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John M O'Brien

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Avvo Rating10
  • Elk Grove, CA
  • Licensed for 30 years
  • Free consultation
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About John

In 1996, I formed O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm with one thought in mind: justice for every injured client. I represent a wide variety of personal injury cases, ranging from automobile and construction site accidents to products liability and wrongful death actions. In every case I take, I fight until I obtain full compensation.

 

I take the time to understand you, what makes your case unique, and how you want it to be handled. For me, you are someone who is deserving of my utmost attention and skill. At O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm, we do everything possible to help you concentrate on your recovery.  

 

Our firm's record over the past twenty years proves how successful we have been in achieving our goal of maximizing recovery. We have obtained many multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements across a wide array of personal injury cases.

 

O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm offices are located in Elk Grove and Sacramento. In addition, I have been admitted to practice in all California courts, in the United States Court for the Northern and Eastern districts of California, and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I am always willing and eager to assist clients with their questions or concerns.

 

 

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Practice areas

Wrongful deathTrucking accidentCar accidentPersonal injury
  1. Personal injury: 40%

    John M. O’Brien is a personal injury lawyer committed to providing quality and committed representation in personal injury cases. He has taken special interest in catastrophic injury cases and recognizes that these types of injuries change a person’s life forever. Over the years, Mr. O’Brien has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for people who have suffered catastrophic injuries. A free initial case evaluation to determine a strategy best suited for each of his clients is provided.

    31 years, 1,400 cases

  2. Car accident: 30%

    John M. O’Brien has extensive experience handling car accident cases across California. A successful trial lawyer, Mr. O’Brien has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured persons as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Mr. O’Brien gives his undivided attention to these cases and works tirelessly to resolve them. He provides clients with peace of mind that all of the details are being handled and that clients will be fully compensated for their injuries.

    31 years, 800 cases

  3. Trucking accident: 20%

    John M. O’Brien has extensive experience in handling trucking accident cases. As an experienced and well versed lawyer in California, Mr. O’Brien can help injured individuals initiate proper action in the event of an accident. He is devoted to helping injured and their families obtain a full financial recovery following a traumatic accident. Mr. O’Brien has over 20 years of experience and enjoys an excellent reputation for aggressive advocacy.

    31 years, 450 cases

  4. Wrongful death: 10%

    John M. O’Brien has extensive experience in a wide range of catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. Mr. O’Brien has dedicated his practice to helping people who have suffered great loss as a result of another person’s negligence. He serves as a tireless advocate for his clients and fights aggressively to ensure they recover the full compensation they deserve, while treating his clients with utmost respect and compassion.

    31 years, 200 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

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Contact

O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm

9401 E. Stockton Blvd
Suite 225
Elk Grove, CA, 95624

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive199007/31/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers5
    Legal guides27
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top LawyerNorthern California Super Lawyers2019
    Top LawyerSacramento Magazine2018
    AV® Preeminent™Martindale-Hubbell2016
    Top LawyerSacramento Magazine2015
    Trial Advocate of the YearCapitol City Trial Lawyers Association2009
    American Jurisprudence Awards in Contracts, Constitutional LawN/AN/A
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Director, Founding PartnerO'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm, P.C.1996 - Present
    Associate AttorneyBrobeck Phleger & Harrison1990 - 1996
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    American Board of Trial AdvocatesAssociate Member2008 - Present
    United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth DistrictMember1996 - Present
    United States Supreme CourtMember1996 - Present
    American Bar AssociationMember1990 - Present
    United States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaAttorney Member1990 - Present
    United States District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaAttorney Member1990 - Present
    United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaAttorney Member1990 - Present
    United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAttorney Member1990 - Present
    All California State CourtsAttorney Member1990 - Present
    Consumer Attorneys of SacramentoMember1990 - Present
    Sacramento County Superior CourtMember1990 - Present
    Sacramento County Bar AssociationAttorney Member1990 - Present
    Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaMemberN/A
    Capitol City Trial Lawyers AssociationMemberN/A
    American Association for JusticeMemberN/A
    State Bar of CaliforniaMemberN/A
    University of Southern California Law ReviewMember1988 - 1990
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Rutherford Publishing HouseA Cup Of Coffee With 10 Of The Top Personal Injury Attorneys In The United States: Valuable insights you should know before you settle your case2014
    Various Blog ArticlesPersonal Injury Blog2013
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of Southern California Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor1990
    University of the PacificBA - Bachelor of Arts1987
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Business Leader Spotlight ShowWhy Do People Need a Personal Injury Attorney?2013
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Wrongful Death Claim$2,500,000
    Work Site Injury$2,000,000

    Reviews

    (11)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review John O'Brien

    Very pleased!

    Posted by

    I was in a car accident when I was 7-8 months pregnant (fortunetly my baby was fine), a lady passed her red light and hit the car I was in (when it was our green light). I was advised to get an injury attorney. I was lucky to have found John O'Brien. At our consultation I was very impressed with his honesty and his knowledge. Him and his team took care of everything and I had now worries and was very stress free. My biggest concern was what was this going to cost me. Nothing came out of my personal pocket all through the settlement. At the end I was walking out with about $35,000. A lot more than what I was expecting.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    John O'Brien Assoicates is Knowledgeable,Responsive, Outstanding & Results Driven

    Posted by

    If you are a victim of an auto accident and in need of an excellent personal injury lawyer, I highly recommend that you hire John O'Brien Assosicates. John and his team are highly knowledgeable (shout out to Grant Zehnder), approachable, responsive with communication (email and phone), organized (thanks Brenda Marchant), personable (this human touch was important to have as trust was needed to protect current/future healthcare needs caused by the accident) and now successful in helping collect financial compensation for my injuries and accident- related expenses. That being said, I encourage you to schedule a consultation with John O'Brien Assoicates today as they can focus on the negotiations of your motor vehicle accident while you focus 100% on healing and recovery. And let me tell you,that is where all your energy should be because we only have one body for the rest of our lives. So, thank you John O'Brien Assoicstes for sound legal guidance and compassionate representation as I rebuild my life and hopefully body.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Motorcycle accident

    Posted by

    I was riding my motorcycle last summer on a highway when I was struck from behind by a car. My injuries were pretty bad, my leg was fractured in 2 places and I had some broken ribs. I’m glad I turned to Mr. O’Brien for help because he managed to solve my case in a timely, professional manner and obtained compensation for my injuries. I am now back riding and I owe it just to him!

    Thank you for your help!

    Posted by

    My daughter was injured on a crosswalk when she was returning from school. A driver failed to stop in time and hit my daughter, throwing her on the ground. We were really lucky she did not get run over, but her injuries were still very serious. John O’Brien aggressively fought to obtain compensation for her accident and we got more than we thought in the first place. He is definitely a life saver!

    I recommend Mr. O’Brien!

    Posted by

    I was injured on a work site 5 months ago and I needed hospitalization for my injuries. I contacted the law firm of John M. O’Brien, looking for help from a lawyer who knows what he is doing. It was a great experience, he was really helpful and knowledgeable and he treated my case with respect. I was back to work after my treatment and I owe it just to him.

    Honest, Smart and Effective attorney

    Posted by

    I had no idea about the process of a lawsuit. Mr. O’Brien made everything really simple and easy to understand and I think I have asked over 100 questions and he was always available. Whenever I called him he would always get back to me as soon as possible. He was very professional and friendly in the same time with me. I will surely hire Mr. O’Brien again if I will ever need an attorney in the future.

    Personal injury lawsuit

    Posted by

    Mr. O’Brien, my family and I would like to thank you for all your help! I never thought that I could find such a trustworthy and reliable lawyer to help me with my accident. The settlement was more that I could of hoped for! Thank you very much and keep it up!

    Experienced lawyer

    Posted by

    A friend who suffered from an accident in the past hired John to take care of his case and he recommended that I go talk to him too about my car accident. Needless to say, I was very impressed with his patience and willingness to explain everything in detail. I can say that he truly was the man for the job! Mr. O’Brien treated me with respect and helped me file a lawsuit to recover my damages.

    Very pleased!

    Posted by

    I am very pleased with the service I got from Mr. O’Brien! We treated my case with more professionalism that I thought I could get and my case was settled very fast. I’m really happy about the compensation I got too! Thank you!

    Excellent personal injury lawyer

    Posted by

    I’ve never met such an extraordinary professional! Mr. O’Brien has plenty of experience and you can definitely feel that. What I liked the most form the beginning was that he was returning my calls. No other lawyer did that before, and it made me feel “Finally, a lawyer that cares about me!” He successfully handled my case, kept me informed every step of the way and if I would need a personal injury lawyer again (I hope it won’t be necessary), there’s no doubt I would have Mr. O’Brien on my speed dial again.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (732)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Matthew Schneider, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Obrien is a superb attorney who is not afraid to fight toe to toe with large corporations in order to get large money verdicts or settlements for his clients. I highly recommend him if you are looking for an aggressive lawyer to advocate for on your behalf.

    Victor Haltom, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 17, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Many years ago, Mr. O'Brien and I tried a case together in federal court. He was very well prepared and did an excellent job for his client. His good work resulted in victory in the case for his client. I have referred a number of cases to Mr. O'Brien over the years. The clients I have referred to him have all been pleased with Mr. O'Brien's top quality representation of them. Mr. O'Brien is professional and easy to get along with. I enthusiastically endorse him.

    Brian Di Pietro, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 17, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. He is an extremely hard working aggressive lawyer serving his clients well.

    Homer Jordan, Car accident Attorney on May 1, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Elena Denevich, Car accident Attorney on Nov 28, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    B. Mason, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 18, 2017
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Christine Thurston, Car accident Attorney on Aug 16, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I confidently endorse this lawyer’s work and standing in the legal community.

    Shawn Sedaghat

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Fiza Syed, Wrongful death Attorney on Apr 26, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Walter Hnot,, Car accident Attorney on Mar 22, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    John is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation.

    Mark Rafidi, Car accident Attorney on Feb 27, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    John is the type of attorney we need in the personal injury world. A Plaintiff's personal injury attorney requires: exceptional knowledge, hard work, communication skills, and compassion. John fits the bill. I endorse him unequivocally.

    Matthew Henry, Car accident Attorney on Jan 27, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. O'Brien is a very well respected and effective attorney. His dedication to the law and his clients is admirable. Any client would be well served by his representation. I highly recommend him.

    William Light, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 8, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lubna Jahangiri

    I endorse this lawyer. Knowledgeable, strategic minded and well-respected.

    Charles Farrell, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 16, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community.

    Nicole Hauptman

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Rickey Farrow, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 7, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    David Schwaner, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 4, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. O'Brien is an extremely well respected personal injury lawyer that I endorse.

    Christopher Fry, Car accident Attorney on Nov 18, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. John is a great attorney through and through. Keeping the integrity of the profession which is difficult in this day and age. A true professional.

    Keith Halpern, Admiralty and maritime Attorney on Nov 1, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Hard to find a lawyer with the diversity and expertise that Mr. O'Brien possesses. My dear grandfather was a Maritime Attorney, and that's an area in which we need more attorneys. Listen to Mr. O'Brien.

    Darren Bleier

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Adam Studnicki

    Mr. O'Brien is a well-respected lawyer and a valuable asset to this community. His dedication to the law and his clients is admirable.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-40%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card