Like many dynamic evening students, double-Ram Megan McWaters ’25 has already established an exciting career. She spent nearly a decade representing talent as a stand up comedy agent before pursuing her law degree to advance her career, pivoting her role in entertainment to the legal side. McWaters was honored with the Adele Monaco Memorial Award at graduation, an award given to an evening student who has made a positive impact on the lives of other students through the demonstration of compassion, courage, determination, and commitment to public service.
What is your degree program at Fordham Law?
I was in the J.D. Evening program.
What is your hometown and where did you study before Fordham Law?
I’m from Galesville, Maryland, and I received my bachelors in communications from Fordham College, at the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. I also have a masters in creative business leadership from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
What are your areas of interest?
I am interested in entertainment law and in the representation of performing artists. I also enjoy the study of social and civil rights issues, namely those related to reproductive justice.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
I chose Fordham Law because of the stellar reputation of the evening program. Evening students make the Law School a better place. I feel very proud to have been part of a community of such hardworking and determined people. Also, I’m a double Fordham grad so … go Rams!
What has been the best thing about studying law in New York City?
I believe that New York City is the center of the universe. Every industry, every culture, every opportunity that you could dream of, it’s here.
Is there something special you have been involved in at Fordham Law?
The experience I am most proud of has been serving as the Professionalism Fellow for House 9, the section of first-year evening students. I have loved getting to know the 1LEs and seeing them through a full year of law school. Planning professional and social events for them, leading orientation sessions, and generally serving as a sounding board has been so rewarding. As a Fellow, I also learned a lot about the inner workings of the administration at Fordham Law. Seeing how many people are involved in creating a positive experience for students validated my own decision to attend the school. After graduation, I hope to continue to mentor some of the Class of 2028, too!
What has been your favorite moment at Fordham Law?
My favorite memories at Fordham Law have probably been events with the Moores, the trial advocacy competition team. I am not going to be a litigator and never competed formally, but I still loved being a member of the team for the last three years. Whether it was witnessing at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, attending bar nights or the Alumni Dinner, I always had so much fun with the Moores—they are the friendliest faces and best advocates on campus!
Have you had any important mentors during law school?
I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of amazing professors who spent time getting to know me both in and out of the classroom. A few that come to mind are Abner Greene, with whom I studied Constitutional Law and Federal Courts, and who advised my writing requirement; Marc Edelman, who taught Sports Law; and Mavis Fowler-Williams, who taught a fun seminar on Intellectual Property Drafting. Their support made a sizable impact on my experience at Fordham Law. I also want to shout out Judge Stacy Rocheleau, who was my first legal mentor. She made me feel truly appreciated in law school and I owe her so much for improving my confidence.
What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming 1Ls?
Listen to your gut. It’s very easy to become overwhelmed with everyone’s two cents in law school. Being able to filter through all of the advice you will inevitably receive is very important for retaining your sanity. You know what works for you—whether that’s how you manage your time or how you study. Trust yourself.
What are your plans post graduation?
For the last eight years, I’ve worked as a talent agent representing stand up comedians. This fall, I will be joining Reed Smith as an associate in the firm’s New York office.
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