Get to Know Attorney Meaghan Geraghty
Meaghan Geraghty joined Elk + Elk with a unique and powerful perspective, bringing her extensive background as a registered nurse directly into the courtroom. She worked her way through law school while practicing nursing, a demanding journey that solidified her belief that advocating for injured individuals is a true calling. At the firm, Meaghan utilizes her deep medical knowledge to champion the rights of clients in complex medical malpractice and personal injury matters.
Her diverse life experiences, ranging from completing a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship in Hong Kong to organizing medical mission clinics in the mountains of El Salvador, have given her a profound global perspective and a sharp ability to assess risk and negotiate under pressure. Known for her relentless pursuit of the truth, Meaghan is dedicated to giving a voice to those navigating their most difficult moments.
Get to know Meaghan beyond the courtroom in the Q+A below.
Quick Hits with Meaghan:
- Family Ties: I have five sisters and three brothers.
- Current Hobby: I am currently learning Spanish.
- In the Kitchen: I love to cook fancy dishes for people all the time.
- Style Profile: I love thrifting and creating fun outfits for my friends and family.
How long have you practiced at Elk + Elk?
Going on two years. It is an absolute privilege to work with such great lawyers who I can learn so much from, and we have fun while doing it. Coming to work and dealing with the daily challenges and stressors of litigation is made so much lighter when you have a supportive team where everyone genuinely wants each other to fully succeed.
What do you like best about working at Elk + Elk?
We have established, thorough processes to ensure our clients are genuinely cared for throughout the entire legal journey to deliver the best possible results. We operate as a strong, unified team, and everyone has an important role to play in delivering justice to the people we represent.
What do you find most fulfilling about practicing law?
Being an advocate for someone during their worst moments, especially individuals who never thought they would find themselves needing a medical malpractice or personal injury attorney.
For me, there are two great moments in a case:
- The Relief: When a client is told they do have a case and that we will be filing a lawsuit. You can see the look of relief splash across their face as they realize they are finally being heard and supported.
- The Resolution: When we resolve the case and they can move forward with a definitive plan, turning their pain into something beautiful for the rest of their life.
Are there any legal issues or causes you are passionate about?
I am incredibly passionate about equal access to legal services, as well as mental health care access. I also focus on ensuring single mothers have access to the food and shelter they need. Additionally, medical access for underserved communities is very important to me; I previously traveled to El Salvador to run medical mission clinics in rural mountain communities and schoolyards.
What was your first job?
Between the ages of 16 and 18, I worked as a nurse’s aide and activities aide at a nursing home. Before that, I worked as a babysitter and as a companion sitter for the elderly.
What is your favorite restaurant in Ohio?
Cordelia on East 4th Street in Cleveland.
Do you have any pets?
I grew up on a farm and was heavily involved in 4-H, so animals have always been a huge part of my life. My best dog, Dakota, traveled everywhere with me, including through the mountains out west.
How do you spend your free time?
I love spending time with my family and exploring everything Cleveland and Ohio have to offer. I love traveling, kayaking, and enjoying Lake Erie, and you can often find me at Cleveland Guardians games or doing Cross-Fit at C4.
I am also a huge fan of country concerts, especially Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Tyler Childers, Garth Brooks, and Zach Bryan—and my cowboy boot collection is constantly growing!
What is the most exciting or challenging thing you’ve ever done?
I have been blessed with tough challenges and unbelievable opportunities, so it’s hard to pick just one.
Personally, saying goodbye to my dad when he lost his battle to cancer within a year of his diagnosis was incredibly difficult. Having conversations that you know are limited in time, but wanting them to last for your whole life, changes you.
On the adventure side, going to Hong Kong by myself without knowing anyone or the language as a Fulbright Fellow representing the United States was an unbelievable experience. During that same year, a friend and I walked across the border from Thailand into Poipet, Cambodia. Navigating transportation without speaking the language taught me very quickly how to assess risks and negotiate on the fly. We eventually made it to Siem Reap to discover the amazing Angkor Wat ruins.
Who is your favorite Ohio sports team?
The Cleveland Guardians. But I also have to represent my BGSU and Kent State teams whenever I can!
Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice that guides you?
I have a few that guide my mindset:
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison
“In our Grit, our Glory.” — University of Nebraska, Lincoln
“The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” — Aung San Suu Kyi
Anything else you want to tell me?
I worked my way through law school as a nurse. Doing this work is a calling, and it is a privilege to take my clients’ cases all the way to trial if needed. In seeking the truth of what happened, we do not give up.
Ultimately, it is my clients who have taught me the most about living purposefully. Their struggles and resilience guide me to live with intention and joy each day while serving as many people as I can.
