Dave O’Connor is an attorney, author and adjunct law professor with more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom. Currently, he is “of counsel” to the Cavanagh Law Group providing legal expertise and other essential background assistance on cases. He also serves as the founder and principal attorney at O’Connor Law Offices, LLC, where he focuses on criminal and civil litigation. His experience is an invaluable resource to Cavanagh Law Group, where he provides critical trial expertise in personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.
Recently, O’Connor assisted Cavanagh Law Group in the wrongful death “Code of Silence” case in which an off-duty detective drove drunk onto a freeway and struck a car with two men inside, killing both victims, and then attempted to escape. During the trial, the Cavanagh Law Group team uncovered crucial new evidence that the City had withheld and obtained a landmark $20 million settlement, split evenly between the two victims’ families.
Prior to joining private practice, O’Connor was an award-winning prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office who was recognized for his excellence in the legal field. During his time there, he served as a supervisor in a number of positions, including Felony Trial Division Supervisor.
O’Connor is a published author and has also served as a legal expert, lecturer, and adjunct law professor at numerous institutions across the country. O’Connor has taught for The National College of District Attorneys, the Illinois State Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Training Academy, N.E.M.R.T., Chicago Police Training Academy, DePaul Law School, Loyola Law School, and Moraine Valley Community College, among others. He has given lectures and participated in symposia at more than 120 seminars throughout the United States and Puerto Rico on violent crime, trial advocacy, ethics and professionalism. He received his National Institute of Trial Advocacy instructor certification at Harvard University, and also remains active in the mentoring of undergraduate, graduate, and law students.
He has a Master’s Degree, and is a graduate of IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law, and is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. O’Connor is married with three children and remains active in his community.
Professional Membership
• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• Prosecutor’s Bar Association
• Will County Bar Association
• Southwest Bar Association
