They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Meegan Hollywood of Robins Kaplan

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.
I’ve spent more than a decade working on some of the largest antitrust cases, and helping to obtain over $1.2 billion in settlements for clients. Currently, I serve on the court-appointed plaintiffs’ steering committee in In re Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation, where we recently defeated a motion to dismiss and announced three confidential settlements based on allegations that the defendants, who collectively own more than 500 local television stations, engaged in a scheme to artificially inflate prices. Additionally, I am litigating Oxbow Carbon & Minerals LLC, et al. v. Union Pacific Railroad Company, et al., one of the first direct action cases in a sprawling antitrust lawsuit against two of the largest freight railroads in the U.S. for violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?
The most important lesson I learned as a first-year attorney is to ask questions and be OK with making mistakes. Being a lawyer is complex, and nobody is expected to walk in on day one (or year 15) as an expert. There will always be something that you don’t know. It’s important to ask questions and rely on your team. You will make mistakes, we all do, so learn from them and then learn to move on.  

How do you define success in your practice?
For me, the notion of success is a very personal one. I don’t define my success by how many depositions I take or how many cases I’m involved with, but rather whether or not I personally feel fulfilled. Competition law is infinitely challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. For me, that feeling of fulfillment and “success” is derived from the fact that in my career I get to help others, and often make a very real and tangible difference in their lives.  

What are you most proud of as a lawyer? 
As a lawyer, I’m most proud of my ability to help people, particularly in plaintiff and pro bono work. The work is extremely complex, and you’re often battling some of the largest companies, represented by the biggest and brightest law firms in the country. And yet, when your class action clients are smaller companies, or even individuals, there is a humbling element to the work. When individuals and small businesses are harmed, the cases are personal to the plaintiffs, and that puts what I do into perspective because at the heart of it, you’re simply helping someone.  

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?  
Hollis Salzman was the greatest mentor I ever had. Despite being very busy as one of the nation’s leading antitrust litigators, Hollis took the time to take me under her wing and taught me so many things that I still utilize every day in my practice. Hollis was supportive, encouraging, and one of the most knowledgeable professionals I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. She led by example, taking the time to build deep relationships and was truly an incredible advocate for her clients. Hollis taught me the importance of mentorship and advocating for other lawyers, particularly young female attorneys, and I couldn’t be more thankful for my experience getting to work with her. Hollis’ legacy continues to inspire me every day.  

Just for fun, tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.
Isn’t Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” on everyone’s playlist this summer? Otherwise, late 90s Mariah Carey is always on repeat for me. It reminds me of a time when I wasn’t almost aging out of “Under 40” awards!

Meegan Hollywood focuses on high-stakes antitrust matters. She serves as the pro bono chair of her firm’s New York office and on the gender inclusion working group of the firm’s diversity committee. She provides pro bono service to groups that include Kids in Need of Defense, where she’s assisted unaccompanied refugee children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status in the U.S.