Joseph A. O’Connell

Joseph A. O’Connell is a Mississippi attorney with more than thirty-five years of experience in general litigation. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex matters, providing thorough legal analysis and strong advocacy. His work spans a wide range of civil cases handled through trial, motion, or appeal.

Joseph earned his B.A. from Millsaps College in 1975 and his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1978. While in law school, he received Am Jur awards in Federal Jurisdiction and Federal Procedure, reflecting his strong academic performance and focus on litigation.

Joseph focuses his practice on general litigation, including oilfield and construction accidents, products liability, asbestos litigation, medical malpractice, civil rights claims, and workers’ compensation. He has also handled cases involving contracts, insurance disputes, and premises liability, offering broad experience across many areas of law.

Joseph has practiced with Bryan Nelson, P.A., and its predecessors for over twenty years. He has been trusted to manage high-exposure cases for major companies and insurers, including emergency response matters involving toxic exposure and serious accidents requiring immediate legal investigation and action.

Joseph is admitted to practice in Mississippi and before multiple federal courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a member of the Mississippi Bar, the South Central Mississippi Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

Joseph A. O’Connell holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. His long career, depth of experience, and steady approach allow him to handle complex litigation matters with confidence, providing clients with strong representation in challenging legal situations.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Bryan Nelson, P.A.
• Member, The Mississippi Bar
• Member, South Central Mississippi Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Mississippi

Education

• University of Mississippi School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Millsaps College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges