WSHB is thrilled to share that Frances O'Meara, a distinguished partner in the Los Angeles office, was selected as one of three finalists in the Outside Defense Counsel category for the prestigious CLM Professional of the Year Award. A trailblazer in professional liability, Frances' accomplishments extend beyond stellar defense verdicts and prolific speaking engagements.
Frances is celebrated for her dedication to fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable legal community, breaking barriers, shaping case law, and elevating the profession through her unwavering commitment and support of fellow professionals.
For over five years, Frances has served on the executive committee and as an instructor for the CLM Claims College, illustrating her fervent commitment to sharing best practices in claims and litigation management. She actively mentors other lawyers and provides in-house training to multiple carriers. Frances can often be found speaking on emerging issues impacting professional liability at CLM conferences, both locally and nationally. A prolific writer and successful trial lawyer, she stands out in the field by dedicating herself to fostering professional growth and sharing her expertise with others.
In addition to teaching, Frances is often invited to deliver scholarly lectures on various topics and has had numerous articles published in a variety of industry magazines. Professionals from various fields including lawyers, accountants, architects, insurance agents, real estate brokers, appraisers, doctors, and nurses, often seek her expertise and rely on her for guidance in sensitive matters.
The CLM Professional of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions within the legal industry. Frances stands out for her exceptional work and has gained national recognition in the field of professional liability defense. Frances is also achieved the title of "Certified Legal Malpractice Specialist" from the California State Bar, a testament to her commitment to excellence in the practice of law.
"Frances' achievements and recognition by CLM affirm her exceptional contributions to the legal profession," commented Founding Partner Stephen Henning. "Her commitment to excellence coupled with her dedication to inclusivity and diversity, sets a remarkable standard for our firm. We are incredibly proud of Frances' accomplishments and the positive impact she continues to make."
Frances has built a reputation for excellence. She is a prime example of shattering glass ceilings. Once mistaken for a court reporter, she has defied stereotypes and paved the way for other women in the field. Frances has proven that even at 5"4' women of color can stand tall in the legal profession.
The winner of the CLM Professionals of the Year will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony at the annual CLM Conference taking place April 2-4, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, California.
Expressing her gratitude for the nomination, Frances stated "Being a finalist for the CLM Professional of the Year Award is a tremendous honor. It's a recognition of the collective effort and dedication of the entire WSHB team. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the legal community and mentor others in the field."
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Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 450 lawyers across 41 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.