Rita-Anne O’Neill Title: Partner Company: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Industry: Legal Services Employees: 875 lawyers Headquarters: New York City, NY Education: J.D., Boston College Law School; B.A., Wellesley College Personal philosophy: Treat everyone with respect – not only is it a good philosophy from a basic humanity perspective, but it is also a good philosophy from a work perspective. Words I live by: Love what you do and give it your very best – success will follow.
DIVERSITY OF VIEWPOINTS ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS COMPLEX LEGAL ISSUES WITH GREATER CREATIVITY AND OFFER THE BEST SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS. ~ RITA-ANNE O’NEILL
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ita O’Neill, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Sullivan & Cromwell, epitomizes a combination of outstanding leadership, community impact and the kind of impeccable professionalism that is recognized and esteemed by both her S&C colleagues and leaders in the community. O’Neill’s strategic and fresh thinking, coupled with her ability to distill key issues and deliver practical legal advice, has made her a trusted advisor to her clients in their most complex transactions.
and retention of women in the area of mergers and acquisitions. As vice chair, she dedicates time fostering the participation of women leaders across the country to advance and promote women in the legal profession. She is also a member of S&C’s Women’s Initiative Committee and maintains an active pro bono practice, participating with organizations like the Alliance for Children’s Rights.
service,” she explains. “Law firms that are more diverse are able to recruit and retain top talent with a range of backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. This diversity of viewpoints allows us to address complex legal issues with greater creativity and offer the best solutions for our clients.”
O’Neill offers this advice to women professionals: “As you build your career, someone at some point will “To truly foster a culture of tell you that you cannot accomplish diversity and inclusion, we must something. Don’t let this negative work to promote diverse people energy get in the way of what you in positions of leadership and are doing. Work hard, earn the trust In January 2016, O’Neill was authority,” says O’Neill. “At Sullivan of your clients and colleagues, be appointed vice chair of the American & Cromwell, for example, fostering assertive and trust the process. Turn Bar Association’s Women in M&A a diverse and inclusive work the negative energy into positive Task Force, a group whose goal environment is essential to providing action.” And, she adds, “It is OK to is to increase the participation our clients with the highest level of love your work.”
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