Kerry Vincent O'Brien
About Kerry
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
18 years | 650 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
33%-33%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 23 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Kerry Vincent O'Brien
1011 Westlake Drive, Austin, TX, 78746
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Kerry Vincent O'Brien's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
62 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Appeals
Posted by Jessica | December 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Appeals
Personable, professional, and reliable. A++
I hired Mr. O'Brien after receiving a referral from another attorney who would be unavailable on the date that I needed assistance. Kerry O'Brien made the entire experience with my hearing very simple and understandable, and promptly replied to every email. Thanks to him, I won my appeal, and I would...
Kerry O'Brien
Replied last December 09, 2016This is one of those cases where knowing the sometimes counterintuitive way that TWC hearing officers make decisions was key. I'm excited for this client's win.
Posted by Donald | July 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Appeals
Champion
I was unsure about the proceedings of the Appeal Tribunal. I needed guidance,advice and counselling on how the meeting would be conducted. Mr. O'Brien prepared me for the tough questions that would be asked. Every e-mail was answer in a timely manner, all my questions, no matter how insignificant wer...
Kerry O'Brien
Replied last July 07, 2016I am happy to have been able to help this client. And through the process of helping this client on his unemployment appeal, I was able to determine that he may have claim of wrongful termination and will be moving forward on that as well.
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...
Kerry O'Brien
Replied last March 10, 2016It 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.
Posted by Tuan | November 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Appeals
Appeal Hearing
Attorney O'Brien represented me in an Appeal Hearing. His expertise and experience helped me to win the appeal. I would recommend attorney O'Brien to whom consider an employment attorney. His help will be very crucial in your case, just like mine.
Kerry O'Brien
Replied last November 25, 2015This case looked tough at the outset, but with the right approach based on the specific way TWC hearing officers make decisions, we were able to get this client a win, and that's fantastic.
Kerry Vincent O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements
"Kerry is one of the most passionate attorneys that I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with."
"Great attorney! I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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 this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He's very knowledgeable and capable."
Business lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
Debt settlement lawyer
Administrative law lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Business lawyer
Experience
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 FoundationFellow
2012 - Present
Texas Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
Member
Member
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
$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.
Education
2002
Speaking Engagements
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
Publications
2016
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
What is the process nessasary to sue a corporate jack in the box ?
10 Nov 2020
Is it legal for a manager to refuse to let an employee use the bathroom?
10 Nov 2020
Can my employer give me comp time instead of overtime?
11 Nov 2020