Brendan Michael O'Brien

Owner

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After more than a decade dedicated to representing 10,000+ criminal defendants in Maryland, Mr. O’Brien brings considerable courtroom experience to every client he represents. His commitment to securing favorable results has led him to successfully represent hundreds of clients at criminal trials in both District and Circuit courts across the state. From litigating complex legal issues to handling high-stakes disputes, Mr. O’Brien’s knowledge and experience ensures his clients receive the skilled representation they deserve.

Mr. O’Brien’s legal journey began at the University of Baltimore School of Law, where he graduated with honors. During law school, Mr. O’Brien immersed himself in the world of criminal law, interning for the Clerk of the Appellate Court of Maryland, and clerking for one of Maryland’s preeminent criminal law scholars, Professor Byron L. Warnken. Throughout law school, Mr. O’Brien clerked for Professor Warnken, and his work focused mainly on legal research and writing with respect to criminal appeals and post conviction issues. This experience provided unique insight on nuanced legal analysis and the typical downfalls in criminal trial practice. Mr. O’Brien also participated in the University of Baltimore’s Appellate Practice Clinic, where he honed his skills and argued a criminal appeal before the Appellate Court of Maryland.

After passing the bar in 2010, Mr. O’Brien began his legal career as an Attorney with the Office of the Public Defender of Maryland. As a line attorney, he tirelessly represented approximately 20 clients per week for nearly a decade. Despite the demanding caseload, Mr. O’Brien maintained an exceptional level of professionalism, receiving only one client complaint to the Attorney Grievance Commission throughout his entire career. During his tenure with the State, Mr. O’Brien became a seasoned litigator, often having multiple trials in a single day. In recognition of his dedication and legal acumen, he was admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of the United States, and he was also selected to sit on the Peer Review Committee for the Attorney Grievance Commission.

For years, Mr. O’Brien has defended individuals facing a wide variety of allegations. He has developed a deep understanding and proficiency across several areas of criminal law. He focues on a broad spectrum of case types, ranging from DUI and assault related offenses, which constitute the majority of his trial experience, to charges including theft, burglary, sex offenses, handgun possession, harassment, drug possession, and resisting arrest. Through his extensive courtroom experience, Mr. O’Brien has sharpened his skills crafting tactical defense strategies unique to the circumstances of each case. Whether advocating for clients accused of misdemeanor offenses or tackling more serious felony charges, Mr. O’Brien remains steadfast in his commitment to providing diligent and effective representation at every stage of the legal process.

Mr. O’Brien has an unwavering dedication to securing justice for his clients. Whether combating complex legal issues or aggressively advocating in court, he remains committed to providing personalized, strategic representation narrowly tailored to each client's unique needs. With a track record of success and a passion for protecting the rights of the criminally accused, Mr. O’Brien is ready to stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Practice Areas:

• Criminal law
• Constitutional law

Education:

• Law School: University of Baltimore, cum laude (2009)
• College/University: University of Maryland, College Park - Economics (2003)

Admissions:

• Maryland (2010)
• Supreme Court of the United States (2015)

Relevant Past Employment Positions

• Attorney - Office of the Public Defender of Maryland, Towson (2010 - 2022)
• Law Clerk for Professor Byron Warnken