Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that partner Frances O'Meara has been recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as a 2025 Woman of Influence in the "Attorney" category. This prestigious honor celebrates women leaders in the legal profession who have made significant contributions to their clients, communities, and the advancement of the industry. She was also recently named CLM Professional of the Year in the Outside Defense Counsel Category 2025.
A nationally recognized leader in professional malpractice defense, O'Meara concentrates her practice on representing attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, doctors and other professionals in complex errors and omissions claims. She is certified by the California State Bar as a Certified Legal Malpractice Specialist, a distinction held by a select group of attorneys statewide. In addition to defending professionals in litigation, she advises individual practitioners and law firms on legal, professional, and ethical issues, risk management, loss control and cybersecurity and data privacy risks.
"I am deeply honored to be included among such accomplished women," said O'Meara. "Throughout my career, I've been passionate about defending professionals whose reputations and livelihoods are on the line as well as helping clients navigate the evolving challenges of practicing in today's complex legal and regulatory environment."
"Frances is a trusted advisor, a skilled advocate, and an outstanding leader," said Firmwide Managing Partner, Stewart Reid. "Her depth of expertise in professional malpractice defense, combined with her dedication to mentoring and elevating others in the profession, makes her an invaluable asset to our firm and the broader legal community."
The Los Angeles Business Journal's Women of Influence awards spotlight women across industries who are driving innovation, leading change, and breaking barriers. Honorees will be celebrated in a special issue of the publication released on May 26th.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
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 500 lawyers across 42 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.