Clinic Student Morgan Engler: A future lawyer driven by compassion and community

For Morgan Engler, a 3L at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, pursuing a legal career is deeply personal. The Lebanon County native is driven by a desire to give back to her community while carrying on her family’s legacy in law.

Engler graduated from Susquehanna University with a double major in political science and legal studies. Inspired by her upbringing and a passion for service, she decided to pursue law school with the goal of joining her father in a general private practice in Lebanon. Her future work will encompass family law, criminal defense, wills and estates, and business law.

The Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic at Widener University Commonwealth Law School provided Engler with hands-on experience that reaffirmed her career goals. “I chose to get involved at the Law Clinic because it was a great opportunity to give back to the community and assist those in need while also getting first-hand experience doing exactly what I will be doing after graduation,” Engler explained.

Mary Catherine Scott, director of the Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic and associate clinical professor of law, has witnessed Engler’s growth firsthand. “Morgan has grown as a clinician during her semester here. She is an excellent student, but it is her empathy that goes a long way dealing with her client's sensitive legal issues. It is that caring about her clients that will make her an excellent lawyer,” Scott said.

At the law clinic, she handled a range of cases, including divorce, custody, unemployment, landlord-tenant disputes, and adoption. Engler reflected on the unique opportunity to lead custody conferences and represent clients in court under the guidance of supervising attorneys.

“My favorite part about working at the law clinic was having my own clients. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people during some of the hardest times in their lives,” Engler said. She also acknowledged the challenges: “Our clients come to the law clinic with matters that are deeply significant to them. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s rewarding to be their advocate.”

Scott praised Engler’s approach, saying, “At the clinic, one of our goals is to provide competent legal representation to the indigent and elderly of Dauphin County—two very underrepresented groups. Morgan is clearly competent as a law student, but her empathy toward her clients is what stands out to me as exemplifying the characteristics of a compassionate lawyer.”

Engler credits both the law clinic and her participation in trial advocacy competitions for solidifying her commitment to practicing law. As vice president of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society and a member of several student organizations, including the Appellate Advocacy Honor Society and the Federal Bar Association, Engler has maximized her opportunities at Widener Law Commonwealth.

In addition to her leadership roles, she serves as president of the Criminal Law Society, an academic success fFellow for contracts and the Trial Admissions Program, a student ambassador, and the head student representative for BARBRI, a bar-exam preparation program. Last year, she was honored with the prestigious President’s Award, recognizing her high scholastic achievement and potential for meaningful contributions to the legal field.

When asked for advice for fellow students, Engler emphasized the importance of seizing every opportunity. “I would recommend the law clinic to any Widener student. It’s an amazing learning experience, and the work you do is incredibly fulfilling. Make the most of the semester,” she said.

Beyond academics, Engler finds inspiration in the works of John Grisham. “My goal is to read and collect every single one of his books. I’m pretty close to completing the set!” she shared.

Scott summed up Engler’s time at the clinic, saying, “In one sentence, I would characterize Morgan's time at the clinic as a win-win; she learned skills and practices that enhance her legal education at Commonwealth and her clients benefited by Morgan's keen grasp of the law and her caring way of handling their important legal issues.”

As graduation approaches, Engler looks forward to joining her father’s practice and continuing her commitment to serving others. “The community I grew up in has given me so much. This is my way of giving back.”