Erin Webster O'Brien

Ms. O'Brien graduated with highest honors from Lewis University in May, 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double majoring in Criminal / Social Justice and American Studies (History Department). While an undergraduate student, she was a member of the Scholars Academy, Pre-Law Club, and Mock Trial Team. 

In 2001, Ms. O'Brien worked for Target Corporation as a human resources manager where she recruited new team members, and helped run the Orland Park Target store. Ms. O'Brien then attended DePaul University College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in May, 2004. While a law student, she was employed at the National Anti-Vivisection Society as a legal analyst helping maintain http://www.AnimalLaw.com. Ms. O'Brien also clerked with Chuck Bretz & Associates P.C. and helped maintain family, felony, and personal injury files.

Ms. O'Brien was licensed as an attorney with the Supreme Court of Illinois in November, 2004 and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in January, 2005. Since her admittance in 2004, Ms. O'Brien was employed as an associate attorney at Chuck Bretz & Associates, P.C. where she concentrated in family law, but also had litigation experience in criminal defense, personal injury, and administrative hearings. She opened her own law practice in November, 2008 and concentrates in family law.

In March, 2008, Ms. O'Brien earned a Professional Certification in Divorce Mediation Skills Training from the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern University. Shortly thereafter, she branched out from the typical family law litigation and became a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois (CLII) and of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. More information about collaborative law can be found at http://www.CollabLawIL.org.

Ms. O'Brien was recently named a 2015 Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 in family law by The American Society of Legal Advocates, and a 2016 Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 in Matrimonial and Family Law by The National Advocates.