ALM New England Legal Awards Most Promising Newcomer Finalist: Meagan Cauda

Meagan Cauda, an associate in Pullman & Comley's Litigation and Appellate practices, is among the finalists for the New England Legal Awards' Most Promising Newcomer Award, an award that highlights attorneys with three or fewer years in practice who have shown remarkable potential, initiative and legal skill. Attorneys and legal professionals will be honored at an awards ceremony in Boston on October 23. 

ALM published a Q&A with Meagan in a profile published on Law.com.  When asked about her greatest accomplishments thus far, Meagan cited the opportunity to "argue, and win, my first appeal at the Connecticut Appellate Court, only a year and a half after starting my legal career as a litigation and appellate associate at Pullman & Comley."  Meagan noted that through additional opportunities to argue appeals, prepare briefs and second chair numerous oral arguments, she has ben a part of securing many wins for clients, often in novel cases. "These opportunities have given me direct, hands-on experience at the appellate level, something I have personally loved and been particularly interested in since clerking at the Connecticut Supreme Court for retired Justice Christine E. Keller in 2021. It is a huge accomplishment to be able to have these experiences (and these successes!) so early in my legal career, and to be entrusted to work hands-on on such meaningful and influential cases for our clients."

Meagan said she hopes to build her career in appellate and commercial litigation, to "continue gaining considerable experience working on, handling, and arguing appeals in Connecticut and beyond. I hope to be able to use my appellate practice to craft novel legal arguments and potentially be able to have a part in crafting new law—one of the most exciting parts of the appellate practice. I also hope to continue my general commercial litigation practice, which will only allow me to become a better appellate attorney, and to continue to expose myself to many different areas of the law."

She emphasized the importance of pro bono work to her personally.  "I hope to also continue making a meaningful difference in the legal field by continuing my work on pro bono cases for those who need it most, advocating for advances for women in the legal field, continuing DEI efforts (which is more important now than ever), and providing meaningful assistance, guidance, and mentorship to new attorneys—one of my favorite parts of being a mid-level associate who often serves as a mentor for junior and summer associates."

Finally, Meagan said that the support of friends and family and of mentors and colleagues in the legal field have played a key role in her success, in addition to hard work. "I am a firm believer that if you work hard enough, you can do anything," she said, "and I am both proud of my hard work and grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded—all of which have led me to where I am fortunate enough to be standing today."

To read the full article, visit the ALM website.