By the Florida Undergraduate Law Review & Students of the University of Florida
The University of Florida community has lost a remarkable figure with the passing of Professor Bernard O’Donnell, a distinguished attorney, educator, and mentor whose impact on generations of students cannot be overstated. A pillar of the university’s legal studies and mock trial programs, O’Donnell was known for his unwavering commitment to justice, his sharp legal mind, and his ability to inspire those around him to think critically and advocate fiercely both in the classroom and beyond.
O’Donnell was a mentor who believed in his students, challenged them to be their best, and equipped them with the tools to succeed in every aspect of the legal profession. His absence leaves an undeniable void, but his legacy of integrity, mentorship, and passion for the law will live on in the lives of those he taught and inspired. He was always eager to lend a supportive ear after class, offering invaluable insight into the intricacies of the law and the realities of standing up for the little guy in society.
I remain unwavering in my belief that O’Donnell’s Law and Literature class was essential for all UF pre-law students in truly discovering the depth of their passion for litigation and the law. Nothing—and I mean nothing—could have better prepared me for the rigors of law school and the legal profession than this class. I will never forget when he gifted me an honorary ‘Jekyll’s Pharmacy’ t-shirt as a young and impressionable sophomore—an amateur litigator just beginning to dip my toes into the deep waters of the law.
Professor O’Donnell saw something in me and nurtured a voice and passion for the law that will remain the foundation of my work as a future litigator and advocate for justice. That voice simply would not exist without him, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Bernard “Bernie” O’Donnell was a great man—a true friend, a compassionate mentor, and an unrelenting champion of justice. His passion for the law will live on at the University of Florida and beyond, inspiring future generations of learners and litigators alike.
To his colleagues, he was Bernie. To his students, he was Professor O’Donnell. But to the world at large, he was an advocate—one who stood against the status quo of injustice, an unapologetic trailblazer for the law as it ought to be. Bernard O’Donnell was an outstanding attorney, a one-of-a-kind teacher, and above all, a great man and a good friend. Above all else, I wish I could thank him for everything—the memories he gave, the lessons he taught, and the mentorship and guidance that have been so fundamental to my life that I can never fully repay.
I miss my friend dearly.
Carlos Alemany ‘25
Professor O’Donnell was innovative. He created the Law and Literature course solely to grow a new generation of lawyers who were more than confident and capable. His love for watching his students grow was more than apparent in his teaching methods, feedback, and the way he would always be at LibWest, ready to give advice—even when he was working on his own case. During my last class with Professor O’Donnell, he told me he was proud of the closing statement I had written and presented just two days prior during our mock trial. I had never felt so proud of myself and validated in both my academic abilities and strength to someday become a lawyer. I didn’t take this class because I wanted to take Law and Lit- I took this class because I wanted to learn from him. The news of his passion and knowledge about the law reached me last semester, and I scrambled to grab a seat. Without him, I would probably be doubting whether I truly wanted to pursue law. He solidified my future career for me. It is surreal to know that somebody I admired so deeply will no longer be teaching me. I had so much more to learn from him.
Parisa Rijal ‘26
Professor O’Donnell knew how to motivate students like no other professor. His goal was not just to make us earn our grades. He wanted us to think like attorneys and act like attorneys. He talked sternly and he yelled, but not for no reason. He could see our potential and pushed us to reach deep into ourselves to bring out the best we could. He dedicated an unprecedented amount of time and energy to his students, sitting in the library for hours every day. Anyone could go up to him and ask for help or just talk about your day. He built Law and Literature and was evolving it every semester. In Intro to Law at Levin, he carefully crafted a list of guest speakers and prompted them with important lessons to give us a lecture on. To say he was unique would be an understatement. Every student who took his course knew this, no matter how brief their time was with him. It is easy to be consumed by what our community has lost, but it is beyond important to remember what we have gained from knowing him and learning from him. I mourn because of the memories I made with him and for the memories I was supposed to make with him.
Devin Kinnally ‘26
Professor O’Donnell sculpted futures with his words, attention to detail, and gravity for literary brilliance. He ignited the minds and the spirits of students so that they do nothing but the best that they are capable of. He believed in me before I learnt to believe in myself. Stacking flowers on his favorite table and writing notes seems like a way to keep him here a little longer in the space he occupied with love and happiness. He was a person so full of life that his presence has left a void in the hearts of many he inspired. He was funny and persistent and extraordinary and unabashedly his own self. My academic life might just have gotten significantly dimmer, but to have known him is an honor in itself. The four classes—almost four—that I have taken with him would be the best academic experiences of my undergraduate career. My days would be better when I could go with my friends in LW and wish him a good morning. I know he liked that too– because he always told us so.
So for the last time, good morning, Professor. I hope that all your mornings are wonderful in the sweet peace you rest in. I miss you immensely, sir.
Naomi Patel, ‘26
Professor O’Donnell is everything and more a student would want from a professor. There were professors, and then there was Professor O’Donnell. Beyond being a professor, Professor O’Donnell was a friend, a support system for his students, and a mentor. I remember first coming into Professor O’Donnell’s class and not having an ounce of belief in myself or my work. I doubted whether the law field was something I was even meant to be in – especially when I would see my briefs covered in his red ink. As I continued to take my first class with Professor O’Donnell and formed a strong connection with him, I realized that the red ink wasn’t meant to discourage us, that his lectures about knowing our law like the back of our hand weren’t just meant to give us busy work. There was a purpose behind every single word that Professor O’Donnell had spoken and had written. He believed in his students. He made his students feel like they not only have the potential to make a difference in this world but that they WILL make a difference.
I had been on my fourth course with Professor O’Donnell, and I still feel like that was too little. I can’t help but continuously think about how all of our time with Professor O’Donnell was robbed and how much more he still had to teach us, whether we took more courses with him or just sat with him at LibWest for a few minutes here and there talking. I will never be able to put into words the impact Professor O’Donnell had on my career and my life.
Professor O’Donnell, I promise to carry you with me everywhere I go. I will carry what you have taught me throughout my career. Every morning that I walk past your desk at LibWest, I will say good morning to you. I will remember you in every binder clip I use, every red pen I write with, and in moments I need to remember that with confidence in myself I will persevere. Thank you for believing in me, Professor, and for helping me learn how to believe in myself. I hope you are looking down and realizing how loved you were by each and every one of your students. Rest in the sweetest peace.
Bella Berger ‘26
Professor O’Donnell was genuinely one of the most impactful professors I have ever had in my life. Although I had only taken his class briefly, I can say that he motivated people in his class like no other. He wanted his students to succeed and truly cared about preparing us for law school and our future jobs as attorneys. I remember one of my classmates visited the UF Law Library, and one of their librarians was confused because of the amount of intensive research that undergraduate students did at the law library, commenting that it was to the extent of what actual law students do. He cared not only about us but also about preparing us for law school and life as attorneys in the future. Although his class required hours and hours of research, I can say it taught me the importance of proactively doing work. Professor O’Donnell cared about his students and wanted to give us the best chance of succeeding in the future. He was one of the most caring professors who cared not only about doing his job but also that we understood the importance of the work we were doing and learned from it.
Brayden Van der Burgt ‘26
Professor O’Donnell was the most shining example of an outstanding professor, mentor, & friend. He prepared his students for challenges inside and outside of the classroom or courtroom, & his dedication to helping others — whether students, clients, or mentees — was tangible.
Professor O’Donnell was by far the most influential professor I interacted with during my time at UF. He connected with his students on a personal level that made class worthwhile. He was a great example of what it means to pursue a life of meaningful success. A humble and dedicated man, his impact will carry a big weight on law students like myself as we continue our academic journeys.
Parker Quisling ’25
Professor O’Donnell asked his students questions in and outside the classroom. More importantly, he made his students feel like their answers mattered. He made his students believe that they really were the future of the law field.
Professor O’Donnell was more than an educator, he was a mentor and friend who was always available whenever anyone needed him. I can never replace the experience he gave me and the preparation he gave me for my future.
Professor O’Donnell is exactly everything a teacher, professor, mentor, and educator should be. He pushed us to think critically, understand other perspectives, and never be afraid to say what we think. He was a highly loved professor - so much so that students would look to take multiple classes he taught and spots would fill up every semester almost immediately. His passion for teaching law and cultivating young minds was evident through his engaging and unique activities. He had the biggest and brightest smile that will be remembered forever.
Professor O’Donnell is a professor who truly impacted everyone who had the pleasure to take his classes. His passion for preparing his students for success was only matched by his passion for justice and equality. He was a friend and leader to so many students. We will miss him dearly.
Professor O’Donnell was the kind of professor every student hopes to have. Knowledgeable and passionate, he was eager to share his wisdom, not just to teach, but to truly prepare us for the real world and law school. He set a high standard—never one to offer empty praise, but when he did, you knew you had earned it. He created a sense of community within the classroom where we felt both challenged and supported. With the deepest honor, respect, and admiration, Professor O’Donnell will be missed.
Talia Bock ‘26
Professor O’Donnell was more than just a professor. He was a mentor who shaped the way many of us first engaged with the law, and what a privilege it was to learn from him. Law and Literature was created with purpose. Every assignment, though challenging, pushed us to think in new ways and see the law as more than just rules. It was about people, stories, and perspectives. Submitting our work only to get it back covered in detailed feedback was never discouraging. It was proof of how much he cared about our growth. He expected a lot from us, but he led with kindness, humor, and a genuine belief in our potential. His classroom was more than a place to learn. It was a space filled with laughter, debate, and challenges that made us better thinkers. He did not just follow a script. He made sure his course had real meaning, that we walked away not just with knowledge but with confidence and purpose. Taking not just one but two of his courses was an honor. I can say with certainty that he helped me find my place in the legal field. As I enter law school, I think of him with gratitude, knowing his lessons will stay with me. I hope that we, his students, can carry forward his legacy by studying and practicing law with even half the grace and dedication he exemplified, honoring his impact through the work we do.
There are no words that could ever describe the moving influence this man had on the University of Florida and the future generation of lawyers. Bernard O’Donnell was more than just a professor; he was a mentor and guiding figure. My time at the University of Florida would not have been complete without having the privilege to be taught under Bernie. His passion for the law and his students made him different; it defined him, and it left an imprint on so many lives. He went beyond his own class and took in his students when they needed him. He took me in when times got tough. His Law and Literature fueled ambition, challenged his students, and produced a prospective group of young adults ready to change the field with the passion and drive his class gave us. He uplifted us, he critiqued us, and he was never afraid to push us. He told me one day he was harsh to make us better, even quoting the line when telling me the reason behind his teaching style. He cared so deeply for everyone, and every moment I had the privilege of sharing with him will be cherished. I valued his opinion so much, and my last conversation with him is something I will never forget. I was talking to him about a trick he told me about on a cross exam, something I accidentally employed during my mock trial practice. It seemed over the top at the moment, but I was laughing about the feedback I received and how he would take it. We ended the conversation with him telling me, despite the critiques, that he was proud of me. While all I am continuously thinking at this moment is how much I wish I had the chance to speak to him again, I am glad I got to have such an amazing last moment with him. We still had so much to learn from him, we lost you way too soon. You touched so many, and you will never be forgotten. Bernie has and will always be the reason I strive for more, despite challenges, to become what he was for others: a leader.
Angelina Buechel ‘26
There aren’t many professors who touch the hearts of their students in the way Professor O’Donnell had. He went out of his way to build a connection with every single student, demonstrating his care and dedication. In his Law and Literature class, he was inspiring, giving us an opportunity and trust unheard of at the undergraduate level. He held us to a higher standard. The course will never be the same without him, and we will miss his presence every day. However, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to know one of the most amazing and respected professors at the University of Florida.
Zoe Metchick
I still remember the first day I came to Professor O’Donnell, confused and lost about my first assignment in Law and Literature. I was horribly nervous and scared to hear what he had to say. His imposing demeanor in class was hallmarked by a robust intellect, a mind truly unlike anyone I’ve ever met. To my surprise, he greeted me with a smile and opened up the seat next to him. I expected to have maybe a 5 minute conversation about my assignment. We ended up talking for over an hour - I even ended up late to my next class. From that day, I have come to him with advice on my interests, my future, my professional goals and my personal struggles/successes. Never before have I felt so comfortable sharing so much with a professor, let alone any person. He gave unrelenting, personal feedback; he only wanted to see his students grow stronger than he himself had ever been. Few, if any, men in this world emulate that: the desire to see you do better than they ever did. In this light, Professor O’Donnell reminded me of my Dad. He pushed me to do better every day, even when I didn’t see the path. He reinvigorated my interest in the law through his unrelenting passion for students and justice. We lost you far too soon, Bernie. I am still in shock. In disbelief. Your heart, your passion, and your work touched more people than you could ever imagine in ways you couldn’t possibly see at the time. Even in passing, your words will continue to inspire me to be not just the best possible lawyer but the best possible person I can ever be.
Anonymous
It is amazing how he connects with his students even in just one semester. How his decorum resembles respect and seriousness, yet also friendliness and acceptance. He is someone that you like speaking to because he’s just smart, funny, and a great conversationalist. You can tell his smile is genuine and that he cares about what he does. I would sometimes pass by LibWest before class just to see if he was there. Sometimes, I’d be too intimidated to say hello because he seemed busy, but every time I would, he’d say, “Thanks for saying hello. Good seeing you.” Losing him is a great loss for the university and for the students who are now unable to learn from him. Not just because of his professionalism, but because of his engaging manner and contagious desire to help the community. I’m grateful I was lucky enough to be his student. My love and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Nicole Becerra
Professor O’Donnell was one of the only professors that I really respected; he was a genuinely smart and intellectual person who I enjoyed building a relationship with very much. He cared so much about his students and did everything he could to empower and build his students into better people. I never had a professor quite like him before, and I will always remember his firm but fair and inspirational teaching style. He was a great mentor to thousands of students, and it is a shame that more will not be able to learn from him. Professor O’Donnell will be greatly missed by the thousands of students he had a tremendous impact on.
On the last day of class in my second semester with Professor O’Donnell, he told us that we were some of the smartest people in the state, and smart people need to be pushed. That was his philosophy and why he pushed us so hard from the beginning. There are not many like him that you can tell truly care, and I never really connected with another professor the way I did with Bernie. I’ll remember him as more of a mentor than anything, who was always willing to talk about whatever you needed to talk about because he really did care. He was an amazing man and such a genuine person deserving of all the respect in the world. This news really hurts deeply. We lost him way too soon.
Jacob Fischer ‘25
Last semester, I had the pleasure of taking Intro to Law at Levin with Professor O'Donnell. His passion for the subject matter, paired with his careful consideration of guest lecturers, reinvigorated a love for the legal field that I felt I was losing before encountering him. After taking that class, I was inspired to take Law and Literature, not for the subject matter alone, but because of the professor and his students' testaments. It became abundantly clear to me in that class that the bond Dr. O’Donnell had with his students went beyond any typical student-professor relationship–no one was there just to get the A and move on, they were there for Professor O’Donnell because he was there to be a friend and a mentor to anyone who needed it.
He was kind and intentional in a way you wouldn’t notice from a distance. I remember once going to his office hours at his famed table in Library West and aimlessly rambling about being stressed about my outline, to which he answered that he put me on the team I was on because he knew me and knew I had a good heart. Now, I did not know him super well at this point, but he knew me, just as he knew every single one of his students, because he was the professor who made an effort to do so—even with the students who didn’t reach out first. The last few weeks of our Intro to Law class he spent reviewing cases of LGBTQ+ mothers having their custody revoked due to their sexuality. You could tell he was genuinely emotional over these cases, and though it may sound silly, it was the first time I felt so seen and safe as a queer pre-Law student, knowing not only would he not judge me or anyone else for their sexuality, but he would even go to court to fight our battles. This was the kind of man Dr. O’Donnell was, deeply selfless and remarkably kind, seeking both in his teachings and in his legal practice to advocate for marginalized communities and right moral wrongdoings. It’s rare, but there are courses here at UF that we pre-law students say everyone must take because of who the professor is—Dr. O’Donnell was the foremost of those professors. Anyone who has had the pleasure of sitting in his classes will feel his loss deeply and forever be changed.
Our futures go out to you, Dr. O’Donnell, for we wouldn’t be the students we are now without your brilliant, intentional guidance and mentorship.
– Amanda Hiatt ‘26
Professor O’Donnell was one of the first and only professors I connected with in college. Not only was he a phenomenal and creative teacher who has deepened my passion for law more than I thought possible, but he was also an upstanding citizen and incredibly caring person who gave up his free time to help his students in more ways than I can explain. Whether it was me sitting in his Law at Levin or Law and Lit class or him giving up his weekend to judge a mock trial tournament, there is something everyone can learn from Professor O’Donnell.
Anonymous
Professor O’Donnell was certainly unlike any other professor I have had during my time at UF. After my first interaction with him, I thought to myself, “does this guy hate me?” But some time later, I realized that he just expected more out of his students than any other professor. Getting to know him was a special experience. I can now look back at my time in his class as one of my most enjoyable academic experiences at UF. Prof. O’Donnell truly demonstrated what it means to be compassionate, thoughtful, and helpful towards students. Having taken two of his courses, I am so grateful for the legal insight he was able to provide, as well as helping me to answer tough questions that truly forced me to work hard.
It brings me great sadness that students will no longer be able to enjoy his entertaining and different teaching style. However, I can say that everyone I know who has taken his courses loved him, and he made an impact on their time at Florida and their lives.
As I go forward in my career trying to become a lawyer, the impact that O’Donnell had on me will not be lost. I will remember the affection he showed us when we all took a group picture on the last day of class, as well as how he gave us heartfelt words telling us that he knew how smart we all were, and that that is why he expected so much out of us. I’m truly grateful to have known Bernard O’Donnell; may he rest in peace.
John Gregory ‘25
From the moment I sat down in Professor O’Donnell’s class at the beginning of this year, I could tell I was in for a tough semester. Initially, his intense approach to teaching was intimidating, but as the weeks passed, I came to realize how passionate and dedicated he was to his students. He pushed every student to reach their full potential by fostering a tight-knit class and forcing you to think outside of the box. It is because of him that I can say I have a stronger work ethic and preparedness for the legal career ahead of me.
Reflecting on my time in Professor O’Donnell’s class, I realize that I often took his teachings for granted. However, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have known him, even if it was for a short period. His unique teaching style, high expectations, and care for his students are things I will never forget. He made a great impact on my academic journey and my life, I am extremely sad he will not be able to do the same for others.
Megan McCully ‘25
There are professors, and then there's O'Donnell. I had the beautiful privilege of taking two of his classes, and he pushed me to my limits with every assignment and discussion. Tears were most certainly shed. You come across very few professors who leave a lasting mark on you, and he certainly did. We weren't just a number/name, we were students who he wanted to reach their full potential. I will forever miss seeing you rocking with headphones on at your desk at LibWest. I'm also grateful to the other students who made the class so enjoyable and engaging. You've all reignited my passion for learning and deepened my love for law. I've come to realize how much I want to make a difference in the world through his classes, and I am forever grateful. It meant so much to know I had someone in my corner rooting for me. I am extremely saddened by your passing but blessed that I was able to learn from you. Thank you for all the hearts you touched.
Gabriella Simmons ‘25
Professor O’Donnell was a teacher with incredible foresight. He looked beyond undergrad instruction and instead honed in on each student’s potential and the many ways to temper and bring out their underlying skills. He focused on nurturing a future generation of law school students and attorneys and selflessly invested tremendous amounts of time and energy in doing so. Although incredibly effective, his teaching methods were not conventional by any means, constantly pushing you beyond your capabilities and forcing you to adapt to the workload and content. However, he never pushed too far. He knew that his students could handle his expectations, and that made his genuine compliments after good work was produced mean all the more.
The time that he dedicated in the mornings to his class hours gave us the opportunity to ask him questions on whatever was stumping us at the moment. He never shied away from questioning and encouraged us to use all of the resources available to us to succeed, even offering himself up as one of them. His heart, kindness, guidance, and willingness to help us surpass what we thought we could will always be remembered. May he rest in peace.
Christyan Chazares ‘27
Professor O’Donnell was one of those professors you could instantly tell cared about his students. He was invested in making sure he gave us the tools to succeed. He was one of the only professors whose class I would’ve taken over and over if I could because there was always something to be learned. Professor O’Donnell did his best to teach us to not just think, argue, write, and read in the legal field, but to always strive to do our best in everything we did. I feel sorry for everyone who won’t get to experience being his student because I know that those of us who did won’t forget him or the mark he left on us. Rest in peace, Professor.
Adriana Gomez ‘24