Jen O'Connell

Partner
Baton Rouge, LA
Phone: 
225-387-9888
Toll Free: 
877-850-1047
Fax:
225-387-9886
Email Me

Within one week of earning her Louisiana bar license, Jen took her first deposition. Within one month, she argued her first appeals and motions. These early opportunities in the courtroom shaped Jen’s reputation as a confident, aggressive and experienced litigator. The experience also led her to join Taylor Wellons in 2013 and become partner in 2018.

Jen defends large and small businesses in the areas of trucking, general liability  and workers' compensation. Her extensive experience defending commercial carriers provides her with a unique understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and issues facing Louisiana truck drivers. She also started her career working as in-house counsel for Louisiana's largest workers' compensation carrier, giving her an in-depth understanding of issues facing insurers and their ability to operate effectively within the State. She is licensed to practice law in Louisiana and (at the request of her clients) also in Texas. Jen has successfully defended her clients through jury trials in state and federal court, workers' compensation bench trials and up to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Growing up with five siblings also taught Jen two important lessons: 1) how to work within a team; and 2) how to navigate competing personalities and agendas. She continues utilizing these life lessons every day. When Jen isn’t deposing witnesses or arguing in the courtroom, she’s in the boardroom of the Mental Health Association of Greater Baton Rouge or helping Boys & Girls Club plan their next gala. After work, she heads to the gym where she teaches group fitness classes. Jen strives to work in diverse environments, with diverse people to meet and exceed their expectations. Whether those expectations are creatively resolving litigation or raising money for a good cause, Jen brings unmatched passion and work ethic to the table every single time.

Areas of Practice
  • Transportation Law
  • Workers' Compensation Defense
  • Business Litigation
  • General Liability
  • Insurance Defense
  • Industrial Accidents
Credentials
Certified Legal Specialties
Bar Admissions
  • Louisiana- 2012
  • Texas- 2019
  • TWIC Certified
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
Education

Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

  • Juris Doctorate-2012

Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana

  • B.A. magna cum laude-2009
  • Major: political science
Honors & Awards
  • Cali Award for Advanced Appellate Advocacy 
  • "Best Oral Advocate" Award at the American Bar Association Moot Court Competition 2011
  • "Best Oral Advocate" Award at the American Bar Association Moot Court Competition 2012
  • LSU Law Tullis Moot Court Finalist 
  • Graduated with Honors for Pro Bono Work
  • Green "S" for Leadership Award
Professional Associates & Awards
  • Louisiana Bar Association
  • Texas Bar Association
  • Baton Rouge Bar Association
Published Works
Representative Cases
Classes/Seminars
Fraternities/Sororities
Past Employment Positions
Community Involvement
  • Board of Directors: Mental Health Association of Greater Baton Rouge
  • Gala Committee: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge 2017- the present
  • Volunteers to judge LSU Law’s annual moot court and trial advocacy competitions
  • Volunteers to coach LSU Law ABA Moot Court Team
  • Boys & Girls Club Leadership Council: Volunteer Chair 2016-2017
  • Boys & Girls Club Leadership Council: Gala Chair 2018-2019
  • Girls on the Run: 2014-2015