At Sherr Law Group, attorney Julie Owsik Ackerman represents municipalities and businesses in complex litigation matters across Pennsylvania. From employment disputes and municipal litigation to appellate work in federal court, Julie brings a thoughtful, strategic, and people-focused approach to every matter she handles.
We recently sat down with Julie to learn more about her path to the legal field, her passion for writing, and what continues to motivate her work as a litigator.
What originally drew you to the legal field, and when did you realize it was the right path for you?
Before law school, Julie worked closely with immigrant and refugee communities, first in social work and later in immigration advocacy.
“I liked that somebody could bring me a problem and it was something I could either fix or not fix,” Julie explained. “I liked the clarity of it. I liked that the work I did had real-life consequences for people.”
She found particular meaning in helping individuals and families navigate asylum applications and immigration proceedings.
“It was really gratifying to use my problem-solving skills in a way that profoundly affected people’s lives.”
What drew you to Sherr Law Group? What do you enjoy most about working here?
After spending much of her career practicing in Philadelphia, Julie was interested in joining a smaller Montgomery County practice where she could work more closely with clients and expand her litigation experience.
“I really liked that the firm handles such a wide variety of cases,” she said. “Municipal work alone can involve zoning issues, employment matters, contract disputes, personal injury claims — there’s always something new and challenging.”
Julie also said that meeting Tony Sherr and the team at Sherr Law Group played a major role in her decision to join the firm.
“When I met Tony and the team, I immediately had a really good feeling about them,” she explained. “In a smaller firm environment, the people you work with every day really matter.”
She especially values the collaborative environment and the opportunity to work closely with experienced trial counsel.
“After trying cases together, I realized very quickly this was a great fit,” Julie said. “If you like someone more after trying a case together, that’s probably a very good sign.”
What unique perspectives do you bring to your practice?
Julie believes her experiences working with immigrant communities and in public-interest settings continue to shape the way she approaches clients and litigation.
“I think I bring a real focus on people and real compassion,” she said. “People don’t come to court unless something serious is happening.”
She also values helping clients navigate stressful situations with clarity and confidence.
“I try to be calm and steady for clients while also being a strong advocate for them when they need it.”
What do you think clients value most when they’re working with you?
Julie believes clients appreciate both her ability to connect with people and her practical approach to litigation.
“I care about people. I connect with people,” she said. “I think clients appreciate that I bring a sense of calm and perspective to difficult situations.”
She also noted that a sense of humor can help clients feel more comfortable during stressful litigation matters.
“Even when the issues are serious, I try to bring some lightness when appropriate.”
You handle a wide range of litigation matters — what types of cases do you find most engaging, and why?
Julie especially enjoys appellate work and complex legal writing.
“I like being challenged intellectually,” she explained. “Writing has always been my first love, and I enjoy getting to bring those skills into litigation.”
She is currently working on several appeals before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals involving constitutional and civil rights issues.
“I love working on cases that have real-world impact.”
Looking back, what experiences have been most valuable in shaping your career as a litigator?
Before becoming an attorney, Julie represented individuals in immigration court as an accredited representative.
“That experience was both terrifying and profound,” she said. “It gave me an early understanding of how challenging litigation can be — but also how rewarding it is when you’re helping someone through something incredibly important.”
She also reflected on advice she once received from a law school mentor.
“A professor told me years ago that he thought I’d be happiest working in a smaller county practice. At the time, I thought he was completely wrong,” she laughed. “Now I realize he was absolutely right.”
You’ve mentioned that writing has always been a passion — when did that start for you?
Julie has been writing since childhood.
“I started writing stories and poems very young,” she said. “Writing is one of those things that came naturally to me for so long that I didn’t even fully realize it was a skill.”
Today, she continues to write creatively outside of legal practice and has completed a novel, with additional writing projects currently underway.
“I’ve written personal essays, fiction — writing is really how I process the world and figure out what I think about things.”
How does being a strong writer shape the way you approach litigation?
Julie sees a direct connection between storytelling and legal advocacy.
“When I’m working on a large brief, I sometimes approach it the same way I would approach a novel,” she explained. “There are puzzle pieces that need to fit together clearly and logically.”
Her years of writing and teaching writing have also influenced how she approaches drafting and revision.
“One of the biggest things writing teaches you is that the first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. You revise, refine, and continue improving it.”
She also appreciates the collaborative aspect of legal writing at the firm.
“Having experienced attorneys to bounce ideas off of and review strategy with has been incredibly valuable.”
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Many people are surprised to learn that Julie lived in Mexico as a student and speaks Spanish.
“That experience had a huge impact on how I see the world and connect with different communities,” she said.
Outside of work, Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, pug, and extended family and friends — preferably somewhere near the water. She’s also a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan and continues to pursue creative writing whenever she can.
At Sherr Law Group, we are proud to have attorneys like Julie whose professionalism, compassion, and thoughtful advocacy help clients navigate complex legal challenges with confidence.
