Meganne Trela

Served as associate counsel for litigation matters for insurance defense clients including:

• Draft discovery requests, discovery answers, medical summaries, document review and other associated litigation discovery tasks.
• Draft complaints, motions to dismiss, answers, affirmative defenses, counterclaims, discovery motions, and motions for summary judgment.
• Conduct legal research in preparation for motion practice.
• Prepare matters for settlement conferences including drafting pre-settlement memorandum.
• Prepare matters for bench and jury trials, including: drafting motions in limine, witness preparation, drafting direct and cross examination outlines, prepare exhibit preparations.
• Participate in jury trials as associate counsel in state and federal courts.

Provide general legal counsel to Illinois local government entities including fire protection district, school districts, public pension funds, municipalities, and other local government agencies on matters related to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, Illinois Open Meetings Act, labor and employment issues, and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Participate in collective bargaining negotiations as legal counsel for public employers.

Litigate labor grievances on behalf of public sector employers.

• Provided group and individual baton twirling instruction to students between four and 25 years old.

Litigate grievance arbitration matters related to promotions, demotions, leave time, termination, discipline, and contractual interpretation on behalf of the Cook County Offices of the President and Cook County Health and Human Services.

• Gather and review materials and evidence related to grievance arbitration matters.
• Prepare requests for information to Union representatives.
• Negotiate resolutions to grievance arbitration matters.
• Prepare witnesses for arbitration testimony.
• Participate as lead counsel in grievance arbitrations, including providing opening and closing statements and responsibility for direct and cross examination of witnesses.

• Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Drafted statements of cases and witness lists.
• Tracked and researched developing precedent and legislation in local government law to maintain expertise and best advise and advocate for clients.
• Proposed requests for admission and requests for production of documents.
• Advocated for clients before court in oral argument by presenting facts and evidence in most favorable light.

• Conducted research for upcoming cases for firm's 19 attorneys.
• Investigated facts and laws to determine strategies for case preparation.
• Attended depositions and drafted comprehensive summaries for review by firm attorneys.
• Attended court sessions to record and listen to critical information.
• Supported legal team by conducting research, drafting briefs, gathering information and interpreting legal documents.

• Trained by the Center for Conflict Resolution to participate in the mediation services offered by the Circuit Court of Cook County.
• Reviewed and analyzed opposing sides of disputes to objectively assess situations from legal perspective.
• Used mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives and to guide parties toward mutual agreement.

Worked in the Employment Discrimination Clinic preparing draft pleadings and discovery requests.

• Attended depositions and court proceedings and prepared summaries on cases.
• Performed legal and general research, drafting memoranda and correspondence.
• Answered intake calls and performed client intake interviews to assess client's case.
• Gained valuable insight into regulations and policies associated with employment law.

• Oversaw recruitment and admissions process for 8th grade students.
• Prepared marketing materials for prospective students.
• Attended admissions information sessions and presentations at surrounding schools.
• Presented to over 5,000 middle school aged students per year.
• Organized school admissions events and activities for prospective and current students.
• Organized school alumni communications and events.
• Presented at regular meetings with Board of Directors regarding school strategic planning goals and outcomes.
• Organized and oversaw annual admissions testing program.
• Communicated registration needs and requirements with admitted students.