I’m an attorney, educator, and social scientist. I use my interdisciplinary training to solve complex legal and policy problems, and to communicate those solutions to audiences including courts, school districts, students, families, and the public.

I founded McBride Law to advocate for my clients with creativity, thoughtfulness, and empathy, and to provide the highest level of personalized service. I previously worked in a national law firm and a trial boutique, where I represented clients in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, banking, and insurance. My experience spans the lifecycle of a case, including investigating and developing the factual record, strategizing discovery, leading and drafting dispositive motions, preparing and deposing fact and expert witnesses, going to trial, and preserving issues for and subsequently litigating appeals, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. But I always strive to resolve issues without going to court where possible, through settlement or other collaborative processes.

Outside my client-facing practice, I teach education law and appellate advocacy at Northwestern Law, and am a former co-director of Northwestern’s Supreme Court Clinic. I have over 20 years of experience as an educator, ranging from early childhood to higher education. I’ve taught in K-12 public, private, and charter schools, and at multiple universities. Before becoming a lawyer, I co-founded and directed a music school and consulted to school districts, nonprofits, and federal policymakers on arts education policy and teacher quality.

I live with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and ADHD, and am one of a small number of openly disabled and neurodivergent attorneys. Along with my husband Matthew Meltzer, I am the parent of three great kids, two of whom are neurodivergent and medically complex. My personal experience as a disabled caregiver informs my advocacy and my deep understanding of my education clients’ needs. I am passionate about increasing access, equity, and inclusion within and beyond the legal profession for people with disabilities and caregiving responsibilities, and am a frequent speaker on these topics.