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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 11 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.

 

 

 

 

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.

    12 years

  2. Appeals: 5%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

310 S. County Farm Road Suite D
address map

Opal O'Brien LLC

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

Office (630) 703-9176

Website

http://www.opalobrien.com

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law200803/24/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers2841
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

(167)
5 Star
99%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Joseph O'Brien

Smart, efficient, personable and tough

Posted by

Joe O'Brien accomplished something seemingly unheard of with respect to custody cases, he had a lower court's decision overturned by being granted an emergency stay! My children were wrongfully taken away by a lower Kane County court judge, during the beginning stages of the COVID lock down. My rights were violated outright in open court by the judge. My attorney, Joe's partner, contacted Joe immediately due to Joe's experience with the appellate system. Right away, Joe researched, prepared and submitted an appeal to the 2nd Appellate Court (Illinois). The 2nd Appellate Court heard the appeal, ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS DURING THE COVID LOCK DOWN, and granted an emergency stay. I picked up my children within an hour of receiving the decision. The children have been in my custody / care since, as they were prior to the misguided ruling by the lower judge. I can't speak enough positive things about the Opal O'Brien Legal team. They are extremely smart, energetic, have outstanding legal minds and know how to speak with clients so that we understand everything. If you need an attorney for divorce or custody, don't make a decision without speaking with Opal O'Brien first.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Beyond Excellent Attorney!

Posted by

Hiring Joe O'Brien to represent me during my divorce was the best decision I could have made. During a long and difficult divorce, Joe was detailed, efficient and caring. He made himself available to me when I had questions or concerns. He made sure I understood what was going on and always kept me informed. Unlike other attorneys, Joe always returned my calls or emails on a timely manner. Joe was very easy to talk to and is extremely knowlegable and trustworthy. No other attorney will work as hard for you as Joe O'Brien. Best decision I have made was hiring Joe to represent me. A million thanks to you and your staff.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Parentage Case

Posted by

After a referral from a friend to Mr. O'Brien. I hired him in October of 2018 to represent me in my parentage case, after interviewing 5 separate attorneys. It has been a very ltitigious and complicated case, made even more difficult by the opposing side firing two attorneys and now being on their third. Mr. O'brien has handled every litigious hurdle they have thrown at us with professionalism and full advocacy for my 5yo daughter. His counsel has been invaluable in navigating an incredibly complex legal case. Another note of merit for Mr. O'brien is his constant attention to me as a client. Unless in court on another case, he is constantly available for phone consultations, email and even text message questions. It is very rare that I have to wait more than a couple of hours before receiving a responce from him. Further, I feel that Mr. O'brien's ferocity in his legal practice comes from the fact that he is the father of two young children. From his personal life comes a very sincere care and concern for the children in his cases. Another note of interest in the amnner in which he practices is that he knows when to play hardball with opposing counsel and when to play balll with them. It is a skill that can only come from years of successful practice. I would recommend Mr. O'Brien to anyone I knew who was looking for legal representation in the family courts. I owe him a debt of gratitude that will be difficut to repay. Sincerely, Patrick McMath
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Honesty, Composure, Professionalism

Posted by

If you are looking for THE BEST, don't look any further. Joe is honest, professional and always available. My divorce process was probably one of the most difficult, according to this 10 year attorney. But not once did I felt left alone. Joe will answer all your questions and concerns. He won't sugar coat, he will tell you what can happen but won't promise anything. He will fight for you till the end and never will he give up!!! Very professional in his conversations, email or text massages. Never looses his composure and confidence. Always available to talk. He returns your emails, phone calls and texts very quickly. He will make suggestions but leave the decision up to you. You won't feel as you being pushed to do something you are not comfortable with. But also, will back up his statement with law. Your attorney should be knowledgeable and experienced in his practice and that's what Joe proved to me from day one!!!! Communication, experience, availability, support and resources, honesty, professionalism, availability, composure and confidence. This is the attorney you are looking for! Thank you for all your help.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Attorney with Integrity, Compassionate and Proactive

Posted by

I recommended Joe O’Brien to a dear family friend who was trying to survive an abusive marriage and was dealing with chronic issues and PTSD syndromes (Post Traumatic Stress Complications). Joe tenaciously swung into action and was extremely efficient in preventing further harassment from the ex-spouse by filing timely court petitions and motions. When we hired Joe, our friend was undergoing a traumatic divorce with an unstable ex-spouse that was unrelenting in their pursuit to drain bank accounts and hide assets from the court. When Joe took over the case from the previous lawyer, he was able to depose the ex-spouse immediately in addition to exposing the fraudulent hiding of assets, dissipation of funds, perjury and ludicrous claims. Prior lawyers that worked on the case failed to demonstrate Joe’s tenacity and legal expertise required to handle an unstable ex-spouse who effortlessly made farcical claims and hid documents from the court. Joe’s legal expertise when handling and guiding us with the dissipation issues was immensely helpful. Joe was very direct in his communication with the opposing counsel and showed extreme sincerity and compassion towards our friend. We worked with Joe directly and he was very understanding of our frustrations and concerns throughout the process. Unlike previous lawyers, Joe would respond quickly, often within hours. Joe is also very gracious with billing and payment and is very conscientious. Most importantly, Joe treated us as human beings, instead of a “case number”.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A Great Help

Posted by

Joe was very helpful in resolving my issue in a timely fashion at a reasonable cost. Everyone I worked with in the office was friendly and made the experience as positive as something like this could be. I would definitely recommend Joe!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Counselors

Posted by

Joe was personable, detailed and professional throughout the appeals process. His briefs were a clear example of who was the superior lawyer. With his expertise and experience we were victorious at the appellate level. At Opal O’Brien both Joe and Bill are the consummate professionals and worthy of being considered for all your family law needs. Without hesitation I recommend them to anyone who is going through any family law issues.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

THE Best

Posted by

The quality of an attorney is more than just a favorable outcome on a case; it is certainly everything in between. Counselors Opal and O’Brien are direct, punctual, reliable and beyond intelligent with applying the law. Great efforts are displayed for their clients. This is what sets this firm apart from other meatballs who claim to know the law. Opal O’Brien exemplifies superiority in legalities. Choose Opal O’Brien and you won’t be disappointed!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very timely

Posted by

If you are looking for an attorney that will handle your case quickly, personally, and sensitively, Joe is who you need to call.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great attorney!!

Posted by

I cold called Joe when I was starting the process of my divorce. Joe treated me like a client and answered every question I had! Once I hired Joe, nothing changed. He was available whenever I needed him and made me feel confident in my decisions. I would recommend Joe to anyone. Joe was very professional, knowledgeable and got the job done in a timely manner!
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, Real estate 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 10, 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, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 4, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Kaitlyn Copi, Child custody 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, Family 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, Family Attorney on Apr 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 15, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Agnes Zielinski Olechno, Family Attorney on Oct 29, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Megan McAlister, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Chiero, Divorce and separation 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 26, 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, DUI and DWI 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, Divorce and separation 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, Child custody Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Gia Conti, Litigation 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

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    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes