The O'Brien Law Firm is likely the only law firm in Texas that focuses *exclusively* on representing employees and executives (never employers) in unpaid compensation and employment contract disputes. I am used to employees coming to me with feelings of frustration and helplessness. I understand. My job is to use my experience and expertise to give you power and leverage against an employer who won't pay you what you've earned and/or to negotiate (and sometimes force) a better result. Once you hire my firm to help you, you no longer have to try to figure out the solution yourself.
We typically take on cases pursuing unpaid compensation for a fee rate of 1/3 of your recovery. That means you do not pay my firm any money up front to go after your unpaid compensation, and my firm only gets paid if and when you get paid. At the same time, I always have an eye on your overall best interests when advising you on your options.
I'm a former Texas assistant attorney general and a former Texas Workforce Commission hearing officer. I'm specifically board certified in Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which I was awarded in 2016 due to my extensive knowledge and experience from representing employees since 2008. I'm also a Fellow with the Texas Bar Foundation and a member of the Texas Employment Lawyers Association - an employees' rights organization.
When you contact me through Avvo, your information is confidential and goes directly to me for my review. Contact me today if you are looking for help from a specialist getting paid what you're owed. A case review is free and there's no risk in reaching out to me to see if I can help you. And for a fee, I frequently do one-time and ongoing consulting on anything related to employment agreements, including proposed severance agreements, non-compete issues, and equity agreements.
1
Practice Area
18 years | 650 cases
33%-33%
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Chat withState: Texas
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
1011 Westlake Drive, Austin, TX, 78746
62 Client Reviews
Showing 21 - 25 of 26 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Roberta | July 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Wrongful Termination
Fired While On Medical Leave.
I hired Kerry O'Brien in 2011 to represent me in a legal case against Olan Mills Portrait Studio's. I was Fired while on Medical Leave and felt like I was doomed. I had worked for the company for 17 yrs. and only found out they had quote"Let Me Go" by My Insurance Company, Cigna. By The Grace Of God ...
Since her case, this client has contacted me a few times to get help on new legal matters or to refer friends. I am always happy to help anyone - especially previous clients - connect with the right attorney for whatever situation comes up in their lives in the future.
Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Kerry O'Brien will win your case even with the odds against you!
You have now identified "the Best Attorney in TX and the United States!" I was in a bind, and needed representation from an Attorney quickly to support my Texas Workforce Commissions hearing. The call was last minute. I needed someone who was an expert in Employment laws that could jump in last s...
I enjoyed helping this client. She had a great attitude and did a great job testifying in the way I had prepared her, to make sure she was able to "thread the needle" and get unemployment benefits in an otherwise dicey legal scenario.
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
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 ...
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.
Posted by Anthony | March 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
FLSA case with successful resolution & settlement
I had a rather terrible year from the start in 2015, but with the help of Kerry's expertise 2015 ended on a positive note with the successful resolution of my FLSA case. Legal matters are one of the few areas I know nothing about and apprehension for the matter was high even though I had the supporti...
As they used to say on the A-Team, "I love it when a plan comes together." It was a pleasure helping this client on this case and I'm so glad they are happy with the care that my firm gave their case.
Posted by Michael | March 10, 2016 | Appeals
I would highly recommend Kerry for anyone dealing with an unemployment appeal.
I hired Kerry to defend me against an appeal filed by my previous employer after receiving unemployment benefits. I discovered his law firm via the internet. I called his office and left a voice mail. My call was returned very quickly by Kerry himself, not a legal aid or a secretary. He took the time...
It was a pleasure to help Michael through a hearing that was tough both fact-wise and emotionally. We were able to come up with a creative angle to help him win his case - and I can say that it came directly from my experience as a former TWC hearing officer. I'm glad I could use that experience to help him get the right result.
"Kerry is one of the most passionate attorneys that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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2025
SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters
2024
SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters
2023
SuperLawyers, Thomson Reuters
2016
Board Certified - Labor and Employment Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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
2015 - Present
Texas Bar FoundationFellow
2012 - Present
Texas Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
Member
Member
Member
$152,000 in sales commission + $60K attorney fees and $27K of interest
$425,000 (resolved on confidential terms during post-award receivership)
$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.
2002
2016
Winning Unemployment Appeals
2014
Employment Law for Employees
2014
Inside the Mind of a TWC Hearing Officer
2013
Employment Law for Employees
2012
Employment Law
2011
Employment Law
2010
Mediating, Negotiating and Trying Personal Injury Cases
2016
English
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