$ 300-350 per hour
Gerard William O'Brien
also known as Jerry O'Brien
About Gerard
Biography
Gerard W. O'Brien, or Jerry O'Brien as he is more commonly known, is a California licensed attorney who began practice in June, 1991.
Jerry earned a Bachelor's Degree in History at Brooklyn College in 1979. During his education he had the privilege of studying with Professor Edwin Burrows, Pulitzer Prize winning author of “GOTHAM.”
After graduating from Brooklyn College Jerry went into the culinary arts field, cooking professionally in New York City, Paris France, and Orange County, California.
In 1980 Jerry participated in the New York Restaurant School's Culinary Arts Program. Two days after finishing the program, Jerry went to France to work as Chef of the MacAdam Restaurant in Paris, where he spent all of 1981. Returning to the USA, Jerry cooked in both New York City and Orange County California.
Jerry created the Parties by Panache Web Site, which gets about 16,000 visits per month and published "The Panache Experience", which until the end of 2007; the Panache Experience ran for 37 issues.
Jerry has written two novels, “The Sweet Water”, and “A Field Guide to the Angels in Brooklyn”. He is currently seeking publication of “A Field Guide to the Angels in Brooklyn” . Jerry published the critically acclaimed “O'Brien's Literary Speculator”.
Jerry completed a certificate program in fiction writing at Cal State Fullerton. Mr. O'Brien has over twenty five interviews, articles, and reviews published .
Pertaining to the practice of law:
In 1987 Jerry began Law School at Western State University, College of Law from which he graduated in the top quarter of his class in 1990. Jerry won an AmJur award for Bankruptcy and placed first in his class in Community Property. Mr. O'Brien conducted a solo legal practice in Brea, CA from 1991 to 2000, at which point he went in-house at his family's business Parties By Panache, Inc. While counsel at Parties by Panache Jerry undertook several projects relating to marketing in addition to over seeing contracts, corporate, employment law matters.
Member of the California State Bar Association
- Trust and Estates Section
- Business Law Section
Member of the Orange County Bar Association
- Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
Member of Wealth Counsel, LLC
- Mr. O'Brien teaches a course on Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer for Financial Professionals
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Trusts
40%
35 years | 100 cases
Business
20%
35 years | 5 cases
Elder Law
20%
20 years | 20 cases
Probate
20%
30 years | 40 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 34 years
State: California
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Gerard W. O'Brien & Associates, P.C.
2878 E. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA, 92821-6147
Law Offices of Gerard William O'Brien
2878 E. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA, 92821
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Gerard William O'Brien's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Shelby | June 1, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Informative Quick Response
Mr. O'Brien took the time to give me the exact answer I needed to my question, which most lawyers won't do. He responded quickly and efficiently - he is obviously fluent in probate law. I didn't realize I was located so far from him. If you are looking for a personable attorney who cares enough to...
Posted by Aram | May 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Gerard W. O'brien
As part owner of a poker casino here in Los Angeles, I needed an attorney that handled my living trust and will. Mr. O'brien was found on google, in Brea, he was perfect. Not only has he helped update my Revocable Trust, he has extended his services by helping me with my trust application and renewal...
Posted by Eva | April 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Trustworthy and Honest
Mr. O'Brien has helped us establish family trusts. I have found him very knowledgeable. He provides an excellent explanation on complicated matters. Mr. O'Brien and his staff are quick in answering questions and concerns. He shares empathy and provides professional advice. I feel comfortable to rec...
Posted by Michael | April 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Experience
Gerard was a pleasure to work with and provided us with all of the information and guidance needed to successfully complete our trust. We would highly recommend his services!
Posted by Jami | August 11, 2014
Amazing Attorney
I hired Gerard W. O’Brien in 2011 for a Chapter Eleven bankruptcy proceeding. He guided us through the process, was easy to work with and was able to get a plan confirmed. We are well on our way back to financial stability and success. I feel he was a great value and I would hire him again.
Gerard William O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney O'Brian is an excellent business attorney with an eye for detail and sharp mind that invariably attacks the most important issues in the inquiry and explains all legal ramifications in a brief, yet facile and understandable English, grounded firmly in law and supported by evidence presented in the case. Great attorney!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This lawyer is highly recommended in the community. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for his hard work and willingness to provide free advice to those in need."
"The answers that Mr. O'Brien have provided have been accurate, thoughtful, and tailored to the needs of the Avvo asker. This attorney demonstrates the ideal qualities every client should look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a highly respected member of the legal community."
"Comprehensive, knowledgeable, and thorough. I endorse this lawyer."
Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats
Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. From all social media resources it is clear that he is very knowledgeable in his practice areas. I would send my clients to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great contributor to our AVVO community!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. His responses to questions posed by the public are always thoughtful, correct and on point."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney O'Brien gives of his expertise and time on AVVO answering questions. His responses are well thought out, responsive and shows his empathy for the asker."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is generous with his time. His responses to questions are insightful and helpful."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2014
Preeminent 4.9 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
American Jurisprudence Bankruptcy, Bancroft-Whitney
1987
Dean's Scholarship, Western State College of Law
1974
Regents Scholarship, Regents of the State of New York
Work Experience
1992 - 2000
Owner, Brea Estate and Financial Law
Associations
2007 - Present
Wealth CounselMember
1995 - Present
Orange County Bar Associationmember
Sample of Legal Cases
Nabuke vs. North County Bancorp
Plaintiff took nothing at trial
Education
1990
Western State University College of Law
Juris Doctor
1979
Brooklyn College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Meeting of the Business Connection Brea
Business Succession Planning
2010
Meeting of BNI Prospector's
Small Business Bankruptcy
Publications
2010
Business Succession Planning
Identifying Client’s Goals and Prospective Transferees
Languages
English
Dutch
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What kind of evidence do you need to give a prospective landlord in a seniors-only building when your caregiver is not a senior?
21 Aug 2024
Q&A
Can I make an addendum to my trust by including a notarized statement?
02 Jan 2024
Q&A
Tenants’ rights in California
28 Dec 2023
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
WHY BOTHER PLANNING IF I AM NOT WEALTHY?
21 Jul 2014
Legal Guide
ESTATE PLANNING FOR PERSONAL FREEDOM, PHYSICAL SAFETY, FINANCIAL SUCCESS AND TRANSMISSION OF VALUES
21 Jul 2014
Legal Guide
Coming to Grips with an Individual's Financial Behavior
18 Jul 2014