Get to know members of the NJAJ Women Trial Lawyers Caucus.    

The WTLC is spotlighting members.

Meet Jacquelyn R. Matchett, Esq.

Jacquelyn is counsel at Costello & Mains, LLC in Mount Laurel, NJ  where her practice focuses on passionately representing her clients in employment and civil rights matters. She handles all aspects of litigation from filing complaints through trial. Prior to joining the firm in 2018, she represented plaintiffs in civil litigation matters after finishing a judicial clerkship.

She is a member of the NJAJ Board of Governors, a co-chair of the New Lawyers Section and is a frequent presenter at educational programs.

Jacquelyn received her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, where she graduated cum laude. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the Rutgers University School of Law in Camden. While in law school, she was a New Developments Editor and published in the Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion (nee Cooper), participated in the Children's Family and Advocacy Clinic, and received the Dean's Pro Bono Award for exceptional service for participating in more than 100  hours in various pro bono programs.

Jacquelyn is a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan and resides in South Jersey with her family.

Q. What year did you join NJAJ?

A. 2015

Q. Why did you join NJAJ?

A. I was clerking at the time and had a great time at the Boardwalk Seminar, learning tactics I still utilize in my practice today. That helped rope me in. It is also how I found my first post-clerkship position and I have been in the NJAJ family ever since.

Q. Why did you become involved in the WTLC?

 A. It was a no brainer. Having a network of female attorneys who can empathize with your journey, offer guidance, and the occasional fun time is invaluable and I wanted in!

Q. Why did you become a lawyer?

A. That’s actually two questions -- why I became a lawyer and why I am still a lawyer. I became a lawyer because I love logical thinking and enjoyed engaging in heated debate, so I believed it was the right profession for me. After the wake-up call of what being a lawyer actually is, I loved it even more. I believe the kind of work we do creates actual change, no matter how small the ripple effect may be. I often say I would love to live in a world where employees/ and citizens do not need my help. Until then, I will keep fighting the good, and often more difficult, fight.

Q. Who are your personal heroes? Why did you choose them?

A. It may be a cliché, but my mom. To see what she was able to accomplish as a single mother gave me the confidence and strength to believe I could accomplish any goal. With everything life has thrown at her, I still envy her relentless energy and ability to look at the brighter side of things.

Q . What is your favorite quotation?

A.   “I know they say if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life, well I don't buy that. I think if you love what you do, you're going to work all day, every day, harder than everyone else until they shut the lights off on you.” -- Brian Dawkins, former Philadelphia Eagles player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.