As managing partner of Stradley Ronon, Michael O’Mara drives the strategic direction, growth and innovation of the firm, including more than 200 lawyers across nine offices. Through a dedicated effort to fostering a culture of excellence, Mike pursues the provision of exceptional client service and an authentic working environment that is built on deep and loyal relationships within the firm and with the firm’s clients. Alongside his managing partner duties, Mike maintains an active practice as a trial lawyer focusing on complex commercial disputes.
Mike previously served for more than a decade as chair of the firm’s litigation practice. His advocacy encompasses a broad array of complex, high-exposure commercial litigation, including financial services cases, merger and acquisition disputes, restrictive covenants, False Claims Act cases, class actions, ERISA claims, trust and estate disputes, insurance and commercial real estate matters.
In professional liability cases, Mike frequently represents professional services firms, including law firms and insurance intermediaries. He also counsels sophisticated nonprofit organizations — including religious, educational and healthcare entities — on litigation-related matters.
Widely respected throughout the legal community, Mike is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, a highly selective, invitation-only organization dedicated to elevating the standards of trial and appellate practice. A similar mission informs his work teaching trial advocacy to students at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
Featured Representative Matters
Engaged as national coordinating counsel to oversee multijurisdictional litigation portfolio for a publicly traded company.
Defeated a petition for injunctive relief following a four-day evidentiary hearing in which neighboring commercial property owners sought to halt a $350 million construction project.
Tried a $26 million commercial real estate dispute, securing a dismissal of all claims against a real estate developer by way of a motion for nonsuit following a four-day trial and testimony from six witnesses.
Secured a seven-figure settlement in an actuarial malpractice case on behalf of a local, preeminent preparatory school.
Tried an $80 million dispute between a marine terminal operator and its landlord port authority before a panel of three arbitrators, securing a unanimous award in the client’s favor.
Tried a $40 million condemnation case on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, securing a favorable settlement several days into a jury trial.
Tried a Fair Labor Standards Act and retaliation case, securing a complete defense verdict for a multistate employer following a week-long federal court jury trial.
Defeated a preliminary injunction petition filed by a publicly traded company seeking to preclude a former high-level executive from embarking on a new business venture.
Defended a Swiss electronics company against patent infringement claims relating to transistor design in high-speed logic circuits.
Secured dismissal of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit alleging civil conspiracy and tortious interference against a global distributor of industrial and specialty chemicals.
Secured dismissal of alleged violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act against a global manufacturer of industrial heating and ventilation equipment.
Represented investors in South Carolina federal court in a securities fraud case against a Wall Street short seller, securing a liability finding.
Secured the dismissal of more than 50 cases against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and other religious institutions.
Community Impact
Mike serves on the board of directors for the Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan civic leadership organization advancing representative, ethical and effective government in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania through citizen engagement and public policy advocacy.
He is also a board member of the Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS), which bridges the business community and Catholic schools to establish financial assistance to families in need, bolster school infrastructures, and expand educational opportunities for families; and The Center for Autism, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Memberships
Member, Board of Directors, Greater Philadelphia YMCA
Adjunct Faculty, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law
Member, American Bar Association, Litigation Section
Member, Board of Directors, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS)
Member, Board of Directors, The Center for Autism
Member, Board of Directors, Committee of Seventy
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Member, National Diocesan Attorneys Association
Member, The Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Recognitions
The Legal 500 US Elite (Philadelphia: Commercial Disputes) (2025-26)
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (General Litigation) (2025-26)
Champion of the Community, The Center for Autism (2025)
Managing Partner of the Year, The Legal Intelligencer (2025)
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America (2025-26)
Chambers USA (Pennsylvania: General Commercial Litigation)
Featured Speaking Engagements
Presenter, “Sponsorship in Jeopardy,” Resource Center for Religious Institutes, Annual Conference 2022
Presenter, "Legal Issues Updates: Maintaining Identity and Fidelity in a Changing Environment,” Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities 2022 Annual Meeting
Presenter, “The Implications of 2020 Court Rulings on Catholic Institutions,” Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
Presenter, “Economic Experts: What They Can Add to Your Employment Case, How to Work with Them and When You Don’t Need Them,” PBI 20th Annual Employment Law Institute
Presenter, “Tort Reform in 2012. What’s New? What’s Next?” Risk and Insurance Management Society 2012 Annual Conference
Guest Speaker, Naturalization Ceremony, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2008
