Well-versed in litigation, John J. O’Connell Jr., Esq., is a revered figure in the sphere of law, with exceptional expertise in personal injury, criminal defense, and divorce and family law. Since 1997, he has served as an attorney and the chief executive officer at Smith, Schroeder & O’Connell, a general law practice in Decatur, Georgia. In addition, he has thrived as an attorney-at-law under his own firm, John J. O’Connell Jr., Attorney at Law, since 1985.
To prepare for his career, Mr. O’Connell pursued a formal education at the University of Arizona, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in political science and government in 1979. Thereafter, he obtained a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Western State University Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1982. Mr. O’Connell has several bar admissions, including before the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the United States Tax Court. Additionally, he was admitted before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth and Eleventh Circuits.
A steadfast member of several law-related organizations, Mr. O’Connell maintains an active affiliation with the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the Dekalb Bar Association. He is also a member of the University of Arizona Alumni Association.
In accounting for his success, Mr. O’Connell credits his natural ability to establish strong connections with others. In this regard, he emphasizes that he has an affinity for building rapport with other lawyers, as well as with clients, juries and judges. To wit, his skill in relating to a myriad of individuals from diverse backgrounds has played a significant role in his vocational achievements. Among the many highlights of his career, he is particularly proud of having multiple trial verdicts published, obtaining acquittals and handling several substantial criminal cases.
Looking toward the future, Mr. O’Connell aims to eventually ease into a well-deserved retirement while still maintaining activity in legal practices through teaching positions, mentoring and other contributions.
