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”).
• ACQ Employment & Benefits Lawyer of the Year in Ireland (2018–2020)
• 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.

Jenny qualified as a solicitor in 2012 and holds a first-class LL.B and LL.M. She specialises in Employment Law and joined our Team as a Senior Associate in September 2021. Jenny is consistently ranked as a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal500 and she was awarded the title of Leading Employment Lawyer of the Year 2024 – Republic of Ireland by Acquisition International.

Jenny has worked with a broad range of employers in Ireland and abroad as well as with major insurers and private individuals. Her work encompasses all aspects of non-contentious and contentious employment law and related litigation. She advises clients in respect of all matters relating to the employment relationship, from recruitment to termination. Jenny frequently guides clients through various complex workplace processes, including investigations, disciplinary, grievance, and redundancy processes. She also advises employers in responding to complaints, grievances, and/or requests from employees, including in respect of accommodations sought by employees under the Employment Equality Acts. Jenny has assisted clients through some particularly sensitive employment related matters, including claims regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Jenny also regularly drafts and reviews contracts of employment, employee handbooks and policies. She also advises employers on data protection matters and assists employers in responding to complex and wide-ranging data subject access requests.

Jenny also has significant experience acting for clients in relation to contentious employment law and equality disputes including unfair dismissal claims, employment equality claims, equal status claims, redundancy payment claims, payment of wages claims, penalisation claims, and claims under the Industrial Relations legislation and she regularly acts as advocate in respect of such claims. She also acts for clients in relation to Circuit and High Court claims arising from the employment relationship. Jenny frequently represents clients at mediations – both Counsel-led and mediations conducted through the Workplace Relations Commission. She also drafts, reviews, and advises clients in respect of complex severance and compromise agreements.

In addition to her legal expertise, Jenny has significant industry experience, having worked in-house as an Employment Law Consultant in a leading Human Resources company in 2013/2014.

Jenny is a member of the Employment Law Association of Ireland. She frequently writes on employment law related matters. Her articles are published in our newsletter and on Lexology, and they are also often picked up and published by HR firms, and recently by the Legal Island in its Friday Round Up – Ireland. Jenny also lectures on the Law Society of Ireland Employment Law diploma on which she also regularly tutors. Jenny also delivers guest lectures, webinars and CPD talks on employment law topics. Jenny also provides bespoke training to clients on a broad range of employment-related matters, including investigation and disciplinary procedures.

Jenny has an excellent relationship with her clients and strives to achieve the best possible results for each of them.

Laura qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and quickly specialised in employment law. With over 10 years’ post qualification experience, she works closely with employers across a broad range of industries, advising on the full spectrum of employment law issues that arise in the modern workplace.

Laura advises and represents employers at all stages of the employment relationship—from recruitment through to termination, and everything in between.

Her day to day practice includes advising domestic and international employer clients on workplace investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes, protected disclosures, bullying and harassment complaints, redundancy situations, the negotiation of severance agreements, TUPE related queries and broader workforce management issues. She routinely assists employers with employment law compliance, including contracts of employment and the development and implementation of comprehensive, up to date employment policies and procedures. Laura also advises employers on the employment law aspects of corporate transactions. Laura regularly represents employers before the Workplace Relations Commission, the Labour Court and the Civil Courts.

Alongside her employer side practice, Laura has significant experience advising senior executives and has successfully negotiated many severance arrangements in fast moving, high stakes situations, ensuring her clients’ interests are robustly protected.

Laura regularly writes and speaks on employment law developments in Ireland. She lectures on employment law with the Law Society of Ireland and is a committee member of the Employment Law Association of Ireland (ELAI).

Laura holds a Bachelor of Corporate Law, an LL.B. and a Diploma in Employment Law.

Clients frequently compliment Laura for being strategic, passionate about getting the best outcome and consistently responsive. Laura operates with the aim of turning employment law challenges into practical solutions that work for the individual needs of her specific client.

Ethna joined AOC Solicitors in 2018 and on completing her training with the firm, she qualified as a solicitor in 2023 and became an Associate in 2025.

Ethna regularly advices both employer clients and senior executives on various aspects of the Employment Law relationship, both contentious and non-contentious.

Ethna regularly advices employer clients in managing internal processes and drafting employment contracts, employment policies and handbooks.

Ethna has written numerous articles on Employment Law and regularly contributes to the AOC Solicitors eNewsletter.

Ethna is also a member of the Employment Law Association of Ireland (ELAI).

Tara qualified as a solicitor in April 2025. She advises both employers and employees on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters.

Tara has worked with clients across a variety of sectors, including finance, technology, transport, real estate, education and healthcare. Her experience includes advising on and managing claims under unfair dismissal, employment equality, payment of wages and organisation of working time legislation.

Tara provides practical guidance which is informed by her prior professional experience. Prior to joining the firm, Tara worked in the HR field for six years, giving her a strong understanding of workplace dynamics and the practical challenges faced by employers and employees alike. She holds an M.Sc. in Human Resource Management from Dublin City University.

Jane is a newly qualified solicitor within the firm since April 2026. Jane studied Civil Law with French in NUIG (now University of Galway) and holds a LL.M from University College Dublin.

During her legal training, Jane supported our team on a wide variety of matters for both employer and employee clients across a wide range of industries. These matters included complaints under unfair dismissal, redundancy, employment equality matters, protected disclosures, and investigation and disciplinary processes. Jane also regularly contributes to the firm’s monthly newsletter and knowledge development.

Prior to joining the firm, Jane worked as a legal intern in another employment law department, and as a legal researcher to a judge of the Court of Appeal.

Aisling is an experienced business manager with a strong professional background spanning law, finance, and operational management. She is a law graduate of University College Dublin, has a Professional Diploma in Accounting from DCU and is an Associate of the Irish Tax Institute.

Since joining the firm as Practice Manager in 2023, Aisling has been responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the practice, including financial performance, systems development, operations, compliance, and strategic planning.

Her role is pivotal in ensuring that the firm operates efficiently, sustainably, and in line with best practice, while maintaining the highest standards of client service.

With extensive experience across both the public and private sectors, Aisling brings a highly practical and solutions focused approach to practice management. By optimising internal processes and systems, she supports the legal team in operating at the cutting edge of employment law.

Aisling has successfully led the introduction and roll out of a number of key operational initiatives, including the implementation of a new and highly effective client management system.

These improvements have significantly enhanced workflow efficiency, reporting, and client communication, while also strengthening the firm’s internal governance and risk management frameworks.

Known for fostering a collaborative, efficient, and client focused culture, Aisling is deeply committed to continuous improvement and service excellence. She places a strong emphasis on professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail, ensuring that every client interaction reflects the firm’s values and reputation.

Harvey joined AOC Solicitors in November 2019 as the firm’s Wellness Manager! He was recruited from the DSPCA after illustrating his extensive qualifications! His experience in stress management and well-being during the hiring process. He is a great addition to the team in assisting us to maintain a happy workplace and our sanity!