As a Summer Associate, Megan Olomu, ’27, Argued Her First Federal Court Motion
Most summer associates spend their time on research and drafting, but Megan Olomu, ’27, had a very different assignment: arguing a motion before a federal judge in a high-profile corporate case.
Olomu spent her summer at Kirkland & Ellis’s Washington, DC, office, where she helped represent Fortune Brands, a home, security, and digital products company. Fortune had acquired the US and Canadian residential lock business divested by Assa Abloy, a Swedish company, under a Department of Justice settlement. The DOJ also required Assa Abloy to supply Fortune with products for two years while it developed its own capacity. The dispute before the US District Court was whether that supply agreement should be extended—and whether Fortune could enforce it directly, without depending on the DOJ.
According to Law360, “Megan Olomu, a Kirkland & Ellis summer associate sharing duties with counsel for Fortune, told the judge that Fortune passed the test established by the DC Circuit for whether third parties could intervene on consent decrees with the government.”
At the close of the hearing, Judge Ana C. Reyes praised Olomu’s performance, saying she had done an “amazing” job and was “obviously well-prepared,” according to the transcript.
“Arguing before Judge Reyes in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia was the most rewarding moment of my summer,” Olomu said. “I recognize how unusual it is for young associates, let alone summer associates, to have a stand-up opportunity in court for a billable client, and it was an opportunity I felt truly grateful to have."
“I now fully understand and appreciate the rationale behind UChicago’s emphasis on cold calling throughout all three years of our legal education." Megan Olomu, ’27
The experience reaffirmed her desire to pursue litigation and highlighted the value of her UChicago Law education.
"I now fully understand and appreciate the rationale behind UChicago’s emphasis on cold calling throughout all three years of our legal education,” she said. “The practice reflects the Law School’s broader philosophy that rigorous questioning, doctrinal precision, and active engagement are essential to developing sharp advocates. Whether you become a transactional attorney or a litigator, cold calling develops the ability to think quickly and clearly under pressure, an indispensable skill for any stand-up opportunity.”
Olomu credited both Judge Reyes, who made the experience “fantastic,” and Kirkland partner Tracie Bryant, who guided her preparation. “[Bryant] shared tips on how she prepares for oral arguments, and I learned a great deal simply from watching her argue in court,” Olomu said. “I was especially grateful that she entrusted me with this responsibility and believed I could handle it.”
Olomu was surprised by the media coverage. “When I saw myself actually quoted in the [Law360] piece, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “My fellow summer associates, family, and mentors were incredibly supportive, which made the experience even more special.”