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.
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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 1 - 5 of 20 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Vanessa | February 09, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Amazing!
I’ve had other lawyers who were good, but none that took the time to genuinely take me step by step and keep me posted with how things were going. Kerry Vincent was able to get me paid by an employer who was avoiding me for months, with no resolution. I went from stressed daily to feeling the burden ...
Posted by Prayag | May 19, 2025 | Employment & Labor
Outstanding Attorney - You can rely on Kerry
I cannot speak highly enough of Kerry as an attorney. His expertise in employment law and dedication to his clients are truly exceptional. My previous employer was holding my pay, Kerry's knowledge and experience proved invaluable. Throughout the duration of my case, Kerry's communication was impecca...
Posted by Kacie | May 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Trusted, Compassionate, and Honest Advocate in a Difficult Time
I can’t say enough good things about Kerry Vincent O’Brien. From the moment I first spoke with him, I felt a level of professionalism, honesty, and care that immediately put me at ease. I was initially embarrassed to ask for help, but Kerry made me feel safe and comfortable as I pursued my case. H...
Posted by Natalie | February 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Outstanding Attorney – A True Advocate for Justice!
I cannot recommend Attorney Kerry O'Brien highly enough! He is an exceptional attorney who truly fights for what is right. Kerry was instrumental in helping me and many of my former co-workers receive the payment we were rightfully owed for our hard work. From the very beginning, he demonstrated an i...
Posted by anonymous | November 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Employment & Labor
Incredibly Thankful to Find Kerry!
I found myself in unfamiliar territory and in need of council. I submitted inquiries to several firms and Kerry was very quick to follow up with me AND, was the only attorney to respond. After our initial introduction and review of my case, I decided to hire Kerry and was so glad that I did. Kerry...
"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
Legal Answers
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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