United Way of Indian River County has welcomed Megan N. Root, Esq. as its new Managing Attorney for Access to Justice (A2J), a newly created position that will lead the continued growth and development of the program.
A Vero Beach native and 2009 graduate of Vero Beach High School, Root returns to her hometown to lead efforts to expand access to civil legal resources for Indian River County residents who are navigating the court system without an attorney.
“Megan brings a unique combination of legal experience, community leadership, and 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 received 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 her commitment to community service, including the Order of the Samaritan.
She is also deeply involved in the Indian River County community. Root currently serves as 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 her new role, Root will provide strategic and operational leadership for A2J, collaborate with the Self Help Center team, strengthen partnerships throughout the legal and nonprofit communities, and lead the program’s growing network of pro bono attorneys. She will also work to expand public education, outreach and referral pathways for residents whose legal needs extend beyond the program’s scope.
Root’s position is made possible through funding from Funding Florida Legal Aid (FFLA). This support helps advance the continued development of A2J and expand access to civil legal resources for residents who may otherwise face the court system without legal assistance.
“This is a really exciting opportunity to bring my legal background and my connection to this community together in a meaningful way,” said Root. “Access to Justice is helping people navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and I’m looking 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 challenges involving family law, housing, protective orders, and small claims.
A2J provides support through three levels: bilingual legal kiosks at four locations with 24/7 online access to court-approved forms and resources; professional bilingual staff who provide step-by-step assistance through court procedures and forms; and virtual consultations with volunteer attorneys for eligible individuals with more complex legal questions.
With Root joining the team, A2J will have greater capacity to expand its services and reach more residents each year. Future growth will include expanded legal clinics and community workshops on topics such as 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, helping ensure that a person’s 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.