Celebrating the Careers of Beth O'Connor and Jonathan Chatinover
AAC Consulting Founders Announce Retirement After Decades of Industry Leadership
After three decades of shaping the professional services consulting industry, AAC Consulting founders Beth O'Connor and Jonathan Chatinover have announced their retirement, effective April 30, 2026.
Their departure marks the end of an era, but also a celebration of the extraordinary legacy they leave behind. Together, Beth and Jonathan have not only built AAC Consulting into a trusted name in law firm financial systems but have helped define the standards and best practices that guide our entire industry today.
Beth O'Connor: A Trailblazer from Day One
Beth O'Connor founded AAC Consulting in 1996, starting with just two clients and a vision for what expert consulting could look like. Over the following decades, she grew the company into a team of more than 40 consultants who have served over 300 clients worldwide.
A Certified Public Accountant with an MBA from DePaul University, Beth is widely acknowledged as an expert in financial systems implementations. Her name has become synonymous with many Aderant projects. It is difficult to discuss the platform's success without mentioning Beth O'Connor. Her expertise in project management, data migrations, mergers, system selection, general ledger configuration, multi-book and multi-currency implementations, and business process optimization has set the standard for consulting excellence in professional services.
Throughout her 40+ year career, Beth has established herself as an industry expert in law firm financial systems. Her name is spoken in law firms all over the world. They know she will be the expert in the room as they contemplate system customizations or consider new systems. They trust that she will give excellent advice and execute successful projects. Her commitment to quality, accuracy, and client success has been the foundation upon which AAC was built.
To read more about Beth on our website click here.
Jonathan Chatinover: The Expert Behind the Data
Jonathan Chatinover joined AAC in 1998, bringing with him invaluable experience from his role as Accounting Manager at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP, where he led a major financial system implementation. A Certified Public Accountant with an MBA in Finance from New York University, Jonathan quickly became the go-to expert for the most complex technical challenges.
Jonathan's deep knowledge of database table structures and SQL has saved countless projects over the years. When teams encounter complex issues that seem unsolvable, Jonathan is the person everyone turns to. His specialization in financial management analysis, data migration, customization, and reporting has been instrumental in delivering successful implementations for clients around the world.
Beyond his client work, Jonathan has been a dedicated educator, teaching SQL and database seminars and providing leadership to the user group community through conference speaking engagements and his participation on the Aderant Expert User Group Board.
To read more about Jonathan on our website click here.
More Than Consultants: Champions for What's Right
Outside of their work at AAC, Beth and Jonathan have been tireless advocates for social justice. Their commitment to doing what's right isn't something they leave at the door, it's woven into the fabric of how they live and work. They bring their values to every project and every interaction, always striving to leave good along the way.
That same intentionality shaped how they built AAC. Over the years, Beth and Jonathan assembled a team of industry experts who share their dedication to excellence and integrity. The consultants at AAC today are a reflection of the standards Beth and Jonathan set, not just in technical expertise, but in character.
A Lasting Legacy
Beth and Jonathan's impact extends far beyond AAC Consulting. They have shaped the trajectory of financial systems consulting for professional services firms and played an integral role in the success of the platforms and products that serve our industry. Their vision, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have raised the bar for what clients can expect from their consulting partners.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Beth and Jonathan are true trailblazers, and we are honored to continue walking the path they have created.
Looking Ahead
AAC Consulting remains committed to delivering the same exceptional service our clients have come to expect. Under the continued leadership of CEO Ben Starkie, along with our talented team of directors and consultants, many of whom have worked alongside Beth and Jonathan for years, we are well-positioned to carry forward the standards of excellence they established.
To our clients: thank you for the trust you have placed in Beth, Jonathan, and our entire team over the years. To Beth and Jonathan: thank you for your vision, your mentorship, and your friendship. Your contributions to AAC and to our industry will not be forgotten.
We wish Beth and Jonathan all the best in their well-deserved retirement!
The AAC Consulting Team