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

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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

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Kerry Vincent O'Brien's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

62 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Trustworthiness

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...ble. He talked with my employer's legal team, presenting arguments and evidence to support my claim. Kerry's ethical standards and genuine concern for his clients' well-being are evident in everything he does. I never felt like just another case file; Kerry treated me with respect and empathy throughout the entire process. For anyone facing employment-related legal issues, I definitely recommend Kerry. you can rely on Kerry that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and skill.

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...e was incredibly patient and never rushed me; he always took the time to explain my rights clearly and offer real, honest feedback. Not once did I feel pressured to take any action I wasn’t entirely comfortable with. His approach is grounded, respectful, and empowering. If you’re facing a problematic employment situation and need someone you can trust to help you navigate your rights, Kerry is absolutely the person you want in your corner.

Posted by anonymous | August 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Couldn't have made a better choice!

Kerry was extremely helpful. I've never been involved in a personal lawsuit, and from the beginning he was very clear on setting expectations and making sure I understood everything clearly before making a decision 1 way or the other. He was a very good lawyer and proved that time and again throu...gh my case, but more importantly I knew I could trust him to do what was in my best interest.

Posted by John Warren | April 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Wrongful Termination

Look no further, this is the attorney you want!

Kerry is an attorney with the highest integrity, principles, and honor. Like you, emotional, frustrated and disillusioned after being wrongfully terminated - my contract was knowingly and willfully breeched - I searched on line, not knowing what to do or to whom to turn - I found Kerry. 2 years 1 ...month to the day of my termination Kerry successfully held my former employer accountable and made them pay. Kerry was absolutely a ROCK for me as I went through this process. He kept me informed, explained the process as each turn and most importantly, he listened, not just to my story, but to my expertise with regard to my industry, how it works, and the character of the individuals with whom we were engaged. I felt like I was part of a team, never felt out of control, and never, ever, ignored. My case has been described, by the court appointed receiver we engaged, as one of the toughest to bring to a conclusion. So, would I recommend Kerry, YES! To go elsewhere, in my opinion, would be an expensive mistake.

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last September 23, 2021

This client is right - this was a long and hard-fought case. Regardless, we got a fantastic result for this client, using various tools in my arsenal over the course of two years' time. Eventually, the leverage was right where we wanted it to be. Great client, great result.

Posted by anonymous | June 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements

Remember the movie Tommy Boy with Chris Farley???

I hired Kerry for a breach of contract case. I'm highly disappointed that I hired him. You cannot trust him to do what he says he will do when you are not around. Kerry will talk like he is a tough attorney, but he is the furthest from tough. As an example, Kerry emailed the opposing attorney tha...t he was going to seek sanctions from the court against them for not providing us pivotal information... When I asked whether he did it? No Kerry didn't get the information nor ask for the sanction. Kerry's response was I was too demanding. YEP GUILTY, I'm a demanding client who asks for you to do what you said you would do. This happened repeatedly. Kerry just isn't capable of pushing the envelope. You will need to supervise his every move, including going to all court dates and depositions of the other side. Why do I say that??? Because in my case while Kerry agreed to ask the questions, we agreed he was going to ask during the deposition, he simply did not ask any of them. Kerry asked scattered questions and did not press for hard answers. Kerry asked a question during the deposition that made him look unprepared and when the response was "no". As crazy as the question was, Kerry just moved on. That is pretty much the way Kerry conducts himself with superficial questions but won't press for real answers or questions. Then there was the deposition of me by the opposing attorney. Kerry was glued to his phone and was so in-depth into something going on, after 5 minutes of opposing side doing something, they were instructed they WERE NOT to do, I the client stopped the video deposition to confront Kerry to get them to stop. Kerry jumped up like an old man caught sleeping on the couch and said, "YES I've noticed that has been going on for a while, that's right that needs to stop". There are several of other qualified attorneys, don't make the mistake I did in hiring him.

Kerry O'Brien

Replied last July 24, 2025

In May 2019, a federal judge allowed my law firm to withdraw from this client's case specifically because of this client's problematic private and public conduct. That federal judge later dismissed the case after the client chose to represent themselves going forward. Attorney-client ethical considerations prevent me from responding in more detail to this review, however, I have zero concerns about how I handled this case - but I do love the movie Tommy Boy.

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

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