Kerry Vincent O'Brien

Kerry Vincent O'Brien

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor

1011 Westlake Drive, Austin, TX

About Kerry

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Employment and Labor 100%

Unpaid compensation: commissions, bonuses, executive compensation, salary, overtime wages, employment agreements. That's ALL I do, and only for employees and independent contractors in Texas, as a former Texas assistant attorney general.

18 years | 650 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-33%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 23 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2002

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Kerry Vincent O'Brien

1011 Westlake Drive, Austin, TX, 78746

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Kerry Vincent O'Brien's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

62 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 24 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by Dan | July 27, 2018 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Did a great job ,

Needed some help with TWC on a overpayment, which TWC made a mistake. However under the Law not much can be done other than file a civil suit . Way to much trouble. Kerry did all he could do. If I had it todo again I would have contacted Kerry for the first phone hearing... oh well . Thanks Kerry.

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last July 27, 2018

Even if my advice doesn't get someone out of a bind because well, the law is the law and it is what it is, at least we can get someone knowledgeable about where they are at and how to deal with it going forward. And, hopefully with that knowledge, they will sleep a little better at night.

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

EXCELLENT, CAPABLE & CARING

After contacting other firms and being disappointed with their lack of response to provide help and take my case, I called Kerry's firm. I was feeling discouraged but quickly relieved just after one initial contact with Kerry; I knew I'd found THE lawyer I needed to guide me through a stressful orde...al I'd experienced with my former employer...including being wrongfully terminated. I'd never experienced anything like this in my entire work history and career. I was so encouraged after receiving his quick response and the time he took to respond in length. Kerry was more than excellent and is as well a professional, diligent and capable lawyer who cares about his clients and the injustices they experience in the workplace. Kerry negotiated a payout that far exceeded what my employer initially offered, which would have been impossible without his help and expertise. THANK YOU 1000x and I thank God!

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last April 25, 2017

This is fantastic. I don't even know which client this is - because it could be many that we've helped in this way recently. Let's keep the winning going.

Posted by anonymous | December 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Unemployment denied, Appeal hearing overturned!

Kerry was fantastic. I had been denied unemployment for misconduct. I felt like the first examiner did not listen to me and obtain all the facts. I knew I had not acted in a manner that should have disqualified me under the law. After a brief, free consultation with Kerry I signed up to have him repr...esent me. We prepped for the phone hearing for 45 minutes. My first hearing took place and my former employer was not prepared. The Hearing Officer rescheduled the testimony for another month later. Money wasn't my driving factor. It was principle. Kerry represented me on the second hearing for the flat fee I had paid upfront. Best money I have ever spent. He was able to cross examine my previous employer, object to irrelevant evidence and put me at ease. I won my case and had my 10 weeks of back employment within 3 days. $4,790! Thank you O'Brien law firm. I appreciate your professionalism.

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last December 09, 2016

This client was a joy to help on this. She had a very interesting situation that required just the right touch with the TWC hearing officer. Her happiness with her win is my happiness as well.

Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

David vs Goliath

I had hired Kerry to fight a discrimination case against a very large corporation. It took a lot of time, hard work and legal wrangling representing the corporation. We eventually settled the case. I cannot thank Kerry enough for fighting against a large corporation and achieving a satisfactory concl...usion. Kerry is very intelligent, personable and easy to talk with. He is very responsive and sympathetic to your situation. I would recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat.

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last April 21, 2016

This was a fun client to help - a great person who has a keen sense of right and wrong. While the law usually only provides for us to recover money for our clients, for many clients, they are motivated to take action so that their former employer doesn't treat others this way in the future. I get that and I love that. And here, we were able to motivate the company to make changes that will improve not just the company, but its future employees and job applicants as well. Congratulations to this client.

Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Employee gets settlement in FMLA/ADA Employment Discrimination Case

I owe so much to Kerry, it’s hard to know where to begin. Like so many of his clients, I was in an awful position with my employer. Desperate, I called his office at 7 AM and had no idea my life was about to change when he called me back an hour later. From that first call, I knew he was the perfect ...person to help me resolve a complicated and unusual employment issue that other attorneys reported was too complex for them. He understood the complexities of my situation immediately and handled them with aplomb. He is one of the smartest people you will ever meet. His emotional intelligence is off-the-charts, making him a rare combination of intellect and wit. His seamless ability to calm my nerves, give me “real talk” when I needed it, and offer a shoulder to cry on made him the perfect advocate. I know I would not have survived a minute of this process with another attorney. When my employer hired Big, Formidable Law Firm to represent them, I became anxious because of their reputation. It quickly became clear that this firm would be no match for Kerry. Kerry not only anticipated my employer’s every move, but also outmaneuvered them every step of the way. At points throughout, I thought he was clairvoyant given how precisely he predicted their actions and, at times, even words. I still remain in awe of his expertise and professionalism. I have a handful of colleagues and friends with nearly identical cases to mine, some with experiences far worse. Kerry not only supported me but later them as well. We all walked away with good settlements and his word that if they continue to create any problems that he is a phone call away and would be happy to have another discussion. From our time working together, I have grown to respect him as one of the most brilliant, hardworking, and compassionate advocates I have ever known. He changed my life in more ways than I will ever be able to express and I am eternally grateful to him. I trust Kerry with my life and I give him my highest recommendation.

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last March 23, 2016

This client reminds me why I do what I do, and why I dedicate my practice to helping Texas employees. Getting my client leverage while protecting and furthering their best interests in a difficult employment dispute is the key to starting with a tough situation and ending with a happy client.

See All Client Reviews

Kerry Vincent O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kerry
Adrian Matthew Resendez headshot
Adrian Resendez

Employment and labor lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Kerry is one of the most passionate attorneys that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with."

Rhett Lane Hoestenbach headshot
Rhett Hoestenbach

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Great attorney! I endorse this lawyer."

Amanda Michelle Bergstrom headshot
Amanda Bergstrom

Employment and labor lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I met Kerry at a meeting through the Austin Bar Association several years ago. He is knowledgeable and passionate about helping his clients and I would refer a friend to him."

John K Lassen headshot
John Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Angela Faye Brown headshot
Angela Brown

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Werner von Dohlen headshot
Robert von Dohlen

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. O'Brien is a well-respected member of the legal community; he has a fine reputation and is highly recommended. I met Kerry at a Continuing Education class for fellow attorneys; he made a great presentation that demonstrated not only his intellect but also deep care and concern for his clients and others in his life."

Lori Elaine Hall Laird headshot
Lori Laird

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sherrie Haussner Travers headshot
Sherrie Travers

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Kerry O'Brien. He is knowledgable in employment/labor law as well as commercial itigation. I will not hesitate referring my clients to him."

Andrew Michael Tolchin headshot
Andrew Tolchin

Employment and labor lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Kerry O'Brien for employment law, business law, and many fields of practice. Kerry is a consummate professional, very knowledgeable, and has an excellent demeanor. When I have legal issues in Austin, Kerry is someone I look to."

Trenton Lane Kelly headshot
Trenton Kelly

Commercial real estate lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Kerry without reservation and would recommend him to any client seeking legal counsel. The majority of my personal experience with Kerry came from a partnership dispute case in which I was opposing counsel. The case was complex in that it had multiple moving parts and the clients on each side had personal relationships outside of their partnership that created unique challenges. Kerry worked tirelessly for his clients and effectively and persuasively communicated their position. Ultimately, we were able to resolve the case without going to trial. This result was largely based on Kerry's fine work and professionalism. I have since referred cases to Kerry and have only heard great things from each person who has worked with him. If you are looking for a great lawyer who will provide you with personal attention, look no further."

James Daniel Parker headshot
James Parker

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He's very knowledgeable and capable."

View All Endorsements
Adrian Matthew Resendez headshot
Adrian Resendez

Business lawyer

Amanda Michelle Bergstrom headshot
Amanda Bergstrom

Estate planning lawyer

Sade Ogunbode headshot
Sade Ogunbode

Debt settlement lawyer

Tony Ray Bertolino headshot
Tony Bertolino

Administrative law lawyer

Andrew Michael Tolchin headshot
Andrew Tolchin

Personal injury lawyer

Rhett Lane Hoestenbach headshot
Rhett Hoestenbach

Personal injury lawyer

Trenton Lane Kelly headshot
Trenton Kelly

Business lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters

2024

SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters

2023

SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters

2016

Board Certified - Labor and Employment Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Attorney and Owner, O'Brien Law Firm

2003 - 2007

Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General of Texas

2002 - 2003

Hearing Officer, Texas Workforce Commission

Associations

2015 - Present

Texas Bar Foundation

Fellow

2012 - Present

Texas Employment Lawyers Association

Member

State Bar of Texas Employment Law Section

Member

State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section

Member

Austin Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

McSwain v. Act Global Americas, Inc.

$152,000 in sales commission + $60K attorney fees and $27K of interest

Warren v. Revolution Insurance Technologies

$425,000 (resolved on confidential terms during post-award receivership)

Rekiel v. Wardlaw Consulting Group, LLC et al.

$504,000 awarded to client, as well as a jury finding entitling her to hundreds of thousands of dollars in future commissions. The ongoing dispute was resolved post-trial on confidential terms.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

University of Texas School of Law

Speaking Engagements

2016

Employment Law 101

Winning Unemployment Appeals

2014

People's Law School

Employment Law for Employees

2014

Austin Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section

Inside the Mind of a TWC Hearing Officer

2013

People's Law School

Employment Law for Employees

2012

Peoiple's Law School

Employment Law

2011

People's Law School

Employment Law

2010

Personal Injury Practice for Paralegals

Mediating, Negotiating and Trying Personal Injury Cases

Publications

2016

Employment Law 101 - Texas State Bar Handling Unemployment Appeals

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution