Student Spotlight: Erin O’Neill ’10
SBA President
This profile of Student Bar Association (SBA) President Erin O’Neill was written by SBA Vice President Susie Wine.
As with any new administration, the student body presidency of Erin O’Neill has not been without controversy. Some people think she favors the chili over the chicken noodle soup at Irish Crossings café a little too publicly. Some have questioned her choice of taking an 8:00 a.m. class two days a week. Still others (beef lobbyists?) objected to the number of smoked turkey legs consumed by students and alumni at our last NDLS tailgate.
Because people want the truth about their leaders, I will do my best to dispel rumors and separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Erin O’Neill does not sleep.
Fact: While it is true that Erin accomplishes more in one day than most of us do in a standard workweek, no one can survive without sleep. She is always busy with something law-related, such as planning alumni networking events with the Notre Dame Law Association Board of Directors, organizing the Career Mentorship Program, or brainstorming new, transaction-friendly slogans as a follow-up to the highly successful “Litigate Like a Champion Today” shirts. Yet despite this tornado of activity, when one approaches her with a question or problem, she sets her work aside and devotes her full attention to the conversation. Through it all, does she appear fully rested? Yes.
Myth: If Erin O’Neill were a football coach, she would be Charlie Weis.
Fact: No disrespect to Mr. Weis, but Erin’s leadership style could better be compared to legendary Coach Knute Rockne. By creating an environment in the SBA (and the law school at large) where each person’s talents are recognized, encouraged, and focused toward common goals, she has as good as re-invented the forward pass. Each SBA member is excited to share their ideas at meetings, and then to use the support found there to plan and execute events.
Myth: Erin O’Neill has never laughed.
Fact: It surprises me that this myth has persisted, being as Erin’s laugh (cackle) has been compared to a gaggle of hyenas. She has a great sense of humor, and is not afraid to laugh at herself. She injects her good-natured personality in every interaction she has with fellow students, professors, and staff members. Yet when the situation calls for leadership, she carries herself with the poise of a professional.
In short, the law school is in good hands with Erin O’Neill at the helm. No matter where you stand on the soup debate, Erin O’Neill has reached both sides of the aisle with her energy. Every person connected with NDLS—students, staff, faculty, alumni—will benefit from Erin’s hard work this year.
