Profile
Jim O’Connor began his career at Baird Holm in 1999 after a successful tenure as in-house counsel for Mutual of Omaha. During his time at the firm, he helped establish the firm’s Technology & Intellectual Property Section, which he guided as section leader for the next 20 years. To say that Jim started the technology and intellectual property practices at Baird Holm would be inaccurate, but to say that Jim defined a level of excellence that those who came after him continually strive to attain would be an understatement.
Jim had a true curiosity and passion for the law and his community, serving most recently as a commissioner of the Uniform Law Commission, where he contributed to the development of uniform state laws. He was also a long time adjunct professor at Creighton Law School where he taught multiple generations of new lawyers the ins and outs of technology law – and even gave away some of his legendary negotiation tactics.
Jim “retired” from Baird Holm in December 2019. However, he never fully retired as he continued doing some work for those clients that continued to spark his intellectual curiosity. During this time he remained a powerful mentor to the attorneys of Baird Holm, providing continued guidance and counsel over the last four years. The firm’s technology, security, and intellectual property practices grew into acknowledged leaders in the region under Jim’s guidance.
Jim loved nothing more in this world than spending time with his family, including his wife of 40 years, Diana, and his daughters Liz and Maggie. Jim was a devoted father and would drop anything and everything when one of his girls would call. He took great pride in all of their accomplishments, including Maggie’s work as a Professional Counselor in the Denver area aided by the assistance of her beloved golden doodles Oscar and Ellie, and Liz’s election to the Nebraska Board of Regents. He also recently became a first-time grandfather to Evie, daughter of Liz and her husband, Baird Holm Partner Eli Rosenberg.
Despite Jim’s seemingly straight-laced appearance, he had a devilish sense of humor that would greet you unexpectedly. His calm, steady demeanor served his friends and colleagues well in times of need. He always had a knack of knowing when to give the advice you didn’t know you needed, and there has never been a man who loved a palindrome more than Jim O’Connor.
Jim’s guidance, friendship, and countless contributions to Baird Holm will be greatly missed.
