Partner Moya O’Connor Will Speak at NAAIA National Conference.

Barry McTiernan & Moore LLC proudly announces that Partner Moya M. O'Connor will speak at the 2024 NAAIA - National African American Insurance Association National Conference in New Orleans.

BMM Sponsors Caribbean Attorneys Network 10th Anniversary Scholarship Gala

Barry McTiernan & Moore LLC proudly sponsored the Caribbean Attorneys Network 10th Anniversary Scholarship Gala, which was held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Vetro by Russos on the Bay. CAN was established by Partner Moya M. O'Connor in June 2014. The honorees included Justice Wavny Toussaint, Judge J. Machelle Sweeting, Alecia Walters-Hinds, Lennon Edwards, Chevon Brooks, and Simone N. Archer, Esq.

Partner Moya O’Connor Nominated by the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.

BMM would like to congratulate Moya O'Connor on her well-deserved nomination by the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division for Outstanding Minority Partner at a Majority Firm. This nomination exemplifies Moya's accomplishments and dedication to excellence in the legal field. We look forward to supporting Moya in her future achievements and continued success.

2024 Women’s Luncheon

Last week Barry McTiernan & Moore LLC hosted its 2nd Women’s Luncheon in honor of Women's History Month. While some of our female attorneys were hard at work, we were able to get a small group to take time out of their busy schedules to make this lunch happen. The group came together to connect and discuss accomplishments within the firm and how we can make improvements as well. Executive Partner, Suzanne Halbardier and Human Resources Director, Shelly Evans led the conversation on various topics where the attendees gave their input and honest feedback on how to better the firm. Here is what Suzie had to say:
 
“I loved having the opportunity to talk, get feedback, and enjoy a meal with all of you. I look forward to implementing some of the ideas and suggestions as we build a positive and inclusive culture at BMM.”

Thank you to everyone who was able to participate, and we look forward to next year’s event!

Partner Moya O’Connor will be a Panelist for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association

We are proud to announce that our Barry McTiernan & Moore LLC Partner Moya M. O'Connor will participate as a panelist for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association Trial Advocacy Program on January 26th, 2024.

Moya O’Connor Will be a Panelist at the 2023 NAAIA National Conference

Barry McTiernan & Moore LLC is proud to share that Moya M. O'Connor is going to be a panelist at the NAAIA (National African American Insurance Association) National Conference on October 12th,2023 discussing legal trends within the insurance industry post-pandemic. Congratulations!

Moya O’Connor Obtains a Unanimous Defense Verdict in Supreme Court, Kings County

Moya O’Connor recently obtained a unanimous defense verdict in Supreme Court, Kings County. The case involved a motor vehicle accident in which the plaintiff alleged that the defendant rear-ended her vehicle, but the client alleged that the cause of the contact was a result of the plaintiff making an illegal U-turn in front of his vehicle. The plaintiff alleged neck and back soft tissue injuries with three injections, a right leg injury with no surgery, face lacerations, and knocked-out teeth. The parties agreed to a unified summary jury trial with a high/low of $95,000/$5000. The jury delivered the unanimous defense verdict within 15 minutes.

Congratulations to Moya and her team, as well as the BMM 2023 summer associates, for helping to achieve a favorable verdict.

Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month: Employee Spotlight - Moya O’Connor

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month. This month gives us an opportunity to learn and celebrate the cultural and historical contributions of Caribbean Americans.

In celebration we are spotlighting Barry McTiernan & Moore's Trial Attorney, Moya O'Connor, whose practice focuses on defending complex litigation in State, Appellate, and Federal Courts.

Jamaican-born, Moya is the founder and CEO of Caribbean Attorneys Network, Inc. (CAN), a professional organization dedicated to developing legal professionals of Caribbean descent. Recently, Moya was chosen as an honoree for the Schneps Media 2023 Manhattan Power List.

When interviewed, she responded as follows:

When did you realize you wanted to become a lawyer, and what inspired you to pursue this career?

I love to debate, and always wanted to be a lawyer because I participated in mock trials since the seventh grade. I participated in mock trials in high school and college, as well as moot court in law school. I always shined in the courtroom. My inspiration is my sister who is also an attorney.  

How has being of Caribbean descent influenced your career in the legal field? 

Being Caribbean catapulted my career!! It pushed me to create CAN. My Jamaican background and passion for my culture pushed me to create the bar association, Caribbean Attorneys Network, which has been a home for attorneys, law students, and legal professionals of Caribbean descent since 2014.

 What advice would you have given yourself at the start of your career? 

“You are here because you deserve to be here.” I battled imposter syndrome for the majority of my legal career, and it took me a long time to believe that I had what it takes to be a successful attorney.

 A favorite mantra or quote. 

“It is not what they call you. It is what you answer to. Keep going.”

Moya M. O’Connor Obtains a Defense Verdict on Behalf of the New York City Transit Authority

Moya O’Connor obtained a defense verdict on behalf of the New York City Transit Authority in Supreme Court, Kings County. The plaintiff alleged that the transit bus operator negligently operated the bus by having a sideswipe impact with a hit and run driver, and as a result, sustained a lower back injury that required a microdiscectomy, left knee contusion, and bulges and herniations at various levels of the neck and back. Ms. O’Connor proved that the bus was parked and never moved but was instead rear-ended by the fleeing vehicle which was not a party to the action. The plaintiff's demand was $3 million, and he declined a pretrial offer of $55,000.