TMA Member Profile – Ann O’Connell

Special Counsel, Hall & Wilcox
Brisbane, Queensland
TMA member since 2018

I’m a restructuring and insolvency lawyer, with wide experience in banking and debt recovery. I advise a number of Australia’s largest institutions, administrators, liquidators, receivers and corporate directors in insolvency and reconstruction matters.

What I enjoy most about working in the turnaround industry is the variety – no day is the same because no business or industry is the same. I’ve had the pleasure of working in everything from mining to fish farming, to retail and financial services. You never know what you’re going to get but that is what makes it fun!

I first got involved with TMA by going to events with a view to building out my network. I ultimately joined the NextGen Committee before becoming chair of that committee and, once I became too old for that committee (!!), I joined the QLD State Committee.

Something that my colleagues or fellow TMA members would be surprised to learn about me is that I once won an oyster eating competition.

The best piece of professional advice I’ve ever been given is: it’s a marathon not a sprint. That applies to every job you take on as well as your own career path. Approaching everything with the right ‘pace’ to go the distance is key to success.

The best things about being a TMA member are the ability to build a wonderful network and access great learning opportunities along the way.

One area of reform that I’d like to see for the turnaround and restructuring market is a more streamlined and equitable process for females to become liquidators. Yes, this is a hill I am willing to die on!

Learn more about Ann and Hall & Wilcox.