Meaghan Powers

/My focus

Prior to joining Nixon Peabody, I served as a state-level prosecutor for over a decade, where I developed extensive experience in complex criminal investigations and litigation. During my tenure, I handled a wide array of criminal matters, including financial crime, organized crime, homicide, gang violence, and other related offenses. I successfully argued criminal appeals in both the First and Second Judicial Departments of the New York State Appellate Division.

My prosecutorial background has equipped me with a deep understanding of how government agencies build and pursue cases—insight I now leverage on behalf of clients. My career has encompassed all phases of litigation, from investigating allegations and responding to grand jury subpoenas to conducting legal research, preparing motions and briefs, managing electronic discovery and evidence, representing parties at conferences, hearings, and trial, and providing post-conviction appellate support.

A recognized leader in the field, I have lectured on constitutional issues, advancements in DNA testing, evidence-based prosecution, and appropriate standards for search and seizure. I bring this breadth of knowledge and practical courtroom experience to every engagement, offering clients strategic counsel rooted in a thorough understanding of both sides of the government enforcement process.

/Looking ahead

As a legal historian, I remain fascinated by the intersection of the Fourth Amendment and technological advancement. As societal dependance on personal electronic devices and AI broadens, so too must the legal standards governing expectations of privacy in digital data.

/Insights

PRESENTATIONS

• “Securing Orders: Arraignment to Conviction,” SCDAO, 2024
• “Hearsay: A Legal and Practical Approach,” SCDAO, 2024
• “Drafting Search Warrants for Cellphones,” SCDAO, 2021
• “Death by Dealer Statute,” DAASNY Legislative Committee, 2021
• “Admitting Social Media Evidence at Trial,” SCDAO, 2021
• “Recantation Summit-Evidence Based Prosecutions,” OCME, 2019
• “Raise the Age: Speedy Trial Issues,” New York City Law Dept., 2019

PUBLICATIONS

• “Securing Orders: Arraignment to Conviction,” 2024
• “Procedural Requirements for Pre-Trial Hearings,” 2024
• “Prosecuting Gang-Related Crimes,” 2023
• “Use of Unsubstantiated Allegations of Police Misconduct,” 2023
• “Search Warrants for Personal Electronic Devices: A Look at Developing Issues,” 2022
• “Guidelines for Authorization of “No Knock” Entry,” 2020
• “Use of Photo Identification as Direct Evidence at Trial,” 2017
• “Prosecuting Organized Crime: New York City’s War Against the Gangsters of Gotham,” 2014