“The challenge is that family law often requires expertise in multiple legal fields. That’s what I love about what I do — no two cases are the same.”
Michelle O’Neil is a renowned divorce attorney, professional speaker, business success consultant, published author, and podcast host. With over 30 years of experience, Michelle’s journey in family law stems from her own experiences, which sparked a passion for women’s empowerment and financial independence. She founded her boutique law firm the day she was licensed by the State of Texas, and since then, her firm has gained a reputation as one of the top law firms in the country.
Michelle is widely recognized as a leading force in Texas family law litigation. Her approach combines both warmth and tenacity with relentless dedication to her clients’ objectives. One colleague described her as a “lethal combination of sweet and salty.” As a Grant Cardone 10X Speaker and a member of the National Speakers Association, Michelle continues to use her voice to advocate for women’s personal power and financial independence, especially during life transitions like after divorce.
In this interview, she shares her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and her insights on how women can navigate the complexities of family law while also securing their future.
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Can you share your personal journey that led you to become a thought leader in women’s empowerment and a top family law attorney in Texas?
Michelle O’Neil: At age 10, my father sat me down for a serious talk about my “mother’s story.” My mother had been married before my father, coming from a low-income family with troubled siblings. She married to escape her home life but faced abuse in her first marriage. It was incredibly tough for her to seek a divorce, and she had to escape swiftly. Months later, she met my father, who brought light into her life and gave her a good path. My father made it clear that he wanted me to have my own profession so I would never have to depend on a man for my existence. When I was 18, I reflected on that conversation often, and it became the cornerstone of my career journey.
What drives your passion for helping women achieve financial independence, especially after divorce? How do you approach this in your legal practice?
Michelle O’Neil: I remember a client who was getting divorced and had never handled finances, written a check or used a credit card. Her soon-to-be ex-husband spent all the money, leaving her with nothing and no financial knowledge. This experience was impactful because I didn’t realize how many women were in similar situations. Since I grew up self-sufficient, I make it a point to help women with financial literacy resources and advisors. When my job is done, I want to ensure that my clients are equipped to manage their finances.

What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve encountered in family law, particularly related to complex divorce issues? How have you navigated these challenges?
Michelle O’Neil: Complex marital property matters can touch on every other type of law. I’ve handled shareholder derivative suits, maritime issues, oil and gas matters, business disputes, and even a rape personal injury jury trial—all wrapped up in divorce cases. The challenge is that family law often requires expertise in multiple legal fields. That’s what I love about what I do—no two cases are the same. I navigate these challenges by studying hard, much like being in law school every day with a pop quiz!
You co-founded the #HellonHeels group to mentor young women lawyers. Can you discuss the importance of mentorship in the legal field and how it impacts women’s leadership?
Michelle O’Neil: Leadership for young women lawyers is more crucial than ever. When I started, women didn’t mentor each other; they competed for success, thinking it was a finite resource. More men mentored me than women, and when I reached a point in my career where I could mentor younger women, I wanted to change that dynamic. The foundation of our #HellonHeels group is positivity and support, not competition. Women’s mentorship is key in helping others through the emotional burdens of our profession, and it provides a network of mentors and sponsors to propel young women forward in their careers.
“Women’s mentorship is key in helping others through the emotional burdens of our profession, and it provides a network of mentors and sponsors to propel young women forward in their careers.”
In your experience, how have you seen the role of women lawyers in family law evolve over the years? What changes would you still like to see?
Michelle O’Neil: Women have always been prominent in family law due to their communication skills, empathy, and negotiation capabilities. Now, women make up the majority of family law attorneys and are assuming leadership roles, but they aren’t as equally recognized in other practice areas. Family law is emotionally demanding, often leading to “compassion fatigue” and burnout. Women lawyers are three times more likely to contemplate leaving the profession due to mental health struggles. Our profession needs to prioritize better mental health support and create a culture that supports a healthy work-life balance, especially for women.

What leadership principles do you emphasize in your work, both as an attorney and as a mentor to other women?
Michelle O’Neil: I emphasize learning from every experience. Whether it’s a hearing, a deposition, or mediation, I always ask myself and those I mentor to identify three lessons from the experience. I also remind my young lawyers that we’re never as bad as our worst failure or as great as our best success. Success happens through hard work and intentionality, not luck. I teach them that everything in life is gained intentionally—success comes from planning and working on purpose.
As an adjunct professor at Baylor University, how do you incorporate the principles of women’s empowerment into your curriculum on family law advocacy?
Michelle O’Neil: In my course at Baylor, I ensure a diverse set of instructors and real-world examples. Since many women gravitate toward family law for the flexibility it offers, I make sure to provide a representation of the different ways family law can accommodate work-life balance. During trial demos, when young women exhibit classic signs of imposter syndrome or over-apologizing, I point it out and help them overcome these tendencies. Women lawyers need to address these issues early in their careers to succeed in the litigation field.

How do you think technology has changed the landscape of family law and women’s empowerment, particularly in terms of access to legal resources?
Michelle O’Neil: Technology, especially social media, has created new avenues for networking, which benefits women. Women can now build connections and foster business relationships outside of traditional male-dominated networks. Technology has also made legal services more efficient, reducing costs and increasing access to justice. AI will likely disrupt the legal profession quickly, bringing even more information and resources directly to the consumer.
“I emphasize learning from every experience. Whether it’s a hearing, a deposition, or mediation, I always ask myself and those I mentor to identify three lessons from the experience.”
Looking ahead, what are your goals and initiatives aimed at empowering women? Are there specific projects or areas you hope to focus on?
Michelle O’Neil: I’m on a mission to empower women, especially those going through life transitions like divorce or career changes. I focus on helping women grow their business and interpersonal skills to achieve financial growth and personal fulfillment. For younger women, I stress the importance of education and financial independence. For older women, particularly those over 50 who find themselves in difficult situations after a divorce, I want to provide tools and strategies to help them regain control of their lives.
What advice would you give to women who are navigating divorce and looking to maintain or regain their financial independence?
Michelle O’Neil: My top recommendation is to get financial education. Learning to handle money and invest for the future is key. For those reentering the workforce, get skills that translate to higher-paying jobs and continue to upskill over time. I also encourage women to focus on their health after a divorce. Taking care of physical, mental, and emotional health is crucial for building a new, fulfilling chapter in their lives.
Connect with Michelle O’Neil:
- Linkedin: @themichelleoneil
- Facebook: @themichelleoneil
- Instagram: @themichelleoneil
- TikTok: @themichelleoneil
- YouTube Channel (Podcast): @TheMichelleOneil
- Website: michelleoneil.com
- Email: [email protected]
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Michelle O’Neil for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.