Christopher J. O'Brien
also known as Chris O'Brien
About Christopher
Biography
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Chris O'Brien stands as a distinguished advocate committed to championing the cause of personal injury victims in Western New York. As a founding partner of O'Brien & Ford, PC, Chris, alongside John Ford, has left an indelible mark by effectively settling or trying more than 25 million- or multi-million dollar cases, earning widespread acclaim for their unwavering commitment to justice.
Beyond his courtroom prowess, Chris is a nationally recognized figure, not just as a seasoned Buffalo personal injury lawyer but also as an educator, generously sharing his trial skills across the United States and Canada. His impact is underscored by his status as a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a 25-year member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and recognition on Buffalo Business First's prestigious list of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers.
In addition to his legal achievements, Chris finds fulfillment in community involvement and family life. He calls Amherst home, where he resides with his wife and children, embodying a harmonious blend of professional excellence and personal commitment. His responsibilities extend beyond legal matters to include the care of Moose, a Bernedoodle, reflecting his hands-on approach to both professional and personal spheres.
With an impressive 33-year tenure in Personal Injury Law, Chris holds accolades such as a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating, membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and an "AV – Preeminent" recognition by Martindale-Hubbell. His legal journey commenced at Washington & Lee Law School in Lexington, Virginia, where he graduated in 1988.
Connect with Buffalo personal injury attorney Chris O’Brien through Linkedin, Avvo, Justia, or Super Lawyers. For expert legal guidance and a compassionate advocate, contact Chris at. Trust O'Brien & Ford, PC. for personalized attention and a track record of excellence in personal injury law.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
37 years | 600 cases
37 years | 250 cases
37 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-33%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 37 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
O'Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main Street, Suite 201, Buffalo, NY, 14226
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Christopher J. O'Brien's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
41 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Kevin | September 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury
He knows what he is doing!!!
Living in New York there are rules, regulations and realities which, when filing a personal injury lawsuit, you should be aware of. Some of these realities limit awards and most are not designed for the benefit of the plaintiff (that would be you if you initiated a personal injury lawsuit). It is m...
Posted by Conor | June 25, 2013 | Education
Not Only is he a Great Lawyer, He is a Great Person
Chris took care of my family and I during the Wilson Central School case that started in 2008. Through out the years Chris has been very diligent in his work and very responsive to my family's wants and needs. He is extremely intelligent about the law and prepared me for trial to where I felt bulletp...
Posted by Lucia | January 08, 2013 | Personal Injury
Review of Chris O'Brien
Mr. O'Brien is an outstanding attorney, who is patient and knowledgeable. He fought to get what my daughter and I deserved as a result of an automobile accident. But more importantly, he was truly concerned for our wellbeing and was often checking to see how we were doing, to ensure we were recievi...
Posted by Martin | October 08, 2012 | Personal Injury
Chris helped me get what I deserved.
I am not one of those lawsuit people who tries to blame everything on somebody else, so even though I was hurt by a drunk driver, I was hesitant to go to a lawyer. I'm glad I went to Chris because he told me all about my rights after a crash and he got me whatI deserved. I felt proud to have him as ...
Posted by Lisa | November 04, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Best Attorney in Buffalo
Chris gave me all the answers to the questions that I had and always made time for me. He got me the settlement I was entitled to and helped me get my bills paid. I am glad I was referred to him.
Christopher J. O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements
"Chris is an outstanding trial lawyer. He is also giving of his time to other attorneys at seminars and with mock trial teams. If you have been injured, Chris will make sure your case is in good hands. I endorse this lawyer."
"Having practiced in the same community and for the common cause of injured citizens for more than 20 years, I can say that Chris O'Brien represents his clients with the same compassion, skill, experience, zeal and dedication with which I seek to represent my clients. If your case is with Chris, your case is in good hands. And in the process, you will probably come to consider Chris O'Brien a friend, as I do."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chris is an outstanding advocate and a great mentor and teacher. If I had family in Buffalo and they needed an attorney, Chris would be my guy."
"I have worked with Chris at both the law school and within the legal community. Aside from being a very good lawyer, Chris is compassionate and puts forward such energy toward helping his clients and students."
"I endorse Chris. We have had numerous cases together and he has always represented his clients aggressively and fought for their interests."
"I endorse Chris. He is very knowledgeable in the law and cares about his clients and ensuring they receive the best legal outcome."
"Chris is consummate professional who approaches a case not just from a legal perspective, but from a human perspective."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highest degree of professionalism. Will refer any matters in Buffalo to Chris O'Brien."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris has successfully handled many personal cases over his career. He truly cares about his clients and is an excellent choice if you are seeking a personal injury attorney."
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris was an adjunct professor while I was in law school. His skills and ethics are beyond reproach."
"I endorse this lawyer public education efforts against drunk drivers"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chris O'Brien is truly a gifted and committed lawyer. I highly recommend him."
"if you have been injured and live in New York , Chris is the "go to" guy , especially in western new york . i have seen chris in action and he is dynamic , caring and prepared . You can't go wrong and you can't get any better either!"
"Chris is one of the best advocates I've had the pleasure of working with. He is one of the "Good Guys"."
Personal injury lawyer
Car accident lawyer
Medical malpractice lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Arbitration lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Medical malpractice lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Legal Elite Top Ten, Buffalo Business First
2016
Best Law Firm, U.S News Best Law Firms
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Legal Elite’s Top 10: Best of the Best, Buffalo Law Journal
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
New York Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, New York Super Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2012
New York Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2011
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2011
New York Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
New York Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
New York Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
New York Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2005
Diplomate, National College of Advocacy
1999
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Managing Partner, O'Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2012 - 2017
Partner, The O'Brien Firm, P.C.
2009 - 2018
Co-Director of Trial Advocacy Program, University of Buffalo Law School
2001 - 2012
Partner, O'Brien Boyd, P.C.
1995 - 2000
Partner, Ballow, Braisted, O'Brien & Rusin, P.C.
Associations
1992 - Present
American Association for Justice
1989 - Present
Bar Association of Erie County
2016 - 2020
National College of AdvocacyBoard of Trustees
2004 - 2004
New York State Trial Lawyers, Western Region AffiliatePresident
2002 - 2005
Western New York State Trial Lawyers AssociationDirector
1992 - 2015
New York State Trial Lawyers Association
Sample of Legal Cases
$5,000,000.00 settlement
$1,500,000.00 settlement.
$1,200,000.00 settlement
$1,500,000.00 settlement
$2,000,000.00 settlement.
Confidential Settlement
$2,025,000.00 settlement
$4,240,000.00 verdict
Education
1988
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2023
Advanced Deposition College-Exhaustion in Questioning
2022
Course Advisor
2022
Advanced Deposition College-Experts
2014
AAJ Ultimate Trial Advocacy College at Harvard
2012
Advanced Trial Skills
2012
MIcroexpressions and Body Language
2010
Deposition of a Corporate Representative
2009
Opening Statements
2008
Jury Selection
2007
Trial Skills
2007
Deposition College
2007
Cross-Examination
2006
Deposition Skills
2006
Focus Groups
2005
Deposition Skills
2003
Trial Skills
2000
Trial Skills
Publications
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2024
2008
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers