Special Counsel Megan Jackler, an attorney with Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith in the firm’s New Orleans and Mandeville offices, was invited to serve as guest speaker at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana’s naturalization ceremony on September 4, 2025. Jackler addressed the Honorable Brandon S. Long, 17 newly naturalized United States citizens, and distinguished guests during the federal court proceeding.
In his remarks, Judge Long emphasized that America is not fixed in time and encouraged the new citizens to take an active role in their communities by voting and volunteering. Jackler preceded his remarks and the oath by sharing her experience in public service and her perspective as a New Orleans-based defense and immigration attorney.
Perseverance, Hard Work, and Sacrifice in Earning Citizenship
Jackler highlighted the new citizens’ hard work to earn the privilege of U.S. citizenship and the demonstration of American perseverance, dedication, and sacrifice. She spoke on who we are as Americans and the rights and responsibilities that are gained with that title.Recognizing that Americans stand together in times of national unity, Jackler acknowledged two distinct events in which citizens mourned and overcame together: Hurricane Katrina and September 11. As a college student in New York City, she has distinct memories of fighter jets patrolling the air space above the city, the smell of smoke, and the many family and friends searching for loved ones.Jackler joined the U.S. Navy during law school and provided legal services to Sailors serving in the Pacific. While in Japan, she assisted with relief efforts following the 2011 great earthquake and nuclear disaster, showing American resilience and that Americans help each other in times of need.
Calling upon the final words of the Pledge of Allegiance, Jackler spotlighted Americans’ commitment to liberty and justice for all. While deployed to Afghanistan, she was honored to raise the American flag on the 10th anniversary of September 11th in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Jackler spoke on humanitarian and public service efforts with local Afghans, and as one of just three women on the leader’s staff and the only American lawyer, she attended a women’s shura, an Islamic tradition similar to a leadership council.
Public Service and Citizenship Responsibilities
Jackler encouraged the new citizens to vote as one of the most important responsibilities to choose leaders without fear. She was a Navy judge advocate (JAG) attorney for 12 years with experience in both prosecution and defense, and she underscored the great responsibility of serving on a jury when called upon. This experience now informs her current work as a New Orleans-based defense attorney representing clients in litigation and immigration matters.
Jackler also shared that citizens can apply for employment in the federal government. She served for nearly four years as the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge in New Orleans, and called representing fellow Americans in government service a prestigious honor.
At Galloway, Megan Jackler is a defense attorney focused on litigation and immigration. A problem solver, she analyzes and approaches each matter with critical and “outside the box” thinking, collaboration, and compassion. Megan seeks the best outcome for her clients, always working diligently and humbly to accomplish the mission of providing high quality, client-focused, and sophisticated representation.
