download
V Card
A veteran defense counsel, Ms. O’Connor has been to verdict on numerous occasions, has successfully litigated cases in both state and federal courts, and has argued before both the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts. Prior to becoming trial counsel in private practice, she worked for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she rotated through various assignments in the Municipal and Felony Trial Divisions. Her experience there culminated in serving as first chair in a felony courtroom and as lead counsel in more than 25 felony cases tried to jury verdict. |
Education
Ms. O’Connor earned her B.A. degree from the University of Illinois with honors in 1973 and her J.D. degree from Northwestern University School of Law in 1976.
Bar Admissions
Ms. O’Connor is authorized to practice law in Illinois and in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Professional Associations
Ms. O’Connor is a member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute.
Cited Cases
People v. Rehbein, 74 Ill.2d 435, 386 N.E.2d 39 (1978); Webb v. Jewel Companies, et al., 137 Ill.App.3d 1004, 485 N.E.2d 409 (1st Dist. 1985); Keller v. Mols, 156 Ill.App.3d 235, 509 N.E.2d 584 (1st Dist. 1987); Olesen v. Bd of Ed of SD 228, 676 F.Supp. 820, 44 Ed. Law Rep. 205 (ND Ill. Eastern Div 1987); Goncaves v. Saab, et al., 184 Ill.App.3d 952, 538 N.E.2d 142 (1st Dist. 1989); Rodgers v. Withers, 229 Ill.App.3d 246, 593 N.E.2d 669 (1st Dist. 1992); American States Ins. Co. v. National Cycle, 260 Ill.App.3d 299, 631 N.E.2d 1292 (1st Dist. 1994); Essex Ins. Co. v. Stage 2, Inc., et al., 14 F.3d 1178 (7th Cir. 1994).
Lectures
and Presentations
Ms. O’Connor has acted as a lecturer at and sponsor of national and local seminars. Her presentations include:
Honors
Ms. O’Connor has an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell indicating the highest ranking in legal ability and ethical standards as determined by her peers in the legal community. She earned the Illinois “Super Lawyer” designation in 2012, as awarded by Law & Politics, based on nomination, evaluation of professional achievements, and selection by a panel of attorneys in the applicable practice area. Only 5% of the total attorneys in each state receive the Super Lawyers designation. She was also selected for the inaugural edition of the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers for 2011.
A partner and manager of the medical malpractice defense department, Mary C. O’Connor devotes a significant amount of her practice to the defense of hospitals, physicians, and related health care providers sued for professional negligence. She also litigates cases involving municipal liability, civil rights and other general tort matters.