Benesch Partner Margo Wolf O’Donnell Wins Corporate Counsel’s Women, Influence & Power in Law 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

Benesch is proud to share that Margo Wolf O’Donnell, co-chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, has been selected for Corporate Counsel’s Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors top women lawyers who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession, with the Lifetime Achievement distinction serving as a capstone recognition of sustained leadership, influence and lasting impact.

The WIPL awards recognize trailblazers, advocates and leaders who demonstrate exceptional skill, dedication and commitment to the legal profession. From breaking barriers in the workplace to championing important causes in their communities, these women are shaping the future of the profession. Senior members of the editorial team carefully review award categories and emerging industry issues to ensure the honors reflect the most meaningful, forward-looking work across the legal industry.

“We are incredibly proud of Margo and this well-deserved recognition,” said Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to her clients, and a deep dedication to mentoring and advancing others in the profession. This Lifetime Achievement Award reflects the profound impact she has had on both the legal community and the many individuals she has guided along the way.”

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, and I am grateful to my clients for the trust they place in me and to my colleagues who inspire me every day,” said Margo Wolf O’Donnell. “I remain committed to delivering exceptional legal service and to supporting and mentoring attorneys as they build meaningful, impactful careers.”

Margo is a nationally recognized employment attorney with more than 25 years of experience litigating complex and “bet-the-company” employment matters. Her practice includes high-stakes restrictive covenant and trade secret disputes, whistleblower claims, wage-and-hour issues, and statutory claims involving harassment and discrimination. In addition to her litigation work, Margo serves as a trusted crisis manager and business advisor, counseling clients on workplace safety, compensation, leave issues, employment agreements, diversity and inclusion, workforce reductions, and internal investigations. She has been widely recognized as one of the leading employment attorneys in the country.

Margo has long been committed to mentoring and advancing the next generation of attorneys. She currently co-chairs Benesch’s Inclusion & Opportunity initiative and founded B-Sharp, the firm’s professional development program for in-house counsel, which has provided meaningful programming and networking opportunities to hundreds of in-house lawyers.

Her professional excellence has earned widespread recognition. Margo is ranked in Chambers USA and recognized as a Labor & Employment Star by Benchmark Litigation. She has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and Illinois Super Lawyers. Crain’s Chicago Business has named her among the “Most Influential Women Lawyers in Chicago” and “Most Notable Women Executives,” and Best Lawyers recognized her as one of just 15 “Women of Influence” nationwide. She also holds an AV Preeminent® Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the organization’s highest distinction.

The Women, Influence & Power in Law award winners will be honored at an awards dinner on April 14, 2026, in downtown Chicago.