Anne O'Connell Solicitors

Principal

Anne O’Connell is the founder and Principal of Anne O’Connell Solicitors (AOC Solicitors). Anne qualified as an Irish Solicitor in 2001 and as a New York Attorney in 2002. She holds an LLB Degree together with Diplomas in Employment Law and International Litigation and has practiced with the Chief State Solicitors Office and several top tier Irish law firms. Anne set up her own boutique employment law firm in 2017 and has developed it into a leading and award-winning Irish specialist law firm - becoming the first and only Tier 1 boutique employment law firm in Ireland this year.

As the principal of AOC Solicitors, Anne exemplifies integrity, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the Firm and its clients. With a deep understanding of Employment Law and a passion for advocating, Anne sets the tone for excellence throughout the Firm. Her strategic vision, ethical approach, and commitment to client success have earned the respect of peers, clients and her team.

With nearly thirty years of specialist employment law experience, Anne advises large multinational companies, semi-state companies, small businesses and employees in all areas of employment law, particularly issues that are likely to become contentious.

Anne’s diverse and in-depth experience has given her a high-calibre, strategic and practical approach to employment law issues. She is noted for her commercial thinking, swift turn-around and passion for achieving a resolution for her clients.

Anne speaks extensively on Employment Law issues at HR and Legal Conferences nationally and internationally. Anne is an established and respected media contributor in Ireland on Employment Law issues and is a regular contributor to the Irish Times Employment Law Q&A column.

Anne has built up a well-earned reputation as being a stand-out leader in the field of employment law in Ireland. At the 2024 Irish Law Awards, Anne was the overall winner of the Sole Principal of the Year award. In 2026, Anne was named again as a Leading Individual in Employment Law by Legal500 and a ranked Employment Lawyer by Chambers Europe.

Member of the Law Society Employment Law Committee and the Employment Section of the International Bar Association (“IBA”).

Lecturer and tutor in Employment Law for the Law Society of Ireland on its Employment Law Diploma, Advanced Elective and its Professional Practice Courses.

External Examiner for the Employment Law Diploma course and regularly acts as a supervisor in the LL.M Employment Law in Practice run by the Law Society in conjunction with the Northumbria University Law School.

Designated author of the European Employment Law Developments feature for the Irish Employment Law Journal.

Acknowledged leader in the area of Protected Disclosures law and contributor to the IEL (International Employment Lawyer’s) guide to Whistleblowers. Currently completing her book on Protected Disclosures - A Practical Guide to Protected Disclosures for the Irish Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Member of the Law Society of Ireland’s Employment Law Committee and the Employment Law Association of Ireland Committee.