Community - O'Donnell Law

O’Donnell Law Offices Continues Annual Coat & Food Drive to Support LCCC Students and Local Families

Samuel O'Connell — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:15:33 +0000

Shown from left are, seated: Tanya Kohler, Renee Newbigging. Standing: Connor Graham, Esq.; Noelle Stefanoski; Joshua J. Perry, Esq.; Michael O’Donnell, Esq.; Cathy O’Donnell, Esq.; Neil T. O’Donnell, Esq.; Tyler Russell, Director of Student Life and Athletics, LCCC; President John Yudichak, LCC; Holly Pilcavage, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, LCCC; Erin Herman, Vice President of Finance, LCCC.

Each winter, O’Donnell Law Offices carries on a tradition that has become one of the most meaningful parts of the holiday season for the firm: the annual coat and food drive benefiting students and families at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC). What began years ago as a simple decision to replace in-office gift exchanges with community giving has grown into an impactful, firm-wide effort that provides warmth, nourishment, and dignity to neighbors who need it most.

Transforming Holiday Giving Into Community Impact

Attorney Michael O’Donnell explains that the project was born out of a desire to turn something routine into something purposeful. Instead of exchanging holiday gifts with one another, the team selects community members in need and gathers items that make a real difference—coats for children, pantry staples, toys, and financial support.

“We took the whole concept of giving gifts within the office, and transformed that into something where we each select names of community members in need,” Michael shared. “Whether it’s coats, toys, food, monetary donations—we found that had a lasting impact… people really need these things. They really appreciate them, and it does a lot of good for our neighbors.”

This year, the firm shopped for 53 children, ensuring each child received a warm winter coat and meaningful holiday support.

Meeting Real Needs at Luzerne County Community College

This long-standing Christmas project directly supports LCCC students—many of whom are balancing coursework, family responsibilities, and financial challenges. According to LCCC President John Yudichak, the drive arrives at a time when students need it most.

“Each and every year, they step up,” President Yudichak said. “We have a coat drive that they do each and every year for students that have children in need of coats… The O’Donnell Law Firm steps up, and we’re able to provide this at a very special time of the year.”

He also emphasized the importance of supporting the College’s food pantry, which remains heavily used throughout the year—especially during the holiday season. “The food donations go a long way to helping our students at Luzerne County Community College,” he added.

A Full-Team Tradition of Service

For Cathy O’Donnell—Immediate Past Chair of the LCCC Board of Trustees—this initiative represents both a community responsibility and a personal commitment to the students she has long supported.

“In lieu of exchanging gifts with each other, the office has always done a Christmas project,” she explained. “For the last several years, we’ve done the coat project for students in need of coats for their children… And what better cause can there be than to keep a child warm as we enter this harsh winter and this holiday season?”

Cathy noted that the food pantry support is equally essential: “We know that people are hungry. And so… we also try to stock some shelves for the food pantry that’s there.”

Above all, she stressed that this is a true team effort. “I want to make clear, it is each and every coworker who is standing beside me every day who is in support of this Christmas project, and we just couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.”

A Tradition Rooted in Compassion

What began as a reimagined holiday gift exchange has become a meaningful annual tradition—one that reflects the firm’s values, its gratitude for the community, and its deep belief that even small acts of kindness can create lasting change.

This year’s donations—including warm winter coats for 53 children, children’s items, and food pantry supplies—will once again help local families and students feel supported during the coldest and most challenging months of the year. And for the team at O’Donnell Law Offices, there is no more meaningful gift than that.

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Neil and Cathy O’Donnell: Partners in Law and Life in NEPA

Samuel O'Connell — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:10:54 +0000

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.

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O’Donnell Law Co-Hosts Blankets & Broth Event on MLK Day

matt — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:11:04 +0000

MLK Day is a time for reflection and community service. In that spirit, the O’Donnell Law Offices team along with the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch #2306, the City of Wilkes-Barre, and the Friedman JCC / JCA of Northeastern PA hosted a Blankets and Broth event on Monday, January 15, 2024.

Over 40 volunteers came together to make 74 blankets for those at Ruth’s Place and Keystone Mission. Canned food donations were also collected to support Sara’s Table.

Thank you to the JCC and NAACP for coming together with us for this amazing event! Read and watch the full coverage of the event at the links below:

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O’Donnell Law Offices Helps Families at the CDC Nesbitt Child Development Center

matt — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 21:40:02 +0000

The team at O’Donnell Law Offices of Kingston, Pennsylvania, is helping
families by buying gifts and contributing to the preschool counts
students and their families at the CDC Nesbitt Child Development Center
in Kingston, Pennsylvania. The Office discovered that there was a need
at the Center for some children’s and their families holiday wish lists.
The Office also made monetary contributions to both the Center and the
Wyoming Valley United Way. “Everyone immediately wanted to pitch in,”
said Catherine O’Donnell, an attorney with O’Donnell Law. Attorney Neil
O’Donnell added that “every member of our office contributed without
question. They did not want anyone to be disappointed this
holiday.”O’Donnell Law Offices has been recognized in the rankings of
U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers 2023 with a “Best Law Firms”
ranking. Attorneys Neil, Catherine and Michael O’Donnell have been
selected as 2023 Best Lawyers, as well. All 3 attorneys have also been
listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Both Neil and Catherine have been selected to the Pennsylvania Super
Lawyers’ list for several consecutive years, with Neil also named to the
Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Catherine as one of the top 50
female Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania. Michael O’Donnell and Gerard
Gaughan have been listed as 2022 Rising Stars by Pennsylvania Super
Lawyers.

(Pictured above Cathy O’Donnell, Tanya Kohler, Sue Dinofrio,
Executive Director Nesbitt Child Development Center, Gerard Gaughan,
Noelle Stefanski, Michael O’Donnell, Sandee Olfeshski, Bill Jones,
Executive Director United Way, Neil O’Donnell, Kaylyn Hohn)

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O’Donnell Law Offices deliver gifts, resources for children served by McGlynn Center

matt — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 18:58:58 +0000

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The attorneys and staff at O’Donnell Law Offices
recently delivered gifts for children served by the McGlynn Center, a
mission by the Sisters of Mercy at the Boulevard Townhomes and Mineral
Springs Village communities in the City.The United Way of Wyoming Valley
indicated to O’Donnell Law that the Center had children who needed
gifts for Christmas. The Center provided all of the children’s wish
lists to O’Donnell Law. The attorneys and staff purchased and wrapped
all of the gifts on the wish lists. Gifts for older children at the
Center were also purchased. O’Donnell Law also delivered checks to
support The United Way of Wyoming Valley and the McGlynn Center’s
operations.

Pictured standing, left to right, Betsy Baggs and Brenda Hulsizer, O’Donnell Law; Peggy Nork, McGlynn Center; Gerard W. Gaughan, Neil T. O’Donnell, Noelle Stefanoski, Catherine R. O’Donnell, Michael A. O’Donnell, O’Donnell Law; Bill Jones, United Way of Wyoming Valley; Tanya Koehler, O’Donnell Law. Pictured seated, left to right, Helene Hrichison, McGlynn Center; Sandee Olshefski, O’Donnell Law.

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O’Donnell Law Offices of Kingston, Pennsylvania is helping families by contributing to the Domestic Violence Service Center

matt — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 19:31:47 +0000

The team at O’Donnell Law Offices of Kingston, Pennsylvania, is helping families by contributing to the Domestic Violence Service Center located in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Brought together by the Wyoming valley United Way, the Office discovered that there was a need for some travel back packs, bedding, accessories and personal hygiene items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes, soap and shampoo. The items will also be used to give to adults and children when they arrive at the DVSC. On arrival, most of the adults and children do not have access to any of these necessities.“Everyone immediately wanted to pitch in,” said Catherine O’Donnell, an attorney with O’Donnell Law. Attorney Neil O’Donnell added that “every member of our office contributed without question. In these trying times, we must all work together to help those in need.”O’Donnell Law Offices has been recognized in the rankings of U.S. News and World Report and Best Lawyers 2020 with a “Best Law Firms” ranking. Attorneys Neil, Catherine and Michael O’Donnell have been selected as 2020 Best Lawyers, as well. All 3 attorneys have also been listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. Both Neil and Catherine have been selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’ list for several consecutive years, with Neil also named to the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Pennsylvania and Catherine Top 50 Female Attorneys in Pennsylvania. Michael O’Donnell has been listed as a 2020 Rising Star by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers.

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Wills for Heroes: Free estate planning for First Responders and Veterans

matt — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 19:52:26 +0000

Author: Ryan Leckey
Published: 4:50 AM EST February 12, 2020 NANTICOKE, Pa. — A free program could come to the rescue for many first responders and their families who are residents of Luzerne County. It’s called Wills for Heroes.

Newswatch 16’s Ryan Leckey highlighted the program on Wednesday. Ryan spotlighted the project from Luzerne County Community College’s Public Safety Training Institute. It’s on the campus at LCCC in Nanticoke on February 22, starting at 10 a.m. Sessions last around one hour. Another Wills for Heroes event is planned in April in Susquehanna County. Head here to learn more about that one and others in Pennsylvania.

What to bring with you on February 22

You will need the approximate value of and how any of the following are titled(alone or joint):

Real property – All vehicles (automobiles, trucks, boats, etc.)
Retirement accounts’ values (401(K), 403(b), 457 & IRA)
Non-retirement accounts & CDs (savings, checking, brokerage, money market)
Stocks & Bonds not held in any account
Money others owe you
Value of your business(es)
Life insurance death benefits (including any employer life insurance)
Other money or property
Mortgage(s) on real property
Credit card debt
Any other debt

Reason behind the program

Organizers say Wills for Heroes was launched because those on the front lines saving lives are often most at risk of serious injuries or even death. Lawyers found that after 9/11 in 2001, many first responders who helped that day didn’t have these types of documents in place to help their families, hence the project.

Background info from the volunteer lawyers who are making the event happen

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, we are proud to bring the Wills for Heroes program to you. Wills for Heroes is a free and easy service that provides Wills, Living Wills, Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney to first responders and military veterans and their spouses/partners.

If you die without a Will, Pennsylvania’s intestate laws will determine who will receive your property. Undoubtedly, your loved ones’ grief will be overwhelming; a clear expression of your intent, desires, and wishes may help ease some of this inevitable burden. While nobody likes to think about an untimely death, it is best that you express your wishes through a written document. For your family’s peace of mind, please consider this invaluable opportunity, offered completely free to you and your spouse/partner.

Appointments for each person last approximately one hour. After it, you will have notarized legal documents – a Will, Living Will, and Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney (or any combination thereof). If you select that you are coming with a spouse/significant other, you will have back to back appointments, and the computer will automatically schedule a second appointment. You do not need to schedule a separate appointment. Please schedule your appointment early as this event is sure to fill up fast.

For more information on the program, visit the “Wills for Heroes Foundation” website.

** If your estate exceeds approximately $750,000, this service is unavailable to you due to the complexity of your estate and the limited time to complete the legal documents.

For determining if your estate is over $750,000, include your cash, personal property, stock and bonds, real estate equity, savings, cash value of a whole/universal life insurance policy only (not the amount of the insurance policy). For questions on eligibility, call David Pedri at 570-592-3311.

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O’Donnell Law Office at Kistler Elementary in Honor of Law Day 2016

matt — Tue, 03 May 2016 18:51:54 +0000

Today all of the attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Office will be at Kistler Elementary School, Wilkes-Barre, PA, in honor of Law Day 2016! They will be meeting the students in the 4th, 5th & 6th grades to discuss some of services lawyers provide and what you have to do to become a lawyer. Each student will receive a pocket U.S. Constitution. http://ow.ly/4n7x9i

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O’Donnell Law Office at Kistler Elementary School

matt — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 18:49:23 +0000

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Catherine O’Donnell Assists with the Second Dress for Success Re-Entry Program

matt — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 18:48:29 +0000

On Tuesday, April 26, Atty Cathy O’Donnell assisted with the second Dress for Success re-entry program at the Luzerne County Day Reporting Center with a discussion of voting rights. luzernecounty@dressforsuccess.org

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