Why I Do It

            From the day I decided that I wanted to go to law school I started to hear all the jokes. Things like “I hope you know how to lie.” and “How much will it cost to talk to you now?” But they’ve never really bothered me. Even when I was practicing personal injury and people would call me an “ambulance chaser” I never felt offended. Because from the time I started my journey to becoming an attorney I knew it was my purpose. And I decided, that no one was going to knock me off course.

I’ve been asked by just about everyone I know, why did I become and attorney and more specifically why did I choose family law? Usually, I’ll give a joke answer like “Because I want an Audi R8.” or “I didn’t choose family law, family law chose me.”. But in reality, I do this because it makes me feel good. There is something about when someone puts their trust in you, then you come through for them that makes the hard days and long nights worth it. I do this for the moments when you get the smile, handshake, or hug in appreciation after helping someone through one of the roughest times in their life.

My family has been plagued with divorce. From the time I was a kid till present day it always seemed like someone was splitting up. When I was younger, I would feel helpless. I wanted to do something about it, be able to help my aunts, uncles, siblings, etc. but there was nothing I could do. But now, I can. I may have been too late to help most of my family, but I’m right on time to help others in the city. Despite my jokes it’s not about the money for me, it’s about doing what I wish I could have done way back then. It’s about protecting single mothers against abusive husbands and boyfriends. It’s about helping fathers who just want to be in their children’s lives, when their mothers do everything they can to keep them out. It’s about keeping a divorce as amicable as possible, so children don’t have to see their parents fight. But most importantly it’s about inspiring the next generation of black attorneys.

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Michelle O'Neil Michelle O'Neil

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes…

Michelle May O’Neil has 30+ years’ experience representing small business owners, professionals, and individuals in litigation related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and complex property division. Described by one lawyer as “a lethal combination of sweet-and-salty”, Ms. O’Neil exudes genuine compassion for her client’s difficulties, yet she can be relentless when in pursuit of a client’s goals. One judge said of Ms. O’Neil, “She cannot be out-gunned, out-briefed, or out-lawyered!”

Family Law Specialist

Ms. O’Neil became a board-certified family law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1997 and has maintained her certification since that time. While representing clients in litigation before the trial court is an important part of her practice, Ms. O’Neil also handles appellate matters in the trial court, courts of appeals and Texas Supreme Court. Lawyers frequently consult with Ms. O’Neil on their litigation cases about specialized legal issues requiring particularized attention both at the trial court and appellate levels. This gives her a unique perspective and depth of perception that benefits both her litigation and appellate clients.

Top Lawyers in Texas and America

Ms. O’Neil has been named to the list of Texas SuperLawyers for many years, a peer-voted honor given to only about 5% of the lawyers in the state of Texas. Ms. O’Neil received the special honor of being named by Texas SuperLawyers as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Texas, Top 100 Lawyers in Texas, and Top 100 Lawyers in DFW for multiple years. She was named one of the Best Lawyers in America and received an “A-V” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directories for the highest quality legal ability and ethical standards.

Author and Speaker

A noted author, Ms. O’Neil released her second book Basics of Texas Divorce Law in November 2010, with a second edition released in 2013, and a third edition expected in 2015.  Her first book, All About Texas Law and Kids, was published in September 2009 by Texas Lawyer Press. In 2012, Ms. O’Neil co-authored the booklets What You Need To Know About Common Law Marriage In Texas and Social Study Evaluations.  The State Bar of Texas and other providers of continuing education for attorneys frequently enlist Ms. O’Neil to provide instruction to attorneys on topics of her expertise in the family law arena.