Meet Diana O’Hara of Parenteau & O’Hara, PC in MetroWest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana O’Hara.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I attended law school in Boston and graduated in 1998. After spending 18 months as an Assistant District Attorney, I began working at a small insurance defense practice as an Associate. Over the next eleven years I worked at a few small/medium insurance defense and general litigation firms. My focus was always on litigation, and I spent most of my time in court.

I joined a small firm in 2011 that focused on subrogation litigation. At the time, I hadn’t heard much about subrogation, which is a specialized branch of insurance litigation. What I learned made me realize that subrogation was a perfect fit for me. I enjoy litigation work, but especially when I can help people at the same time. Subrogation allows me to investigate claims where a product (i.e.: dishwasher, microwave, HVAC system) has caused a fire or water loss to see whether a defect is present. These investigations require manufacturers to take responsibility for the damages caused by their products.

In 2015, I started a firm with one of my colleagues and moved the office closer to my home in Metro West. I had two small children at the time, and flexibility was necessary to be successful. Now I have time to spend with my husband of 9 years, two children (6 & 8), all while enjoying my work.

Being a working mom/litigation attorney is a challenge. It requires that both of my “worlds” be flexible, but organized. I have a lot of help, which is what I call “having a deep bench”

Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest struggle in the last five years was opening my practice when my kids were 5 & 3 years old. I was pulled in different directions everyday. At the end of everyday, I felt like I failed both my work and my kids. It took a few months, but once I got the business up and running, I was able to get better organized. I believe organization is the key to making it all work. I juggle a lot of things each day. Being kind to myself when I make a mistake- miss a school event for my kids or have to request an extension at work. It isn’t easy, I try very hard to make sure everything gets done, but I make mistakes, and I have to be ok with that.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Parentau & O’Hara – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As a small law firm, I pride myself in the flexibility we give our employees. All of our staff has children and we make sure they know that their families come first. The work can get done after the kids go to bed or before they get up in the morning. It isn’t ideal, but the standard 9-5 workday is hard for parents. I tend to work 7:3-4:00 each day which allows me to pick up my kids from their after school program and spend time with them before dinner.

Most law firms have an hourly requirement for their Associates. This requires them to work 60+ hours per week. Our firm doesn’t have that because it is more important to us that the work gets done on time and professionally.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love being in the Metro West area of Boston because it is the best of both worlds- suburbia and access to the city. The Framingham/Natick area has tons of restaurants and shopping, so there isn’t he needs to travel into Boston as much. As I lived in Boston for more than 15 years, I do enjoy returning there though to visit my old haunts. Luckily my work takes me to Boston at least once a month.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nesubro.com
• Phone: 5082326267

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