Meet M.E. O’Connell of LawForPeople, PC

Today we’d like to introduce you to M.E. O’Connell

Hi M.E., we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually started life as a Zoology major at the University of Maryland; my true calling was law; but my first love was science, go figure. Specifically I practice law that helps and celebrates people in our diverse communities. We represent people who do not have ready access to justice, or who don’t believe that the legal system is here to serve them. The poor, racial and gender minorities, the unhoused, the hungry, and the forgotten are our clients. Our goal is to economically empower those without power. I know, because as a non-binary human being, I myself am vulnerable to disempowerment and relegation to the sidelines of society. There is something about telling a person’s story, typically a person who has been unfairly treated or harmed, in a way that resonates and persuades in a courtroom. Ideally, we might change a few minds along the way about what it means to be disadvantaged in our world.

I spent years learning the nuances of the courtroom and how to build an impactful, meaningful case piece by piece. Like many things, every hour spent in the courtroom requires many more hours of preparation. After doing this for a number of years, it became a parent to me that some people were better able to access the Justice system (courts and resolution mechanisms) than others. Typically, those with limited economic or societal means don’t get their proverbial “day in court.” That’s why I started LawForPeople, PC.; so that the overlooked people who are suffering harms and losses through some form of negligence can be treated with dignity and respect. We pride ourselves on being top-notch lawyers for everybody.

I attended the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Maryland as an undergraduate and obtained a law degree (JD) from the University of Maryland’s Carey School of Law. M.E., and currently serves on the prestigious Trial Lawyers College faculty, which teaches trial skills to trial attorneys. It is a post-doctoral curriculum for people who are already fighting the good fight.

We have obtained jury verdicts all over Colorado and in all kinds of cases, from $8.5M for an immigrant
against big oil in Larimer County, to $1M for a veteran suffering PTSD in Douglas after a truck accident, to 100K for a gay man in Denver discriminated against by the City and County of Denver – the list goes on. Rest assured, we can usually help.

It’s about Justice, big or small my team and I have litigated everything from fracking and product liability cases to car accidents and premises liability. Leading the charge against sexual abusers who commit crimes against children is one of the most meaningful missions we have.

Personal passions also dovetail with the advocacy mission of LawForPeople. We have been to Nepal to raise the transgender flag in front of Mt. Everest, journeyed to Botswana to help teach a seminar for the local lawyers who prosecute poachers and smugglers, and travelled all over the US preaching a message of love and kindness for all. Here in Colorado, we can be found at Parasol Patrol events, drag show readings, rallies for the unhoused, and just about any meaningful civil rights events in colorado.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Law is a tough business.. Like a lot of things in our society, doing work for the general good or for marginalized communities typically doesn’t generate a lot of fees…sometimes no fees. So it’s always a challenge to generate enough level to stay in business while providing access to Justice for people who usually don’t have much money. To counter that; we practice more traditional areas of law as well like injury, medical malpractice, sexual abuse of children, and other litigation cases. It’s always a bit like walking a tightrope, but we love it. The best thing that a community that cares can do is to use the business services of people who come from the community itself. We are not just lawyers trying to help a marginalized community or two. We are lawyers who come from marginalized communities, who are part of the groups we seek to serve. If everybody seeking to be empowered simply uses the businesses and the artists and the creatives in their own community; the world would be a better place.

As you know, we’re big fans of LawForPeople, PC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
LawForPeople was started in 2022 by M.E. O’Connell, Esq, and was joined shortly thereafter by Ellyn Rapaport, Esq.. It was founded on concepts of equality and equity for all, including access to Justice.
M. E. identifies as non-binary and is an active part of the vibrant Denver community of activists, creatives, and of course, local businesses. All of our employees are members of traditionally oppressed groups. We have people of all genders, orientation, race, immigration status, and faith. We practice in the communities that we are from. We bring high-end, cutting edge, experienced, battle-tested lawyers to places in our communities that typically don’t have fantastic lawyers with resources.

We joke around and say that L4P is “owned and operated by oppressed minorities.”

We also have something of a boutique practice in representing children (sometimes children who are now adults), who were sexually abused while in the care of institutions like preschools, daycare, youth organizations, and other youth-serving organizations. This area of law is surprisingly challenging and nuanced, and defense tactics especially aggressive.

If you look closely at our logo, not only is it obviously a legal logo, and a play on L4P; but it is also a symbol for gender and sexual inclusiveness. Yes, we are pretty darn progressive!!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The key for young people coming up is to understand that more experienced lawyers and business owners want to share what they know and pass that information on. Especially, in my case, where I hope to see a new generation of civil rights advocates…including my twin daughters. I want to share knowledge and pay it forward. I think most lawyers in my position would agree. Asking a question, pulling me aside at a seminar, or even just saying hello is actually appreciated! People who are passionate and hungry for more are not a nuisance, they are the life blood of what we do. So in other words: show up and be seen – nobody will think you are inexperienced or “dumb”. On the contrary, you will be admired and noticed. You don’t have to impress anybody, just show that you care.

If you are passionate about what you do, the sky’s the limit, and senior people in your field or industry will notice. My journey has been marked by passion all along the way. I just deeply care about what I’m doing, and sometimes that gets noticed. I haven’t always done it well, and I certainly haven’t always done it correctly, but the passion and energy can never be denied. Your energy, your vibe if you will, goes a long way.

Pricing:

• Contingent fees (we work on percentages) – no retainer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lawforpeople.org
• Instagram: @lawforpeople_org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-e-o-connell-706125249
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2lIehBpn2ROy0NOKFv3Wyg

Image Credits
all photos are my property