Her Story
About Shannon
Shannon R. Meighan is an attorney and Staff Attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender, where she focuses on criminal defense. Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, Shannon brings a strong commitment to advocating for individuals and supporting access to effective legal representation. Her current role represents her first full-time professional position following her service with AmeriCorps NCCC, where she worked as a Team Leader supporting communities in need. Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Law from Plymouth State University, with additional academic focuses in cybersecurity and pre-law, before earning her Doctor of Law (JD) from UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law in May 2024. During law school, she participated in the Daniel Webster Scholars Honors Program, advanced to the semifinals of a trial advocacy competition, and upon graduation from UNH Law, Shannon was awarded the Howard James Nedved Award for performing admirably in the Association of Trial Lawyers of America Student Trial Advocacy Competition and the National Trial Competition. Additionally, she was awarded the Warren B. Rudman Award for commitment to public interest lawyering. She is a member of the New Hampshire Bar and the District of New Hampshire Federal Bar, reflecting her professional commitment to criminal defense and the legal community. Beyond her legal career, Shannon values the guidance of mentors and the support of family and friends, which she credits as important contributors to her success. She believes in redefining what a “win” means and pursuing work that is fulfilling rather than draining. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Shannon enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, traveling, and volunteering with community organizations, including animal shelters and food pantries. Her combination of legal advocacy, community service, and personal dedication reflects a career grounded in service, resilience, and meaningful impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the support and guidance of my mentors, family, and friends. Their encouragement helped me navigate the challenges of law school and continues to give me the strength and perspective I need in my career. I also find that observing and learning from other attorneys is both one of the most rewarding and valuable parts of the profession.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to redefine what it means to win. I’ve learned not to focus on how I achieve success, but to take pride in reaching goals that genuinely matter to me. A true win is finding work that fulfills me, aligns with my values, and allows me to grow without leaving me drained every day. That perspective has encouraged me to pursue a career that brings both purpose and lasting satisfaction.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There are going to be amazing days and terrible days. Those days, both the amazing and the terrible, are all are likely going to be contributed to the people around you no matter what you do. You can't control what other people do or think or believe. But you can control how you let yourself be affected by it. It's ok to be upset by someone treating you poorly and it's ok to be angry or sadden by it, but don't ever let change how you advocate for your clients or practice law, especially if you know you're doing in an effective way.
You're reputative is everything as an attorney, especially if you practice somewhere with a small bar, like New Hampshire. Most of the time, your name is known before you ever enter a courtroom. It's a terrifying thought for a lawyer just starting out. Your clients current and past will absolutely do their part in sharing your reputation. Goodness knows I love it when my clients tell me I have an excellent "jail rep" (high praise I assure you!). But in the past two years, I have found the people who share your reputation the most and the fastest--other attorneys. Court clerks. Court Security Guard/Bailiffs. Decide early what you want your reputation to be and make sure you do your best to put your best foot forward every time you set in a court room, a mediation room, or a meeting room because people are watching and talking even if you think they are not. Generally though--Be kind, be professional, and be the most prepared attorney in the room. Preparedness as an attorney is your best weapon against opposing counsel.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
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