Business Details
10 Years
experience
Trusted California Litigation & Legal Counsel Services
O'Brien Law is a boutique litigation law firm established in 2016, specializing in general civil litigation with a focus on major trials, business matters, and corporate general counsel work. Headquartered in California with offices in Northern, Southern, and Central Valley regions, the firm has grown from two to ten attorneys statewide in five years. Our practice areas include construction defect litigation, commercial litigation, insurance defense, wrongful death claims, and trust/estate litigation. We prioritize client service through 24/7 attorney availability, unparalleled response times, and transparent case reporting standards. Our team represents corporations, insurance companies, municipalities, and individuals, leveraging expertise in forensic accounting, employment law, and complex litigation.With over 150 active lawsuits defended for national insurers and a track record of successful jury trials and arbitrations, we combine legal excellence with business acumen. Our attorneys are admitted to all California state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and maintain affiliations with industry organizations like the National Limousine Association. We emphasize early dispute resolution while maintaining trial readiness, supported by a network of statewide consultants. Our commitment to public service extends to roles in legal advocacy organizations and international rule-of-law initiatives.
Services
Construction Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Insurance Defense
Wrongful Death Claims
Trust & Estate Litigation
General Counsel Services
Commercial Auto Litigation
Real Estate Disputes
Employment Law Representation
Forensic Accounting Cases
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 attorney availability with rapid response times for urgent legal needs
- Our team has tried over 150 jury trials and 175 total cases statewide
- We maintain second-to-none case reporting standards with transparent communication
- Our attorneys hold memberships in the U.S. Supreme Court and all California courts
- We combine legal expertise with business leadership experience in corporate governance
What people say
Excellent service
Successful outcomes
Responsive team
Industry expertise
Professional representation
Services
Construction Litigation
We represent clients in construction defect, delay, and contract disputes across California. Our attorneys handle mechanics liens, property zoning issues, and forensic accounting claims for contractors, developers, and insurance companies. With extensive trial experience and statewide consultant networks, we focus on early resolution while maintaining trial readiness. Our team defends against complex claims involving professional liability and material supply disputes.
Commercial Litigation
We provide strategic representation for plaintiffs and defendants in business litigation matters. Our practice covers breach of contract, fraud claims, franchise disputes, and business torts. Attorneys combine forensic accounting expertise with trial experience to resolve complex financial disputes while minimizing client business disruption. We serve small businesses and Fortune 500 companies across California's major industries.
Insurance Defense
We defend insurance companies in general liability, subrogation, and uninsured motorist cases throughout California. Our team handles premises liability, product defects, and professional liability claims with specialized knowledge of insurance billing protocols. With experience in 20+ counties, we provide cost-effective solutions through early case assessment and strategic mediation.
Wrongful Death Claims
We defend wrongful death lawsuits arising from auto accidents, construction incidents, and premises liability. Our attorneys employ medical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to investigate causation and damages. With experience in traumatic brain injury and mesothelioma cases, we provide comprehensive defense strategies for insurance carriers and business clients.
General Counsel Services
We provide ongoing legal counsel for California businesses in contract review, employment matters, and risk management. Our services include HR policy development, compliance guidance, and pre-litigation dispute resolution. We coordinate with specialized attorneys for complex issues while maintaining primary responsibility for client legal operations.
People
Patrick O'Brien
Managing Partner
Founder of O'Brien Law with 30+ years legal experience, admitted to U.S. Supreme Court, recognized in Superlawyers and Irish Legal 100. Specializes in litigation and corporate governance.
Kathleen Miller
Partner
Construction defect practice chair with 25+ years litigation experience, former Petaluma City Council member, and appellate advocate. Leads Sonoma County Bar Association initiatives.
Steve Pabros
Partner
35-year trial attorney with 100+ personal injury jury trials, former senior insurance counsel, and construction defect specialist across 14 California counties.
Caitlin Phair
Partner
Civil litigation attorney with federal court experience, former legal advocate in Thailand, and award-winning moot court competitor. Focuses on probate and insurance defense matters.
James Choo
Senior Attorney
Civil litigator with construction defect expertise, admitted to Ninth Circuit Court, and former U.S. Army officer. Represents contractors in complex multi-party disputes.
Questions
What areas of law does O'Brien Law specialize in?
We specialize in construction litigation, commercial disputes, insurance defense, wrongful death claims, trust/estate litigation, and general counsel services across California.
How experienced is O'Brien Law's legal team?
Our attorneys have tried over 150 jury trials, handle 175+ annual cases, and include Superlawyers honorees with decades of combined litigation experience.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate statewide in California with offices in Northern, Southern, and Central Valley regions, serving clients from San Diego to Eureka.
How quickly can I reach an attorney for urgent matters?
Our team offers 24/7 availability with rapid response times for emergency legal needs and time-sensitive litigation matters.
What industries do you primarily work with?
We serve insurance companies, construction firms, municipalities, transportation providers, and corporations needing general business litigation support.
