Maureen O'Connor
Atlanta
Summary
Experienced lawyer specializing in corporate and litigation law with a proven track record in developing effective case strategies. Demonstrated expertise in negotiation and persuasive communication, resulting in successful outcomes in complex legal matters. Strong analytical skills enable quick identification of key legal issues and effective communication with clients and colleagues. Enhanced workplace efficiency by streamlining legal processes and mentoring junior lawyers.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contract/Freelance/In-House Attorney
Various Firms/Corp Clients
01.2019 - Current
- Managed diverse insurance defense and general liability litigation from inception through resolution, ensuring comprehensive legal support and favorable outcomes.
- Represented and defended clients in bodily injury, property damage, real estate, business, construction, and premises liability claims, delivering strategic legal counsel and advocacy.
- Obtained summary judgment in a premises liability matter.
- Clients include Google, Nationwide Insurance Co., Thrift McLemore, Council & Assoc.
Senior Associate
McAngus, Gouldlock & Currie, LLC
Atlanta
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Managed insurance defense litigation for general and premises liability cases, ensuring effective representation of clients.
- Participated in depositions and hearings for insured clients, contributing to case strategy and client advocacy.
- Drafted pleadings, dispositive motions, and appellate briefs.
Senior Associate Attorney
Drew Eckl & Farnham, LLC
Atlanta
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Managed complex insurance defense matters, including general liability, premises liability, and professional liability, ensuring favorable outcomes for clients.
- Drafted pleadings, briefs, and dispositive motions to effectively advance cases and support legal strategies.
- Provided comprehensive coverage analysis and litigation opinions to corporate and insurance clients, facilitating informed decision-making.
Senior Associate
Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard, & Smith
Atlanta
10.2017 - 01.2019
- Developed defense strategies for high-value injury and sexual assault claims, enhancing case effectiveness and client defense.
- Drafted and argued motions in state and federal court, influencing case direction and outcomes.
- Defended general liability, premises liability, products liability, and insurance coverage claims, achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
Senior Associate
Mabry & McClelland, LLP
Atlanta
04.2008 - 09.2017
- Achieved defense verdict in high-profile sexual assault jury trial.
- Secured favorable appellate rulings enhancing coverage and liability positions for clients.
- Served as second chair in general liability jury trials and first chair in magistrate trials, contributing to successful case resolutions.
- Managed partner's practice during two-year leave, overseeing general liability and insurance defense caseload, ensuring continuity of client service.
Associate
Coyne, Schultz, Becker & Bauer, S.C.
Madison
01.2005 - 01.2007
- First-chaired 20 bench trials in general liability, premises liability, and personal injury, leading to favorable outcomes for clients.
- Authored trial briefs that shaped a Wisconsin Court of Appeals published defamation decision, impacting future legal interpretations.
- Second-chaired 4 jury trials, contributing to case strategies and courtroom presentations.
Certified Student Prosecutor
Dane County District Attorney's Office
Madison
09.2004 - 04.2005
- Exercised prosecutorial discretion to determine appropriate charges based on case merits.
- Conducted legal research to support prosecution strategies and arguments.
- Drafted pleadings and conducted hearings, ensuring thorough representation of cases.
- Reviewed case files to prepare for court hearings and trials.
- Presented evidence and witnesses during courtroom proceedings effectively.
Certified Student Prosecutor
Fond du Lac County District Attorney's Office
Fond du Lac
06.2004 - 08.2004
- First-chaired three criminal jury trials, handling motions, witness examination, opening and closing arguments.
- Managed courtroom appearances, motions practice, and trial briefings.
- Assisted with case preparation and trial strategy.
Claims Representative II
GEICO
Virginia Beach
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Managed extensive auto bodily injury and general liability claims from investigation through resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.
- Evaluated coverage and assessed liability to effectively negotiate settlements, maximizing client satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with insureds, agents, and defense counsel to facilitate smooth claim processes.
Claims Representative II
Federated Mutual Insurance Company
Richmond
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Achieved nearly 100% closing ratio by effectively managing claims from initiation to resolution.
- Evaluated coverage and liability exposure, negotiating settlements that aligned with policy terms and minimized risk.
- Adjusted complex bodily injury, general liability, auto/trucking, and property damage claims to ensure fair and timely resolutions across commercial and personal lines.
Education
J.D. -
University of Wisconsin Law School
Madison, WI01-2005
B.A. -
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN01-1997
Skills
- Motions practice
- Attorney mentoring
- Discovery practice
- Dispositive motions
- Expert preparation & depositions
- ADR/settlement negotiations
- Trial preparation
- Trial practice
- Drafting & interpretation of commercial contracts
- Contract negotiations
- Risk assessment in contract terms
- Vendor/supplier agreement review
- Insurance defense litigation
- Coverage opinions
- Commercial contract drafting
- Declaratory judgments
- Contract risk assessment
- Budget management
- Stakeholder management
- Contractual risk analysis
- Legal compliance review
- Regulatory analysis
Certification
- Licensed - State Bar of Georgia, N. Dist. of GA., Middle Dist. of GA., GA Court of Appeals
- Associate in Claims 2002
Accomplishments
- 2023 Marquis Who's Who in America's Top Lawyers
Affiliations
- State Bar Transition Into Practice of Law Program Mentor
- Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
- Defense Research Institute
Timeline
Senior Associate
McAngus, Gouldlock & Currie, LLC
08.2024 - 03.2025
Senior Associate Attorney
Drew Eckl & Farnham, LLC
03.2023 - 08.2023
Senior Contract/Freelance/In-House Attorney
Various Firms/Corp Clients
01.2019 - Current
Senior Associate
Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard, & Smith
10.2017 - 01.2019
Senior Associate
Mabry & McClelland, LLP
04.2008 - 09.2017
Associate
Coyne, Schultz, Becker & Bauer, S.C.
01.2005 - 01.2007
Certified Student Prosecutor
Dane County District Attorney's Office
09.2004 - 04.2005
Certified Student Prosecutor
Fond du Lac County District Attorney's Office
06.2004 - 08.2004
Claims Representative II
GEICO
01.2001 - 01.2002
Claims Representative II
Federated Mutual Insurance Company
01.1998 - 01.2001
J.D. -
University of Wisconsin Law School
B.A. -
Indiana University