Attorney Tanya O’Connor’s professional career began in 1989, upon earning a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Science from the Decker School of Nursing at the State University of New York at Binghamton. Following admission to the New York State Board of Nursing, Ms. O’Connor accepted a position as Staff RN at Tisch Hospital, NY, NY (formerly NYU Medical Center). She was later recruited by the Heart Institute at Regional which prompted her relocation to Florida.
Ms. O’Connor worked as a Progressive Care Unit RN, specializing in telemetry and post-operative care and rehabilitation of open-heart surgery patients. Ms. O’Connor practiced as a PCU RN in acute care settings for 10 years and transitioned to community health nursing as a Field RN in 1998. Her passion for providing one-on-one patient care prompted Ms. O’Connor to continue working as a clinical RN throughout law school and well after her admission to the Bar.
Attorney O’Connor’s diverse experience has been vital to the growth and development of the Firm allowing her to offer advice and counsel in a wide variety of practice areas.
Following graduation from Stetson University College of Law in May 1995, Attorney O’Connor was admitted to the Florida Bar in November 1995. Her legal career began as a Medical Malpractice Litigation Associate with an insurance defense firm. Finding it difficult to reconcile insurance defense work with personal ideals, Ms. O’Connor soon applied for, and was offered, the position of Staff Attorney for the Honorable Peggy A. Quince at the Second District Court of Appeal. She served in that capacity until Justice Quince’s appointment to Florida’s Supreme Court. Thereafter, O’Connor accepted a position with HealthPlan Services, Inc. as a Compliance Officer, where she evaluated insurance contracts/policies for compliance with state and federal insurance laws.
Attorney O’Connor later returned to the Second District Court of Appeal to serve as Senior Staff Attorney for the Honorable Thomas E. Stringer, and ultimately established her own law firm in 2004 – Tanya P. O’Connor, PA. Brandon Law Group, PA was later established as a partnership in 2006, but has since transitioned into a solo practice as BRANDON LAW, PLLC.
In addition to managing her growing practice, Ms. O’Connor faithfully devotes her time and talents to professional and community service organizations. She’s a member of Florida’s largest Collaborative Divorce practice group, Next Generation Divorce, and served on its Board of Directors from 2015 to 2018. She’s also a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
O’Connor is a member of the the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and also serves on the Chamber’s Teacher Appreciation Committee. She has served as a Director of Freedom to Walk Foundation, Inc. and Volunteer Attorney/Fundraiser for Legal Ministry H.E.L.P.
In July 2013, Attorney O’Connor was appointed as Hearing Officer for the Hillsborough County Child Care Licensing Board, and served in that capacity until 2019. O’Connor was appointed to the Board of Supervisor of the Parkway Center Community Development District in 2015 where she served until 2018, spearheading the land acquisition, financing and development of the District’s much needed amenities center. She is a devoted supporter of young women, and annually sponsors the You Deserve to Be Loved Girls Summit while serving on the Summit’s organizational team.
Ms. O’Connor has two children and is married to Tampa Police Department retiree, RB O’Connor. When she’s not enjoying and diligently serving her family, clients, and community, Ms. O’Connor enjoys tropical gardening and reading.
