Wayne O'Bryan grew up in an average home, but being ambitious, he worked his way through college and law school as a waiter. He was the first in his family to become a lawyer and only the second to get a college education. His father was a foreman in a tobacco factory and his mother was a housewife.
Wayne attended law school at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where he was president of the student body. He went on to be president of the law alumni where he pioneered its first fundraising program (which has since mushroomed to a million dollar a year operation).
After graduating, Wayne practiced law for three years with a firm representing insurance companies. After learning their tricks and seeing precisely their attitudes, he decided he didn't like the way they operated.
Therefore, he decided to go into general practice on his own where he began representing individuals in DUI and other kinds of cases.
The Path to Service
In 1977, Wayne was elected to the House of Delegates where he served four years on the Courts of Justice committee. He saw firsthand how our legislative system works and, more importantly, how it does not. He was able to see the influence of big insurance companies and that the rights of the average person were not being protected.
In 1981, Wayne formed a partnership which handled only personal injury cases. This establishment evolved into the largest personal injury firm in Virginia.
In 2000, Wayne retired from the firm, but quickly discovered that he did not like being retired. He then decided to return to a solo practice to help individuals. He disliked being in a big outfit and now enjoys being away from the hassle of running a large law firm. Wayne is fulfilled in his endeavors by working with individuals and their families.
A hallmark of Wayne's career has always been client service. He has published an article in a national publication, "Trial", about keeping clients informed regarding their case. Many lawyers don't understand the importance of this. Wayne does and he emphasizes it. "After all, it's the client's case," states Wayne.
When Wayne is asked what is the one theme in his life and career, he answers, "It is service. I served and gave of myself and my time -- as president of the law school student body, my law alumni group, the legislature and as a lawyer to my clients."
Wayne knows firsthand how difficult it is to deal with large impersonalbureaucracies. More importantly, he knows how they treat and mistreat people, and how they take advantage of them and their ignorance of the process. When he can step in and help someone stand up to this abuse, it makes him feel good. He declares, "I feel that what I do for clients makes a difference in people's lives and I like that."
Fighting For Justice
Wayne has championed the rights of individuals. He triumphs on behalf of victims and their families. "Only by assigning liability where it belongs," he says, "can we create the level of accountability a thinking society demands."
Now, Wayne is very satisfied with the way he practices because it allows him to interact with clients more frequently. He will return all phone calls promptly, usually within several hours.
In his work, Wayne's main concern is for the individual, but he is also working for the good of society as a whole. Most meaningful to Wayne is that he makes a difference - to his client and to society.
Wayne has been married for 36 years and has one son and two grandchildren (to whom he is partial).
Practice areas
Settled or tried over 10,000 cases. Most settled.
43 years
Settled case for family devestated by death of mother by anesthesiologist.
43 years, 20 cases
Languages spoken
English
O'Bryan Law Firm
1804 Staples Mill Rd
Richmond, VA, 23230
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Inactive | 1992 | 04/28/2022 |
VA | Authorized to Practice Law | 1967 | 03/25/2022 |
Legal answers | 3 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Attorney in Virginia | American Lawyer Academy | 2009 |
Member | Virginia House of Delegates | 1978 |
President | William and Mary Law School Student Bar | 1966 |
BV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | N/A |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | O'Bryan Law | 2000 - Present |
Founder | Chandler Franklin & O'Bryan | 1982 - 1999 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
North Carolina State Bar | 1995 - Present | |
Virginia State Bar | 1967 - Present | |
General Assembly of Virginia | Delegate | 1978 - 1982 |
William and Mary Law School Alumni | President | 1970 - 1972 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Accident Injury Book | Hidden Inside Secrets Insurance Companies Don't Want You to Know About Your Injury Case | 2009 |
Trial Lawyers Magazine | Client Contact | 1992 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
William & Mary Law School | Law | 1967 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Pam Oxendine | Settled for six figures. |
Terrell Jones | $1,000,000.00 |
Posted by Irving
June 23, 2010
James Parrish, Car accident Attorney on Oct 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Wayne is seasoned veteran in the fields of car, motorcycle and other types of accidents/personal injury cases. He is never fearful of insurance companies and will do all that is necessary to obtain the most positive result for his clients.
John Harris, Car accident Attorney on Aug 6, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I met Wayne through participation in a lawyers brain storming group. He has a wealth of expertise in handling auto accident cases. He was willing to share this expertise and I learned a lot from him. Excellent lawyer!
James Parrish, Car accident Attorney on Oct 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Wayne is seasoned veteran in the fields of car, motorcycle and other types of accidents/personal injury cases. He is never fearful of insurance companies and will do all that is necessary to obtain the most positive result for his clients.
John Harris, Car accident Attorney on Aug 6, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I met Wayne through participation in a lawyers brain storming group. He has a wealth of expertise in handling auto accident cases. He was willing to share this expertise and I learned a lot from him. Excellent lawyer!
Michele Lewane, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I strongly recommend Wayne O'Bryan. He personally handles his cases and is one of the best personal injury attorneys in the state. I have known him for several years and he gets excellent results due to his integrity, experience and zealous representation of his clients.
Larry Pochucha, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 23, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse Wayne's work. He is consistently at the top of his game. He is professional, passionate and thorough in all that he undertakes. In every instance the client who has Wayne as a lawyer is well served by his representation. I recommend him without reservation.
Bob Battle, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 18, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Wayne O'Bryan is a legend in Virginia personal injury practice. He not only was instrumental in building Virginia's largest personal injury practice, he now offers the same level of big firm expertise with the hands-on, one-to-one attention to clients that his present boutique personal injury office can offer. I highly recommend Wayne to anyone who is injured by someone else's negligence in the Richmond Virginia area.
Corey Walker, Car accident Attorney on Dec 3, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
People in Virginia are beginning to realize that they should learn about their legal rights and responsibilities before signing forms for or giving a statement to the insurance company and even before hiring an attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or other personal injury matter in Virginia then you should get a copy of Mr. O'Bryan's car accident book at http://www.wayneobryanlaw.com. In his book he describes how insurance companies may try to trick you and how you need to look-out for ERISA and other subrogation claims.
John Bisnar, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 16, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
If my mother was seriously injured in Virginia, Wayne O'Bryan is the personal injury lawyer I would have her call. He is highly skilled, totally trustworthy, and has an impressive track record. Because of these qualities, he is feared by the insurance companies and defense lawyers. If you are looking for the best, you won't do better than Wayne.
Charles Internicola, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 13, 2009
Relationship: Other
I highly recommend Wayne O'Bryan and the legal services that Mr. O'Bryan offers to the Virginia community. It is my experience that Mr. O'Bryan is a dedicated attorney who puts the interests of his clients first. Mr. O'Bryan's accident book is just one testament to his concern for his clients and, more importantly, his commitment to educating individuals who are seriously injured.
Vaughan De Kirby, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 12, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
It is rare for the injured consumer to have the incredible benefit of the experience that Wayne O'Bryan can bring to their case. Mr. O’Brian knows the law, the inside of the courtroom and possesses a real dedication to and understanding of his clients needs. As a lawyer of 27 years I can recommend Mr. O’Bryan without hesitation.
Sharon Christie, Litigation Attorney on Nov 12, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Wayne is dedicated to serving his clients. He has written two books to help his clients understand the legal process. He has worked for insurance companies so he understands the "game" and how to get the best results for his personal injury clients. Wayne and I are members of a group of lawyers from around the country who meet several times a year to talk about how to improve our practices. He knows the law and, most importantly, he is dedicated to helping the "little guy" fight big insurance companies and corporations.
Jeffrey Rasansky, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 12, 2009
Relationship: Other
I highly recommend Wayne’s work. Wayne has been practicing law for more than four decades and is a highly regarded attorney and author. After all, he wrote the book, Accident Injury Book, Hidden Inside Secrets. He is knowledgeable and knows how to deal with any type of injury claim. His information is invaluable. Wayne knows what it takes to fight big corporations and insurance companies and has the skill set to take on any wrongdoer in Virginia. Moreover, Wayne can navigate the complicated and confusing laws. I would highly recommend Wayne.
Mark Breyer, Personal injury Attorney on Nov 12, 2009
Relationship: Other
Wayne O'Bryan "gets it" when it comes to client service. Far too many lawyers that I have met from around the country seem to think the practice of law is only about the lawyer. In fact, the best lawyers understand that taking care of clients, understanding what they need, and then doing everything possible to maximize the recovery the cleint deserves is of utmost importance. Wayne O'Bryan understands the law, his years of experience are a very real asset, and I would advise anybody Virginia to meet with Mr. O'Bryan before taking any other action that could jeopardize their right to receive fair compensation.