About this episode

Mary Ellen O'Connor discusses her journey from teaching to founding O'Connor Law PLLC, focusing on helping clients navigate legal challenges in workers' compensation and social security disability law.

Throughout her life, Mary Ellen O'Connor has had a passion for standing up for what's right. As the founder of O'Connor Law PLLC, she considers it a privilege to be able to help those in need in the White Plains, Yonkers, and Bronx areas access the benefits that can help them provide for themselves and their families. After earning her Bachelor's of Science from SUNY Albany and her Master's from the College of Mount St. Vincent, Mary Ellen became a teacher. She soon discovered that many of her young students with learning disabilities were unable to access the services they needed to succeed in the classroom. Their parents either didn't know about the resources available or struggled to navigate the legal red tape that was required. Mary Ellen initially hoped that earning her law degree would allow her to be a more effective advocate for children with special needs. Life took an unexpected turn, however. Although Mary Ellen entered law school with the goal of focusing on special education law, she soon became frustrated with the ineffectiveness of the system and how it was being manipulated by the wealthy to provide extra advantages for their children. After an extended period of…

People in this episode

Host: Allison Stewart

Guest: Mary Ellen O'Connor

Topics covered

• workers' compensation
• social security disability
• advocacy
• education law
• legal services

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: O'Connor Law PLLC, SUNY Albany, College of Mount St. Vincent

Places: White Plains, Yonkers, Bronx

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