Deirdre Lynn O'Connor

Deirdre Lynn O'Connor

also known as Deirdre O'Connor

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 32 years

Civil rights Lawyer at Torrance, CA
Practice Areas: Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, Appeals

2370 W Carson St., Suite 235, Torrance, CA

About Deirdre

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Civil Rights 50%

Civil Rights: Since 2015, I have partnered with experienced civil rights lawyers to handle wrongful conviction civil rights claims.

12 years

50%
Criminal Defense 30%

Criminal Defense: I accept a limited number of privately retained criminal trials for clients who are factually innocent.

33 years

30%
Appeals 20%

Criminal appeals/habeas petitions/findings of factual innocence: I accept a limited number of privately retained appeals and habeas petitions for those who have been wrongfully convicted. Must be willing to take and pass a polygraph

21 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 32 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Georgia for 19 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 2006

Inactive Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 20 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2005

Not authorized to practice

No misconduct found

Location

Deirdre O'Connor

2370 W Carson St., Suite 235, Torrance, CA, 90501

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Deirdre Lynn O'Connor's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Case Results

Posted by Ruby | August 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

My son was facing years in prison. But he was not so innocent.

My son was facing many years in prison. We hire a attorney who did nothing for my son, One day I ask god to send me someone with a good heart. And then I turn on the television and their she was Deirdre, walking a man out of prison. I knew when I saw her she could and would help my son. Even through ...my son was not so innocent, we hire her and she got right down to the truth and my son came home 3 years later. He was facing ten years or more, I'm so greatful and thankful for Deirdre she is awesome and very smart! My son has a wonderful life now that he's a free man. However I need a family attorney now, Deirdre do you have any good hearted family attorney that I can call?

Posted by Michelle | June 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Works Miracles / really cares about people

Back in 2002 I was wrongfully convicted of terrorist threats. The woman that did this to me harassed me for about 18 years of my life and on top of that I had a bad record which kept me from progressing in life until I met Deirdre O’Connor.. She did for me something I thought would never happen. She ...fought for me in court and had my record exonerated. She listened to me and she believed in me. She went out of her way for me in many ways. I could talk to her about anything and she listened. To me she is an angel that worked a mircle for me. I’m so grateful for you Deirdre O’Connor.

Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Fearless!

I was facing years in prison for a crime I did not commit. The judge and the DA were pressuring me to take a deal. Even my attorney kept referring to it as "a good deal." I knew I was innocent but I was also scared things would get worse if I fought it. I didn't have faith in my current attorney so I... searched online and found Deirdre! Not only is she smart, extremely thorough and dedicated; she's fearless. She doesn't back down to bullying DAs or judges. She put the time in and spoke to everyone involved; she knew the facts better than me. Deirdre gave me the confidence to fight my case. When I got nervous, she reminded me the facts were on our side and that I was innocent. She resisted all pressure to cave and eventually got my case dismissed. She saved me and my family decades of grief!

Posted by anonymous | May 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing

“She is absolutely amazing! When I found Deirdre I had already fired one lawyer and interviewed countless others. She was the only one who cared that I was innocent. Even more than that it was important to her to hold others accountable for their actions including police officers so that the truth ...could come out. This was only possibly through her hard work and persistence. She took the time and effort to obtain every bit of information pertinent to my case, investigate thoroughly all parties involved and most of all fought for me every step of the way. She always made herself available to me and took the time to truly make every effort on my behalf. When I was first arrested all i was hoping for was to not go to jail. I did not think it was possible to ever prove that the officers involved in my arrest were lying. My word against theirs. But somehow, amazingly, Deirdre did just that! If you truly are innocent, Deirdre is the one who will go above and beyond. She will stand with you through the entire process. I would recommend her to anyone who needs the truth to come out. She truly helped me put my life back together!

Posted by Jessica | April 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

5 Stars, No Way! She deserves 10!

My mother was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole when I was nine years old. This was devastating for my mother and our entire family. The most devastating part about it was that she was entirely innocent. Deirdre O'Connor came into our lives unexpectedly one d...ay and agreed to represent my mother. Deirdre believed in my mother's innocence and from then on we knew we were in good hands. I have never met an individual who works harder and more efficient than Deirdre O'Connor. The passion she had and still has for my mother's case is extraordinary! After spending 17 years behind bars for a murder my mother did not commit, Deirdre was able to prove my mother's innocence. On October 14, 2014, Susan Mellen (my mom) was exonerated and factually proven innocent because of Deirdre's passion, motivation, determination and sleepless nights. This active process of representing my mother and getting her exonerated all happened in less than 1 year! We are so thankful and appreciative of Ms. O'Connor and it would be impossible for us to thoroughly express our gratitude. She is the reason our family is together again! We will never be able to get back the years we spent apart, but now we are able to cherish the future together!

See All Client Reviews

Deirdre Lynn O'Connor's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Deirdre
Larry David Wolfe headshot
Larry Wolfe

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Deirdre on matters in Georgia and in California. I find her to be an insightful and skilled lawyer who is as compelling on the written page as she is in the courtroom. I strongly endorse her work and highly reccomend her to those whose rights are in jeopardy."

Candace Faith Jones headshot
Candace Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Deirdre is the most brilliant criminal defense attorney I know. She is unbelievably passionate and pursues every lead possible when investigating on behalf of her client. She pours over every shred of evidence and analyzes them from every angle. Then she prepares until the case is perfect. She truly cares about people and fights for justice. There is no one I trust more to handle a criminal case or appeal."

Agavni Tulekyan headshot
Agavni Tulekyan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The answers of Ms. O'Connor are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney. A strong, strong local presence here in Southern California."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Benjamin Hiltzheimer headshot
Benjamin Hiltzheimer

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I first met Deirdre through our joint work developing national litigation strategies to combat leading causes of wrongful conviction in trial courts, in collaboration with the Innocence Project. We have since collaborated on other work. Deirdre's drive, dedication, and expertise in her advocacy on behalf of her own clients and the wrongfully accused in general are both impressive and inspiring. I highly recommend her."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Her knowledge of complex legal issues is extensive, based on her AVVO answers."

Moises Aguilar headshot
Moises Aguilar

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Other

"Ms. O'Connor is a frequent contributor to the criminal defense section on avvo.com. I have found her answers to be well-reasoned and clear. As a young criminal defense attorney, I have picked up a few things just from reading her responses. I endorse this lawyer's work."

Madge Storm Beletsky headshot
Madge Beletsky

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Friend

"I have been a good friend of Deirdre's for ten years. Although we have not had the opportunity to practice together since we are in different fields of law, I believe she is absolutely a stellar human being who cares deeply about upholidng the rights of the iindividuals she defends in our justice system. I give her my highest endorsement and firmly believe she will do a great job on any case on which she choses to work."

Alexander Thomas Henderson headshot
Alexander Henderson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I shared an office with Ms. O'Connor in downtown Los Angeles in the PD's office when she was first assigned to handle felony cases back in 1998. Her intelligence and motivation was absolutely first rate. I can only imagine the skills she has acquired through years of experience. I endorse her with great enthusiasm."

Brian Richard Dinday headshot
Brian Dinday

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have been following Ms. O'Connor's discussion and advice on this forum on various cases and topics for a long time and have always found her reasoning and knowledge of the law to be exemplary. She is sensible and well organized in her thinking, and I would consider her a quality asset for anyone in need of criminal defense services."

Joseph Briscoe Dane headshot
Joseph Dane

Appeals lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Through her answers at avvo.com, Ms. O'Connor demonstrates her vast knowledge of the law and criminal procedure. I've added her to my Rolodex of local attorneys."

Geoffrey Michael MacLeay headshot
Geoffrey MacLeay

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have worked with Deirdre O'Connor and endorse her work. She is a strong advocate and a great criminal defense lawyer."

Mark George Harvis headshot
Mark Harvis

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"Deirdre is a smart, effective, dedicated lawyer. She has the skills, knowledge, and willingness to fight for you. Bottom line - she's good."

View All Endorsements
Candace Faith Jones headshot
Candace Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Hiltzheimer headshot
Benjamin Hiltzheimer

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Lee Marshall headshot
Robert Marshall

Criminal defense lawyer

Larry David Wolfe headshot
Larry Wolfe

Criminal defense lawyer

Noah Howard Pines headshot
Noah Pines

Criminal defense lawyer

Alexander Thomas Henderson headshot
Alexander Henderson

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Richard Dinday headshot
Brian Dinday

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Briscoe Dane headshot
Joseph Dane

Criminal defense lawyer

Geoffrey Michael MacLeay headshot
Geoffrey MacLeay

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Top Contributor, Avvo

2015

Lawyer of the Year, California Lawyer Magazine

2014

Board Certified Advocate, National Board of Legal Specialty Certification

2014

Certified Specialist, State Bar of California

2014

Alchemy Leadership Certification, Annenberg Foundation

2012

Client's Choice, Avvo

2011

Semi-finalist for 2011 PopTech Social Innovation Fellows, Pop Tech

2009

Supreme Court Grants Petition, United States Supreme Court

2008

Second Place Table Topics Contest, Toastmasters - Area 95

2007

Proposal Selected for Social Justice Project, Northeastern University School of Law

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Founder, Seamus Law, A Professional Corporation

2010 - Present

Executive Director, Innocence Matters

2013 - 2013

Summerfuel Faculty, University Of Massachusetts Amherst

2008 - 2015

Owner, Law Offices of Deirdre O'Connor

2006 - 2008

Director of Indigent Criminal Defense Clinic, Emory University School of Law

2005 - 2005

Criminal Defense Seminar Instructor, Williams College - Summer Excel Program

2003 - 2005

Panel Attorney, California Appellate Project

1994 - 2003

Public Defender Trial Attorney, Los Angeles County Office of Public Defender

Associations

2017 - Present

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Member

2016 - Present

Innocence Matters

Board Chair

2008 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Member

2007 - Present

Georgia Court of Appeals Bar

Member

2007 - Present

Georgia Supreme Court Bar

Member

2006 - Present

Eyewitness Identification Reform Litigation Network

Point Person

2006 - Present

Georgia State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

Member

2006 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

2004 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Member

1995 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section

Member

1993 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2015 - 2016

Innocence Matters

Secretary

2010 - 2014

Innocence Matters

Chair

2006 - 2008

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Case dismissed against innocent mother of two!

Child abuse charges dismissed!

Felony resisting arrest and battery on police officer with serious injury

Reversed

Indigent's right to transcript

Court of Appeal ordered trial court to provide transcript

Felony evading case

Reversed (as to counts appealed)

3rd Strike Vandalism

3rd Strike felonies dismissed

In Re Troy Davis

Petition Granted!

Innocent Man Accused of Attempted Murder

Case dismissed

Tempers Flare After Traffic Accident

Not guilty all 3 counts

Vindictive Ex-Wife Accused Client of Dometic Violence

1st Trial Mistrial, 2nd Not guilty on all 6 counts

Drug Dealers Shoot It Out At Crowded Night Club

Hung jury on murder (6/6). Not guilty other cts.

Child Credibility (False Molestation Accusation)

Not guilty all three counts

Testilying Cop Uses Boiler Plate Police Report

Not guilty on second strike drug case

A Present for Mama?

Not guilty

Child Eyewitness Case

Not guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Northeastern University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

State University of New York, Albany

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2014

2013

Excellence in Leadership Speakers' Series Innocence Matters

2011

Televised interview on the Troy Davis case Innocence not enough to save you from death row

2011

2011

Radio show interview Troy Davis' pending execution

2011

Radio interview two days after Troy's death We executed an innocent man

2009

Guest Speaker Forensic Psychology

Criminal Defense Perspective

2007

Southeastern Writing Workshop for Clinical Teachers

Wrongful Acquittals? Talk About Being Unclear On The Concept!

2007

Southeastern Writing Workshop for Clinical Teachers

Fear Not, You Can Only Lose Once: Teaching Fearlessness

2007

Emory Law Public Interest Conference

Innocence Matters: Freeing Troy Davis

2006

Eyewitness Litigation Conference

Casting Doubt on the Confident Witness

2006

DUI Conference for Clinic and DeKalb County Public Defenders

Conference Organizer

2006

Criminal Procedure Class Guest Speaker

Why Defend Criminals?

2005

Excel Program for High School Students

Criminal Justice Seminar

2000

Voir Dire Practicum

Conference Organizer

2000

New Lawyer Training

Demonstrative Evidence

1999

New Lawyer Training

Demonstrative Evidence

1999

Monthly In-House Continuing Legal Education

Discovering the Police: Following the Paper Trail

1998

New Lawyer Training

Demonstrative Evidence

1997

New Lawyer Training

Demonstrative Evidence

1996

New Lawyer Training

Demonstrative Evidence

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

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