Margarita K. O’Donnell Recognized as an Emerging Woman Leader in Law by DCA Live

Zuckerman Spaeder is pleased to announce that partner Margarita “Maggie” O’Donnell has been recognized as one of DCA Live’s Emerging Women Leaders in Private Practice for 2023. This recognition is given to a small group of “great women attorneys in the Washington region who are emerging as leaders within their firms and the broader DC legal community.”

Ms. O’Donnell’s practice focuses on white collar criminal defense and civil matters, representing individuals and corporations in government investigations, criminal prosecutions, and complex civil disputes. Drawing on her experience as a former public defender for the District of Columbia, where she represented hundreds of felony and misdemeanor clients – including through trial – she brings strong advocacy and a carefully honed understanding of defense strategy to her engagements. 

Of direct relevance to Ms. O’Donnell’s white collar practice, she plays an instrumental role as a leader for the American Bar Association’s annual White Collar Crime Conference, working alongside conference co-chairs to develop meaningful programming for the over one thousand participants from across the country. She has played a critical role in helping to expand and diversify the presentations and maintain the timeliness and impact of the content, while also serving as a moderator and panelist. 

Reflecting on this recognition, Ms. O’Donnell says, “I’m humbled to receive this award alongside many other talented women in the Washington, DC area. It’s been an honor to play a leadership role at Zuckerman Spaeder and in various impactful organizations that support people in need within the community and provide professional development opportunities for lawyers, and I look forward to my continued involvement.”

As co-lead of the firm’s Pro Bono Program, Ms. O’Donnell demonstrates her deep commitment to public service. Her work includes identifying opportunities for the firm’s attorneys to advocate on behalf of those without the means to hire legal counsel, coordinating with legal services organizations, and supporting the firm’s engagement in local communities. Ms. O’Donnell supervises or leads pro bono cases, including engagements relating to discrimination, immigration proceedings, and criminal proceedings.

Ms. O’Donnell serves on several committees and boards of non-profit organizations, including the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services of the District of Columbia Circuit Judicial Conference, the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia, Rising for Justice, and the Council for Court Excellence. 

Ms. O’Donnell and the other honorees will be celebrated during an awards ceremony on April 4, 2023.