Alumni Spotlight: Myell Mergaert ’20
Myell Mergaert ’20 is the first legal professional hired at Nirvana Insurance, a high-growth insurtech company transforming commercial insurance through predictive analytics and real-time Internet of Things (IoT) data. As commercial counsel, he guides legal strategy across teams, negotiates commercial agreements, and advises on risk management, regulatory compliance, and operations.
Previously, he was the second legal counsel at Liftoff Mobile, a leader in the AdTech space, where he supported product, sales, and security teams on commercial transactions, employment, and data privacy (GDPR/CCPA). He helped build Liftoff’s global contract system and played a key role in post-merger legal integration after its acquisition by Blackstone.
A dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Myell led the Black@Liftoff employee resource group, served on the DEI committee, and founded the company’s first legal internship program. He currently serves as president of the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club and sits on the boards of Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom and UC Law SF’s LGBTQ+ alumni affinity group, which he co-chairs. He was recently named one of the 40 under 40 Best LGBTQ+ Lawyers, alongside alum Jackie Gross ’18.
Myell holds a J.D. from UC Law SF and a B.A. in critical theory and social justice from Occidental College.
His conversation with the UC Law San Francisco Alumni Association follows.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and what drew you to UC Law SF specifically?
A: I was working as an educator and case manager for at-risk students in my hometown when I began mentoring a student struggling with mental health and homophobia at home. Her parent reacted negatively and even threatened legal action. I realized I needed a way to keep supporting students while protecting myself, so I turned to law school. My undergraduate institution recommended UC Law for its political engagement, and I was drawn to the [Legal Education and Opportunity Program]. LEOP was the best part of my law school experience; it gave me the guidance and tools I previously lacked and was key to my success. I was also fortunate to receive a LEOP bar prep scholarship, which played a crucial role in helping me pass the bar on my first try.
Q: What advice would you give to current students or young alumni navigating their careers, especially in today’s legal landscape?
A: In today’s uncertain and noisy political climate, we don’t talk enough about selfishness. It’s often seen as a negative trait, especially for lawyers, but I believe you can be both selfish and selfless. Take care of yourself, advocate for yourself, and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t serve you holistically. Find a job that fills your cup and supports your life outside of work. I’m fortunate to have one that does; I serve as president of the San Francisco Spikes and co-chair UC Law SF’s LGBTQ+ alumni affinity group. It’s hard to say no when you’re just starting out, but learning to say no to things that don’t align with your goals is essential. Also, build relationships with UC Law SF professors and staff and make sure to give back while you’re still a student, it is key to advancing your future career.
Q: Were there any professors, classes, or unique experiences at UC Law SF that had a lasting impact on you?
A: Joan Williams and Jamie Dolkas’ Leadership Skills for Lawyers class helped me immensely. The social/emotional aspect of being an attorney is often overlooked, but that class taught me to hone in my soft skills and leverage them in my career and personal life. I use that class every day, I have gotten jobs because of that class. I even credit that class with helping me communicate with my partner! That course also helped me climb the corporate in-house ladder and learn how to speak with stakeholders that work in other industries. I am still very close to my classmates from that class, and we often talk about how it shaped our career trajectories.