Senior Associate

Lili R. O’Connell, Esq.

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Working with Lili was great! During my consultation she exudes confidence, which was one reason I chose her to represent me. She and her team were very easy to get in contact with whether by phone, email or text, and they were quick to respond. They were very efficient and helpful.

Lili R. O'Connell, Esq.

Biography

Lili O’Connell is a talented litigator with extensive experience in criminal, domestic, and civil litigation. While Ms. O’Connell enjoys the courtroom, she has also gained a reputation as an attentive listener and counselor for her clients outside of court. She has handled cases in many Virginia jurisdictions, including the General District, Circuit and Juvenile/Domestic Relations Courts of Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Herndon, Vienna, Prince William, Stafford, Madison and Loudoun. In addition to her extensive criminal experience, Ms. O’Connell is a qualified Guardian ad Litem and represents children in custody and juvenile delinquency cases.

From Lili’s interview for the Masters series on ReelLawyers.com

I think the most rewarding aspect of my practice is when people come to see me. Whether you’re coming in to defend against a crime, whether you are the victim of a crime and need representation, or whether you’re getting a protective order or defending against one, people are coming in anxious. They’re often at a low point in their lives. They feel hopeless and stressed, and I get to be the person who says, “I can help you, and we have a plan.” That’s incredibly rewarding.

I’m very much a problem solver. I like to take complex situations, boil them down, and figure out how to make them better. Giving people that option—taking that burden from them—is really rewarding and brings me a lot of joy.

In terms of advice that I give to our clients, every person who comes in works with us on an individualized checklist. It includes things we may need them to accomplish, things we are going to accomplish, and how we’re going to work together. Every case is different in that regard.

But I think the one thing that resonates with all of my clients is this: they often come in anxious, worried, and scared about whatever is going on. What I tell them is, “You’re going to think about this case. You’re going to worry about it—that’s normal. But one of the reasons you’re investing in an attorney is so that I can take some of that from you. Let me help you. Let me take some of that burden.” That’s really helpful for them—not just in feeling better, but also because it helps us work with clients who are clear-headed and focused.

So it’s both pragmatic and a feel-good approach. That’s the piece of advice I give everyone: trust us. Let us guide you, and let us come up with the plan for your case.

I never expected to be a criminal defense attorney. I have a degree in Mathematical Sciences, which I pursued in part out of defiance—to prove to others that I could do what they didn’t expect of me. When I was introduced to the world of criminal defense, I saw that attorneys weren’t doing everything they could for their clients. Many seemed lazy and too willing to accept the system as it was.

So, I brought my defiance and tenacity to criminal defense to ensure individuals receive the best possible representation.

Ms. O’Connell is originally from New England and completed both her Law Degree and Bachelors degree at the University of Connecticut.

Ms. O’Connell is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Fairfax Bar Association and the Prince William Bar Association. In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.