Michael J. O’Connor, founder of O’Connor Law, has been named a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Super Lawyer for the 17th consecutive year.

Valeen D. Hykes and James M. O’Connor have been named to the Pennsylvania 2020 Rising Stars List. Hykes is a three-time honoree, while this is James’ first appearance on the Rising Stars List.

Super Lawyers are selected by their peers based on their merits and reputation in the legal field. In order to receive the honor, one must be nominated, survive the rigors of Thomson Reuters’ research team, pass a peer evaluation among attorneys in the state, and then be selected by Thomson Reuters.

Just 5% of all statewide attorneys are named to Super Lawyers. Rising Stars must endure the same process, but additionally, must be under 40 years of age and have practiced law for less than 10 years. Rising Stars honors just 2.5 percent of attorneys in a given state.

The firm’s main office is in Frackville, and it serves clients throughout Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York City.

Areas of expertise are Social Security Disability benefits and personal injury claims, such as those related to car accidents or nursing home abuse cases.

Michael J. O’Connor

Michael J. O’Connor is a 1980 and 1983 graduate of Villanova University, earning a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in political science. He is also a graduate of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, earning a Juris Doctor in 1986.

He has been an attorney for 33 years and has accrued many awards and prestigious distinctions. For instance, O’Connor has achieved an “AV Rating” from Martindale Hubbell, which honors the professional excellence of attorneys of the highest skill and ethical standards.

He has also been named to US News & World Report’s Best Lawyers, while the firm he founded has been named to US News & World Report’s Best Law Firms. Along with being named to Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers since its inception in 2004, he is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocate Forum, which solely honors attorneys who have won million-dollar verdicts, awards, and settlements.

Additionally, he was named 2011 Labor Partner of the Year by the Lehigh Valley Labor Council.

Valeen D. Hykes

Valeen D. Hykes graduated from King’s College in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She then graduated in 2007 from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School with a Juris Doctor.

Hykes has been practicing Law since she joined the firm in 2009.

Along with being named to the Rising Stars List, Valeen is also a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

She concentrates her practice in personal injury.

James M. O’Connor

James M. O’Connor is a 2014 Villanova University graduate, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is also a 2017 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, earning a Juris Doctor.

Along with being named to the Rising Stars List, he was also nominated for The Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.