Originally Published January 15, 1995
As O’Donnell Law Offices celebrates 35 years of serving Northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re looking back at some unforgettable moments that shaped our journey. One of the more entertaining ones? A 1995 Times Leader feature about Neil O’Donnell—not for his legal work, but for a fun twist of fate involving his name!
At the time, Neil was already a well-respected attorney in Pittston, building a reputation for dedication and hard work. But in Pittsburgh, where he wasn’t as well-known in legal circles, his name carried unexpected weight—thanks to another Neil O’Donnell, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback!
During the 1994–95 football season, Steelers QB Neil O’Donnell led his team to the AFC Championship Game, creating a buzz throughout Pennsylvania. That’s when the O’Donnell family started noticing something funny: their name was opening doors—literally! From special treatment at restaurants to effortless tee times at golf courses, people assumed they were interacting with the famous quarterback.
One particularly memorable moment happened during a dinner out in Pittsburgh. When Neil handed over his credit card, it sparked excitement in the restaurant. “By the time they processed it, it must have been discussed through the whole kitchen,” Cathy O’Donnell recalled in the article. A waiter even approached and said, “I didn’t know you had blond hair,” realizing this Neil O’Donnell wasn’t quite the one he expected.
The couple’s young son, Neil, also got in on the fun—becoming a huge Steelers fan and proudly sporting gear with his name on it. Even though his ultimate favorite team was Penn State (despite having two University of Pittsburgh grads as parents), he loved cheering for the Steelers and their star quarterback.
While the Steelers didn’t clinch the championship that year, Neil O’Donnell (the lawyer!) continued his winning streak—helping clients, growing O’Donnell Law Offices, and becoming a trusted name in the legal community.
Thirty-five years later, we look back on these moments with a smile. Whether in the courtroom or the football field, dedication and hard work always lead to success. Here’s to many more years of serving our community—no VIP tee times required!