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Joseph Pierce O'Brien

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Virtual Consultation
also known as Joe O'Brien
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Avvo Rating10
  • Wheaton, IL
  • Licensed for 12 years
  • Free consultation
Joseph Pierce O'Brien
Joseph Pierce O'Brien
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About Joseph

A Lawyer who will treat you like family.

I have focused on the practice of family law for my entire legal career.  I have opened up my own firm Opal O'Brien LLC where we do things differently than most other law firms.  Our level of service is paramount, and our clients will be able to tell, above all else, that we genuinely care about our clients and getting them the best possible results.  

I practice all areas of family law, including, but not limited to, divorce, paternity, child custody, visitation, removal litigation, grandparent visitation, adoption, child support, maintenance and spousal support formerly known as alimony, orders of protection, enforcing court orders and judgments, guardinaship, and  post-judgment litigation, in DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, and Cook County.   I do not generally charge my clients for any travel time or parking related expenses. 

I also handle appeals. I have argued in front of the Second District Court of Appeals and I have drafted numerous briefs at the Appellate Court level.   

I pride myself on keeping my clients informed and in the loop during the divorce process.  Communication is paramount in having a successful attorney-client relationship.  I have substantial experience trying cases and putting on hearings.  I also have the skills to succesfully negotiate cases so as to avoid the expense of a full-blown trial. 

My firm also handles criminal defense cases.  We handle just about every criminal case, including but not limited to domestic battery, DUI, traffic tickets and other felonies.  

I am proud of my recent award of emerging lawyer, a distinction earned by fewer than two percent of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois who are 40 years old or less or practicing 10 years or less. 

Contact me by phone or by email.  My email is [email protected] and my phone number is 630 703 9176.  Consultations are free (on the phone or in person).  I will make myself available to meet with you after normal business hours or on weekends.

 

 

 

 

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Practice areas

AppealsDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 95%

    I practice in all areas of family law, including but not limited to divorce, paternity, orders of protection, adoption, child custody, removal litigation, and appeals.

    13 years

  2. Appeals: 5%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Opal O'Brien LLC

310 S. County Farm Road Suite D
Wheaton, IL, 60187

Website
http://www.opalobrien.com 

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law200810/05/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers2860
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Emerging LawyerLeading Lawyers2016
      2017 Rising StarsSuper Lawyers2016
      2015 Top Contributer AwardAvvo2015
      2016 Rising StarsSuper Lawyers2015
      Client's Choice AwardAvvo2014
      Top ContributorAvvo2014
      2014 client's choice awardAvvo2014
      Client's Choice AwardAvvo2013
      Featured AttorneyAvvo2013
      Top ContributorAvvo2013
      Cali Award-Secured TransactionsThe John Marshall Law School2008
      Dean's ListThe John Marshall Law School2007
      Law ReviewThe John Marshall Law School2007
      Dean's ListThe John Marshall Law School2006
      Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honors SocietyMarquette University2004
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      PartnerOpal O'Brien LLC2015 - Present
      AttorneyRoberts PC2010 - 2015
      711 assistantCook County State Attorney's Office, Felony Trial Division2008 - 2008
      AttorneyDenis J. McKeown and Associates2008 - 2010
      Research AssistantThe John Marshall Law School2007 - 2007
      Legal InternCook County State's Attorney's Office, Civil Actions Bureau2007 - 2008
      Law clerkThe Honorable Richard J. Elrod2007 - 2007
      Legal InternCook County Public Defender2006 - 2006
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Illinois State Bar AssociationN/A2015 - Present
      Inns of Courtmember2014 - Present
      DuPage County Legal Access CommitteeN/A2012 - Present
      DuPage County Bar AssociationN/A2010 - Present
      Young Lawyers CommitteeN/A2011 - 2012
      John Marshall Law ReviewN/A2006 - 2007
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      The John Marshall Law ReviewIs Chicago's Plan for Transformation Promoting Integration or Reinforcing Segregation?2007
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      John Marshall Law School, ChicagoJD - Juris Doctor2008
      Marquette UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2005
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      Inns of CourtAlternative Fee Arrangements2014
      DuPage County Bar AssociationFamily Law Intake2014
      DuPage County Bar Association(Assisted) Section 503(g) Trusts and "Adult" Child Support under Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act2011
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      Will County HearingSuccessful
      Oral Argument-Second Circuit Court of Appealssuccessful
      Motion to Terminate Maintenance Based Upon CohabitationSuccessful-maintencance terminated retroactively
      Family Law removal case and subsequent appealSuccessful
      Kane County Divorce CaseSuccessful

      Reviews

      (197)
      5 Star
      		99%
      4 Star
      		1%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Joseph O'Brien

      Simply The Best

      Posted by

      I engaged with Joe to represent me during late stage of my contested divorce case, it is the best decision I could have made, and I certainly regret that I didn't work with Joe earlier on. I did worked with two other lawyers and talked to a few of others prior to Joe, and I can certainly say that Joe is a phenomenal attorney beyond smart, excellent and amazing! I could not have asked for a more efficient, effective, and intelligent attorney! He is simply THE BEST! with his great work, we had an excellent result in my case. I definitely strongly recommend Joe to anyone looking for an attorney who can get things done quickly, persistent, aggressively defend you and be able to achieves an excellent outcome. He is also a caring person and work so hard for me regardless week days or weekends that made me feel guilt sometimes. He is always make himself available to me when I have questions or concerns. He always kept me informed and always returned my calls or emails promptly. Joe was very easy to talk to, very reliable, very knowledgeable and trustworthy. His great ability to think on the feet and great experience certainly help him to react quickly with comprehensive approaches to stay on the winning side. I know Joe has earned a lot of credibility and great reputation in the front of the court judges. and I am certainly a fan of Joe! Million thanks to you Joe! and your staff! If you are searching for the best lawyer to represent you, here you go - Joe O'Brien!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      My God Brother

      Posted by

      Joseph was my 3rd lawyer in a case for custody for my son. He was truly the best of them all. He is caring and compassionate. He was always paying attention to what I needed and he helped me in every aspect in order to win the case. He was very knowledgeable in everything and is 100% the reason why the outcome was in my favor. My time was valued and he answered my questions at any time of the day and he supported me in every step of the way. My family and I will be forever grateful to him. I highly recommend Joseph for any legal matter you or your family may be facing. Thank you so much Joe!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Personally Cares for Clients

      Posted by

      I hired Joe this past August after a recommendation from a friend and reading these reviews. I was facing an order of protection and criminal charges for a alleged domestic abuse case. Joe recommended that I file a divorce immediately in order to seek civil remedies to my situation. Family courts stack the deck against the accused. I was not able to enter my home, receive any personal items, my car, or even my medication without this help. Realizing my dire situation, and lack of income, Joe assured I would also have a criminal defense by graciously splitting retainer with his partner. After filing a few motions for this relief, I was able to access what I needed to go to work and defend myself in criminal case. Eventually the Order of Protection was vacated through negotiations and I was able to see my two young boys and resume living at home to reconcile my marriage without further fees from Joe. I am a difficult client and Joe set me straight when needed. The state and family courts and sometimes lawyers keep litigants as far away as possible in order to feed the system. Joe isn’t a part of that game. I spent three times less than my wife did as the accused. Her lawyers made her pay $2,000 just to process an OP, and squeeze as much life out of this case as they could. I would recommend Joe to those in need of family law counsel.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      My Brother in law divorce

      Posted by

      Joe have done a excellent job in our case. we r happy with the end results. we strongly recommend joe
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Amazing to work with

      Posted by

      Joe was great to work with thruout our case, we switched to joe from another attorney and couldn’t be happy with the end results . We highly recommend joe.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      The BEST Family Attorney!

      Posted by

      I have dealt with my attorneys and I can say Joe is an excellent attorney with great work ethic. He truly cares for his clients, is very responsive, honest, and reliable. I went through a highly litigated and contested divorce which involved a trial and felt safe that Joe represented me. I hope nobody has to go through this process but if you do, Joe is the one! He is compassionate, hard working, communicative, and a no nonsense attorney which is hard to find in this profession.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Client

      Posted by

      I called a handful of lawyers until I got to Joseph, first off ,Joe was extremely impressive on the phone and made me feel extremely comfortable about the situation! We spoke on the phone for some time and when I realized we were on the phone for some time I then realized he not once tried to rush me off and took his time to re assure me and that he would give 100% in the case of me trying to obtain full custody of my child.... Joe was extremely hands on with the matter, very pro active, thought every situation through and was thorough through out the whole process, I very seldom see people of his profession actually care as much as he did! He dealt with my case with care and concern and made sure I made all the right decisions and refused to let me make rash ones! It was a battle for the custody of my child ! And at some point became a dog fight, Joe rose to the occasion! He did no let me down and understood the importance of my situation! Joe won, I won, we won the case! I now have sole custody of my child !! I appreciate Joe, and I don't really think he truly understands how indebted I am to him ! I highly recommend him in any of these situations! All around stand up guy ! I'm extremely happy with the results and am extremely glad he was my lawyer in this matter! He's an outstanding lawyer, and now a friend!! Thanks Joe!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Client

      Posted by

      Joe have done a excellent job in my parentage case he have came in and has been very aggressive regarding getting results in my case he has done a great job of communicating with me and going over key points and important information that is key in my case. He has took the time to review my case and review all of the details of the case and construct a great game plan to be able to come to court with every time he represented me. He has been very professional supportive and definitely a listening ear as I have explained to him time and time again some of my concerns that I want him to address in my case he has not settle for just anything in my case or just to collect attorney fees. He has went over and beyond for me to try to get the best results we can get. One of my favorite things about having Joe as my attorney in my case is that he is so passionate and really understands what I am going through and tries his absolute best to ensure that my case can work out for the best for me
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      So kind

      Posted by

      Joe was very attentive and responsive. Joe and his team made it easy to carry on through the divorce process! I highly recommend this attorney!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Client

      Posted by

      Without getting too deep into the specifics of my case, I recommend Joe to anyone who happens to be in the unfortunate situation of a domestic relations case in Illinois, specifically DuPage County. Joe is a warrior who can handle not being on the monied side of the equation. Joe possesses a combination of knowledge of the law, an earned gravitas with the judges and numerous opposing counsels ( including the usuals who “stretch the truth” as officers of the law ), and an efficient practice with exceptional staff. I recommend Joe to anyone who needs representation in domestic relations. Joe showed exceptional effort in my case.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (62)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Aaron Vanagaitis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 27, 2020
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Joe has always focuses directly on the client and what they want!

      Sean Mccumber, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 9, 2019
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      Joe is kind and compassionate attorney. While he is a zealous advocate for his client, he does take the time to consider peaceful solutions for everyone. He will not simply bend to someone's will, but he is reasonable, kind, funny, and smart. He is almost always a pleasure to work with.

      Mario Palermo, Family Attorney on Apr 4, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Kaitlyn Copi, Family Attorney on Aug 31, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Michael Biederstadt, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 23, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Shay Formanek, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 23, 2018
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Andrew Engle, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 25, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I highly endorse this lawyer. Joe is both a terrific person and an attorney. In a very difficult business, Joe practices with integrity and honesty and STILL EFFECTIVELY advocates on behalf of his clients.

      Megan Harris

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Noelle Cislo, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 5, 2017
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Kelly Petersen, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 15, 2016
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Agnes Zielinski Olechno, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 29, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Megan McAlister, Family Attorney on Oct 12, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Michael Chiero, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2016
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      Mr. O'Brien is an extremely talented attorney; I did not qualify my endorsement by stating his age, as his skill level is highly advanced for his number of years in practice.

      Boris Djulabic, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 25, 2016
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      Joe is a top notch lawyer and human being. It is rare to find an attorney who knows the law, court system, and how to relate to clients in an effective, down to earth manner. I've known Joe for many years, and have recently worked with him successfully. I recommend him highly and without hesitation.

      Camilo Oceguera, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 25, 2016
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Mr. O'Brien is truly an expert in the area of family law. He is very competent and responds to his clients quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend Mr. O'Brien.

      Nicholas Galasso, Family Attorney on Sep 15, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Todd Scalzo, Family Attorney on Aug 27, 2015
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Sara Roberts, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 24, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Bella Rappaport, Family Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Gia Conti, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 21, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Joe is always a gentleman in court and I would recommend him to any potential client.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Always
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card