
Margo Ross Pillischer
Employment AttorneyThe day I arrived in New Orleans for my freshman year of college, I had to evacuate because of Hurricane Katrina.
I had carefully planned and prepared and worked hard to get there, and as a very young adult, at the time it felt like the worst thing that could ever happen. Now I appreciate that it was a valuable life lesson, one that has given me an understanding and empathy as a lawyer that I may not have otherwise gained.
"Ross and Scalise Law Group helped me when I was in such a difficult place in my life and career.
I cannot thank them enough for all their hard work in making sure my case was handled with seriousness and professionalism. I highly respect and recommend the firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.
"Margo Ross Pillischer
The day I arrived in New Orleans for my freshman year of college, I had to evacuate because of Hurricane Katrina. I had carefully planned and prepared and worked hard to get there, and as a very young adult, at the time it felt like the worst thing that could ever happen. Now I appreciate that it was a valuable life lesson, one that has given me an understanding and empathy as a lawyer that I may not have otherwise gained.
None of the people whose cases I helped investigate as a student attorney for The Innocence Project while I was in law school planned to be imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. None of the people I defended as a Public Defender in my first job as an attorney had a goal of being prosecuted in the criminal justice system. No one I have represented as a trial lawyer in personal injury cases planned to be injured in car wrecks or other accidents. People who go to work to do a good job and shape a career don’t plan to be harassed or discriminated against and then fired for reporting it. These are the people I work to help.
I went back to New Orleans to finish college, and during my undergrad years I also served as a White House Intern and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tulane and then moved back to Madrid where I worked as a teacher. After that, I went to New York City to attend law school, where I met my husband.
In 2020, we decided to relocate to Austin to raise our family. In another twist of fate, the COVID-19 pandemic struck New York just weeks ahead of our planned move date, and we had to make a sudden move to avoid potential disaster. We’re here now, healthy and happy, and it’s great to be back in Austin where I grew up.
The bottom line is, I’ve learned that life is uncertain and even though I am a planner by nature, I have learned to roll with the punches. I think it makes me a better lawyer and advocate for my clients.
Education:
- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, New York, NY, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 2014
Activities and Honors- Unemployment Action Center Student Advocate
- The Innocence Project Student Attorney
- Criminal Law Society Board Member
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, B.A. Spanish and Political Science, 2009
Activities and Honors- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
- Top Graduate, Honors Program, Department of Spanish 2009
Bar Admissions:
- State Bar of Texas, 2020
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
- State Bar of New York, 2015
- State Bar of New Jersey, 2014
Organizations, Honors and Public Service:
- Austin Bar Association
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association
- Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association
Languages:
- English and Spanish