Megan Root managing attorney for Access to Justice program
United Way of Indian River County has named Megan N. Root managing attorney for Access to Justice, a newly created role focused on expanding the program’s services and community partnerships. Root, a Vero Beach native and 2009 graduate of Vero Beach High School, returns to her hometown to help Indian River County residents access civil legal resources and navigate the court system without an attorney.
“Megan brings a unique combination of legal experience, community leadership and a genuine commitment to serving the people of Indian River County,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. “Access to Justice has grown significantly since its launch in 2023, and adding a managing attorney allows us to build on that momentum and expand what the program can offer. We are thrilled to have Megan leading this next chapter.”
Root earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and her Juris Doctor and Certificate in Public Interest Law from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2016. During law school, she received multiple honors for community service, including the Order of the Samaritan.
Root is president-elect of Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach, where she is a longtime board member and co-chair of the International Committee. She also serves on the boards of Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy and the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Attorney Advisory Committee for Indian River Legal Aid, and is an active member of the Indian River County Bar Association.
In the new role, Root will provide strategic and operational leadership for Access to Justice, work with the Self Help Center team, strengthen partnerships across the legal and nonprofit sectors, and lead the program’s network of pro bono attorneys. She also will help expand public education, outreach and referral pathways for residents whose legal needs extend beyond the program’s scope.
The position is funded by Funding Florida Legal Aid. The support advances the continued development of Access to Justice and helps expand access to civil legal resources for residents who may otherwise face the court system without legal assistance.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bring my legal background and connection to this community together in a meaningful way,” Root said. “Access to Justice helps people navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and finding new ways to make the civil justice system more accessible to the people of Indian River County.”
Access to Justice is a partnership between United Way of Indian River County and the Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Since launching in 2023, the program has helped more than 6,500 residents navigate civil legal matters involving family law, housing, protective orders and small claims.
The program provides support through bilingual legal kiosks at four locations with 24/7 online access to court-approved forms and resources; professional bilingual staff who offer step-by-step assistance with court procedures and forms; and virtual consultations with volunteer attorneys for eligible individuals with more complex legal questions.
With Root joining the team, Access to Justice will have greater capacity to expand services and reach more residents each year. Future growth is expected to include expanded legal clinics and community workshops on tenants’ rights, veterans law, probate, guardianship and guardian advocacy, family law, and disaster law, along with stronger intake, case management and referral systems.
Access to Justice provides legal information and navigation support, not legal representation. The program helps ensure residents’ ability to understand and navigate the civil court system is not determined by whether they can afford an attorney.
For more information about Access to Justice and available resources, visit A2JIRC.org or call 772-226-3162. Spanish-language assistance is available.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that mobilizes the caring power of our community by bringing people, partners, and resources together to address local challenges and create lasting solutions. Through investments in local programs, direct service initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we help households become more secure and prepared by working year-round to improve health, education, financial stability, and resilience, creating opportunities for people to thrive, and ensuring Indian River County can respond at the speed of need.
For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website,UnitedWayIRC.org.
About Access to Justice
Access to Justice (A2J) is committed to ensuring equal access to legal resources and services for self-represented parties in family law, small claims, and residential landlord/tenant cases. Through its partnership with United Way of Indian River County and the Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court, A2J empowers individuals to navigate the legal system through innovative technology as well as in-person assistance.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com.