned over the years that you can deliver a fatal blow with a smile and the result can be more impactful. I recall the first time an opposing attorney called me “sweetie” and implied that I did not have enough “time on the job” to understand the issues, while we were trying to negotiate a settlement on the day trial was scheduled. I recall wondering if that was enough for me to walk out and demand trial or if this person’s conduct was making me consider trial for the wrong reasons. I stood my ground, swallowed hard, knowing I was fully prepared to win this case.
What do you do for fun?
I spend time with my family, including my two children. My favorite days are unplugging and taking them to the park. I also love to stay active and spend a lot of time boxing and dancing salsa and bachata. I firmly believe that I have shaped my son’s idea of what a typical mom does in life. He grew up coming to the boxing gym with me in the morning before school. He watched me hit heavy bags and spar in a boxing ring (sometimes with men). He saw me working late, sometimes showing up to his events late, but always finding a way to balance family with a strong work ethic. He has been training with a world champion Brazilian jiu jitsu coach for almost two years. I think these activities raise our confidence level in a way that is unmatched in other types of physical activity.
Megan Lopp Mathias concentrates her practice in commercial litigation, corporate and real estate law, with expertise in complex business and tax litigation. She has represented clients in mortgage foreclosure, lender liability claims, partnership disputes, complex contractual disputes, trust litigation, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with contract, employment matters, general business disputes and state and local tax disputes. Megan is recognized for sophisticated representation in trade secret and other cases involving complex e-discovery issues and forensic analysis of electronically stored information. She utilizes flexible billing arrangements to increase value to client and to allow client to maintain better control over legal costs. Megan serves as a member of member of the Executive Board of Directors for the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law. She has been recognized by Superlawyer Magazine as a Rising Star for 7 years (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015).