McKenna McLean recently joined RIW as an associate in the Litigation Department. Her practice includes construction law matters, employment disputes, and land use and zoning appeals.
Why did you become a lawyer?
As a history major in undergrad, I always enjoyed reading first-hand accounts and bridging the gap between those who characterized the same events quite differently. This experience strengthened my ability to turn a complex set of facts into a clear and compelling narrative. Being a lawyer allows me to apply the same set of skills, writing about key issues and framing them in a way that most effectively advocates for my clients.
Tell us about your career path.
I began working in litigation the summer after my first year of law school. I started off as an intern at a personal injury firm, where I learned the fundamentals of filing a claim and the extensive work that goes into preparing for trial. After completing my 2L year, I started my time at RIW. While my first summer here allowed me to gain experience across a wide variety of practice groups, my solid background in litigation proved invaluable, leading me to stay on as a law clerk with RIW’s litigation team throughout my 3L year. Now that I’ve graduated from law school and taken the bar exam, I’ve returned to RIW and look forward to continuing my litigation practice!
Tell us about your practice.
My practice encompasses a wide variety of matters, including construction law, employment disputes, and land use and zoning appeals. Whether pursuing litigation or alternative dispute resolution, my goal is to provide practical and cost-conscious solutions, keeping the needs of each particular client in mind.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the ability to collaborate with a team of experienced litigators, all working towards the same goal. Not only am I constantly learning from my colleagues, who possess an incredible depth of knowledge in their fields, but there is always a new legal development to research or challenge to tackle.
Why did you choose the firm?
I chose RIW because it offers the best of both worlds. RIW has the close-knit, collaborative environment of a small firm. At the same time, it provides the resources, expertise, and solution-oriented approach typically associated with much larger firms. This combination allows me to receive extensive mentorship and quickly grow as a new attorney, while still providing the excellent client service RIW is known for.
Tell us a fun or surprising fact about you.
I was a three-season “walk-on” in college, rowing in the fall and spring and swimming in the winter!
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy distance swimming, keeping up with the latest history documentaries, and following Boston sports teams.
