Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight Welcomes Megan Heesch as Partner
SAN DIEGO, April 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight has announced the appointment of Megan Heesch as a partner in its San Diego office. Heesch will focus on ERISA litigation, collaborating with partners Charles Field and Lee Ann St. Charles. Additionally, she will serve as co-chair of the firm’s national trials practice alongside Andrew McCurdy. Her extensive background in high-stakes litigation and public service is expected to greatly enhance the firm’s civil rights and social justice initiatives.
Background and Experience
Heesch joins Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight from the U.S. Department of Justice, where she held the position of immigration judge within the Office of Immigration Review. In this capacity, she managed an array of litigation cases, including termination proceedings, credible fear hearings, and bond determinations, balancing large volumes of documentation while ensuring fairness and due process.
Expertise in High-Impact Litigation
David Sanford, chairman of the firm, praised Heesch’s skills, stating that her courtroom and tribunal experience will be invaluable for clients. Heesch’s unique blend of litigation acumen, judgment, and leadership will significantly bolster the firm’s ERISA practice. “Her experience in navigating complex investigations and financial evidence will further enhance our capabilities, and she is expected to be an outstanding mentor for our attorneys as we tackle sophisticated, high-impact cases,” said Sanford.
Notable Legal Achievements
Before her judicial role, Heesch served as an assistant prosecutor in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. During her tenure, she represented the government in thousands of cases ranging from fraud and public corruption to drug offenses and violent crimes. She has successfully reached verdicts in 12 federal jury trials and has gained substantial experience in all litigation stages, from investigation to sentencing. Heesch has also developed expertise in assessing complex financial and electronic evidence, particularly in multi-million-dollar fraud investigations.
Significant Contributions to Law Enforcement
Among her many accomplishments, Heesch served as lead counsel for Operation Trojan Shield, an innovative international investigation targeting a transnational criminal organization. This significant operation led to over 1,000 arrests globally and earned her the FBI Director’s Award for Excellence in International Operations.
Academic Credentials and Early Career
Heesch received her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she was editor-in-chief of the Harvard Civil Rights and Freedoms Law Review, reflecting her dedication to public service. She also holds an honors bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Earlier in her career, Heesch held various positions at the Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration Review and taught future legal professionals at the University of Minnesota Law School.
Commitment to Justice and Financial Advocacy
Expressing her enthusiasm about joining Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, Heesch stated her admiration for the firm’s advocacy for justice. “This work resonates deeply with me, as I have witnessed the detrimental effects of mismanaged retirement investments on families. I am committed to representing clients against powerful financial institutions to help them secure just outcomes,” she emphasized.
Heesch is the second former judge to transition to a partnership at the firm, joining Kevin Sharp, a former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight stands as one of the nation’s foremost public interest law firms, operating across six offices and specializing in complex litigation encompassing employment discrimination, wage and hour disputes, whistleblower cases, public interest litigation, and ERISA retirement savings challenges.
Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is renowned for its commitment to civil rights and public interest law, with a track record of securing over $5 billion for its clients through various judgments and settlements. The firm has been honored with multiple accolades, including designations as “Civil Rights Law Firm of the Year” and “Employment Rights Firm of the Year.”
