eborah F. O'Brien is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University/Detroit College of Law and has been a partner in the law firm of Ihrie O'Brien for more than 30 years. A lawyer with diverse experience ranging from municipal to entertainment law, her practice has been devoted primarily to family law matters over the last two decades. She has successfully handled high profile and complex divorces, custody, appeals, and other family law related matters, and has regularly been appointed to serve as mediator and parenting coordinator by judges in circuit court family divisions.
Ms. O'Brien has also been a speaker and recent panel member in family law seminars, including the annual statewide ICLE seminar. She currently serves as co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Macomb County Bar Association, and has actually served in that capacity intermittently for many years. In association with such duties, she has been a contributing writer to the Bar Briefs and other magazines and periodicals. Ms. O'Brien is also a director of the Macomb Bar Foundation, an organization devoted to legal education of the public at large.
A long time member of the Macomb County Bar Association, Ms. O'Brien has been a recipient of the association's annual Civility Award given to a peer-selected attorney whose conduct demonstrates high integrity in the legal process, including unusually good communication and negotiation skills in highly conflicted legal settings, such as divorce litigation. She maintains the highest ratings (AV) with Martindale Hubbell and has also been named as a life-time attorney member of the National Registry of the Who's Who. Over the years, Ms. O'Brien has been designated in Business Detroit and other publications as a top attorney in the area and family law arena. She has appeared on numerous television and radio shows in a legal capacity, and in conjunction therewith, Oprah Winfrey's Harper Studios in Chicago made a movie regarding one of her famous cases which greatly affected the development of Michigan's stalking laws.
Recognized for her charity and pro bono work, Ms. O'Brien was also honored with the March of Dimes Woman Citizen of the Year designation for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter in Macomb County, Michigan. Concomitantly, she was recognized by the State of Michigan legislature for her outstanding philanthropic efforts. However, Ms. O'Brien has been most honored to serve as master of ceremonies and television parade announcer for the largest Memorial Day Parade in the state for the past 27 years, an event which pays tribute to the fallen heroes of the United States Armed Forces.
In addition to her status as a workaholic attorney, Ms. O'Brien has enjoyed assisting in the burgeoning entertainment career of her daughter.
5
Practice Areas
Always
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
24055 Jefferson Ave Ste 2000, Saint Clair Shores, MI, 48080-1514
www.ihrieobrienlaw.com24055 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 2000, St. Clair Shores, MI, 48080
www.ihrieobrienlaw.com8 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Jakub | July 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Full of knowledge!!
Deborah handled my custody hearing in 2018 and blew me away with how much she knew in this field. She explained everything along the way and made the process seamless and fast. She does not drag the case out to make more $$. She truly cares about her clients and wants to do what is best for them
Posted by Alyssa | July 11, 2013 | Family
Phenomenal Lawyer, Deborah is the BEST attorney for Family Law!
Family Law/custody and divorce disputes can be one of the most stressful and expensive experiences people go through in life. I can't stress enough, the IMPORTANCE of choosing your lawyer cautiously. Many lawyers will bring you in for a consultation, listen to your concerns, make you endless promises...
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Kimberly M. Cahill Civility Award, Macomb County Bar Association
2001
Pro Bono Award, Macomb County Bar Association
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1983 - Present
Partner, Ihrie O'Brien
1900 - Present
Member, Ihrie O'Brien
2015 - Present
Macomb County Bar FoundationDirector
2015 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationCo-Chair of the Family Law Committee
1983
JD - Juris Doctor
1979
BA
2011
2009
English