A lifelong partnership built on law, love, and community — Neil and Cathy O’Donnell reflect on their journey from law school classmates to leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
This fall, King’s Magazine highlighted two familiar faces in Northeastern Pennsylvania: Neil and Cathy O’Donnell of O’Donnell Law Offices. Featured in the Dreaming and Envisioning a New Future edition, the couple shared their story of partnership—in life, in law, and in service to their community.
How It All Began
Neil and Cathy first crossed paths at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. On the very first day of class, Cathy sat in the wrong seat, and Neil happened to sit beside her. That simple twist of fate sparked a friendship that soon grew into something more. By their second year, they were dating, and today they are celebrating 35 years of marriage alongside decades of building their practice together.
Returning to Northeastern Pennsylvania
Although Cathy grew up in Pittsburgh, Neil’s dream was always to return home to Wilkes-Barre to start his own law practice. That vision guided their journey. From the beginning, Neil’s commitment to his hometown and community was clear. Cathy recalls countless times they’ve had the privilege of representing people Neil once went to school with, underscoring the deep roots that ground their work.
Building a Career in Law
Neil majored in history and secondary education at King’s College before pursuing law. Influenced by professors and family members, he saw law as both a challenge and a calling. Cathy’s career path began in Philadelphia, where she worked in a large law firm before joining Neil in private practice. Over the years, their shared dedication to clients has built O’Donnell Law Offices into a respected name across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
When asked what advice they would give to aspiring lawyers, Neil emphasized the importance of grit: “Get the gift of working together, and it’s truly the greatest blessing.” Cathy encouraged openness and resilience: “Be open to suggestions, be open to saying yes. Stay focused and know your strengths, but also know your weaknesses.”
Giving Back to the Community
Service has always been central to their lives. Cathy has served on numerous boards, including Dress for Success Luzerne County, Junior Leadership Northeast, and the North Branch Land Trust. Neil has served on the board of King’s College, the Holy Cross Fathers, and other community organizations. Both believe in lifting others up, especially students and young professionals.
As Cathy put it, “Not everyone has family support or mentors to guide them when they need help; they need a starting point. I am so lucky that I have the blessing to work and volunteer with them.”
Looking Ahead
For Neil and Cathy, the journey has always been about more than practicing law. It’s about living their values—hard work, compassion, service, and community. Together, they continue to embody the spirit of King’s College and Northeastern Pennsylvania: dreaming, envisioning, and building a brighter future for others.
