Mary C. O’Connor is a partner at Hickey, O’Connor & Battle, LLP. Ms. O’Connor has a well-established trial practice in the area of medical malpractice defense. For over 30 years she has represented hospitals, physicians, and related health care providers in complex disputes involving allegations of medical negligence. She has achieved the highest possible rating of AV® Preeminent™ from Martindale Hubbell Law Directory. The rating attests to her legal ability and professional ethics, and reflects the confidential opinions of the Bar and the Judiciary. She is also recognized in Illinois Super Lawyers listing and in the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers.
Previously, Ms. O’Connor was a partner and lead trial counsel of healthcare defense clients with a commercial litigation and property law firm offering specialized legal services to the insurance industry. Her active trial practice in Chicago focused on the representation of insureds and self-insured entities defending significant liability claims, medical malpractice cases, and professional liability matters.
Ms. O’Connor began private practice with a Chicago litigation law firm as an associate in 1983; within four years, she was named a litigation partner and focused extensively on the defense of casualty claims, product liability, professional negligence and civil rights cases in both state and federal courts. She commenced her legal career in 1976 working for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office where as appellate counsel she argued cases in both the 1st District Appellate and Supreme Court. She became one of the first women to rotate through Felony Review, next serving as first chair in a felony courtroom at 26th and California, where she ultimately tried more than 30 felony cases to jury verdict.
Ms. O’Connor received her Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1976 and Bachelor of Arts cum laude from the University of Illinois in 1973. She is licensed to practice law in Illinois and is admitted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is a member of the Trial Bar, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Ms. O’Connor has successfully litigated cases in both federal and state courts. She has first-chaired over 50 jury trials, most to victory, in her distinguished career and has concluded hundreds of other cases short of trial to the satisfaction of her clients. Her practice is built on a base of loyal and confident health care specialists and facilities. She has mentored many young lawyers to successful careers in the field of law.
