In 2012, O'Hearn defended the borough of Pine Hill, New Jersey, against allegations that an employee had been sexually harassed by the mayor.[6]
O'Hearn's political contributions have all been to Democrats,[7] including U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and former U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews.[6]
Federal judicial service
On April 29, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated O'Hearn to serve as a United States district judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey to the seat vacated by Judge Robert B. Kugler, who assumed senior status on November 2, 2018.[8] O'Hearn was recommended by Senator Robert Menendez.[9] Her nomination was criticized by some progressives, including the magazine The American Prospect, which said that she had "fought against workplace sexual harassment cases, defended police departments, and represented management during union drives."[6] On June 23, 2021, a hearing on her nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.[10] On July 22, 2021, her nomination was reported out of committee by a 12–10 vote.[11] On October 19, 2021, the United States Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 53–44 vote.[12] Her nomination was confirmed later that day by a 53–44 vote.[13] She received her judicial commission on October 22, 2021.[14]