John O’Donnell
Our firm represents clients in all legal areas essential to business operations, including commercial law, contract law, collections, bankruptcy, and general business law. We also provide steady, results-focused representation in select family law matters, offering clear guidance during complex and often emotional situations. We focus on developing legal strategies that support our clients’ broader business needs and long-term objectives while protecting their personal interests when family matters arise.
Our firm represents clients in all legal areas essential to business operations, including commercial law, contract law, collections, bankruptcy, and general business law. We focus on developing legal strategies that support our clients’ broader business needs and long-term objectives.
Personal attention is the foundation of our practice. When clients contact us, they speak directly with their attorney. We believe strong representation begins with listening, understanding each client’s unique circumstances, and providing honest, actionable legal advice.
John M. O’Donnell has earned a reputation as a trustworthy, approachable, and dedicated legal advisor who fights for his clients. Our mission is to deliver legal representation with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to solutions that truly serve our clients’ interests.
Education
California State University, Chico, Bachelor of Science, Major: Public Administration,1986, Dean’s List
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Juris Doctor, (With Great Distinction), Top 1% of Class, 1989
Employment History
Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, 1987 (Certified law student representing the People of the State of California in Infraction arraignments.)
Hefner, Stark & Marois, LLP, Summer Intern, 1988 (Conducted research projects and authored briefs for attorneys at the firm.)
Hefner, Stark & Marois, LLP, Attorney, 09/1989-01/30/1997 (Managed comprehensive client representation in bankruptcy and state court litigation, encompassing drafting of all pleadings, conducting discovery, depositions, and trial proceedings for assigned cases.)
Law Offices of John M. O’Donnell, Sole Practitioner, 01/30/1997 – 7/1/2015 (Executed full-spectrum client counsel and representation in bankruptcy, state, and federal court litigation matters, encompassing the drafting of all pleadings, conducting discovery, depositions, trials, and appeals for cases under my purview.)
State of California, Franchise Tax Board, Tax Counsel III (Specialist), 7/1/2015 – September, 2025 (Provided legal representation to the Franchise Tax Board on diverse tax collection matters in California, advising FTB personnel on a wide range of issues, drafting correspondence and pleadings, and participating as second chair in trials alongside the Office of the Attorney General.)
Law School Honors and Awards
McGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific)
Order of the Coif, 1989
Traynor Honor Society, 1989
American Jurisprudence Awards: (Contracts, 1987), (Criminal Procedure, (1987), (Income Tax II, 1988), (Creditors Rights and Debtors Remedies, 1989), (Insurance Law, 1989)
McGeorge School of Law, full tuition scholarships for the second and third years of school.
Professional Activities
Superior Court of County of Sacramento, Temporary Judge (Small Claims Court), 2008-2015
Sacramento County Bar Association, Board of Directors, 2000
Sacramento County Bar Association, Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Section, Secretary (1996), Treasurer (1997), Vice President (1998), President (1999)
United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California, Alternate Dispute Resolution Panel, Resolution Advocate, 1997-2015
United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California, Pro Per Assistance Panel, Facilitator, 2012-2015
United States District Court, Eastern District of California, Alternate Dispute Resolution Panel, Resolution Advocate, 1999-2015
Superior Court of County of El Dorado, Temporary Judge (Settlement Conferences), 2000-2015
Volunteer and Community Activities
KVIE Channel 6, Business Advisory Committee, 1989-1998
Active 20/30 Club of Sacramento, 1994-2005
Rotary Club of Sacramento, 2007-2015
Sacramento Fire Department, Volunteer Firefighter, 1994-2004 (Firefighter I and First Responder Certification)
Stanford Home for Children, Board of Directors, 2005-2008
Our Legal Vision
Gain a strategic advantage in every legal matter by working with our experienced attorney who delivers unparalleled commitment and results — from complex business matters to important family law concerns. Discover what we offer.