Peter is the Principal Solicitor and founder of O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors. He is a highly experienced criminal defence and civil lawyer with more than twenty-five years of experience in NSW and interstate.
Peter is widely acknowledged and considered a leading civil litigator in the area of intentional torts in Australia, particularly in areas of unlawful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and assault and battery. He has successfully represented clients in some of the most noteworthy cases in the country. For these reasons, he often appears in the Australian media to discuss recent cases and law reform.
Education:
– Peter’s journey in law began at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he completed a Bachelor of Business and Laws between 1990 and 1996.
– He was the President of the UTS SRC in 1994.
– Peter was also a member of the UTS University Council in 1995.
– His passion for accessible legal education and support began early in his career, leading him to establish the UTS Community Law and Legal Research Centre in 1996.
Early Career:
– In 1998, Peter started his impactful work at the Legal Aid NSW’s Children’s Centre, where he dedicated two years to representing the most vulnerable in our society.
– His advocacy work continued at the Aboriginal Legal Service from 2000 to 2006.
– Acting solicitor for the Children’s Legal Service of NSW,
– He also worked for the Katherine Regional Aboriginal Legal Aid Service in the Northern Territory (2001-2005),
– Peter held a senior role at the NSW Legal Aid Commission (2006-2008); and
– He lectured within the Law Faculty at the University of Technology Sydney (2006-2013).
Continue reading for Peter and the firm’s achievements in case law and media appearances.
Peter has received many awards in his career, including:
Media
Peter regularly appears in the Australian media to discuss cases and law reform. Here are just a few of his media appearances. Read our Blog & Media pages, and follow us on social media (@obriensolicitors) to keep updated on all press.
Peter O’Brien has grown the firm to 25 dedicated staff members. Under his leadership, the firm has become a beacon of hope for many seeking justice and legal representation.
Most of our work is representing those who are legally aided, or who have meritorious cases on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Since establishing O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors, Peter has:
– Worked on complex criminal and civil matters and appeared in courts at all levels.
– Represented clients who have been granted Legal Aid and has acted for many clients on a pro bono basis.
– Represented clients in all major Royal Commissions.
– Represented multiple detainees in the Northern Territory Royal Commission, and subsequently being interviewed by Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes program about the case.
– Spoke at an SBS Forum on Juvenile Justice alongside Don Dale detainee, his client, Dylan Voller. Peter’s legal prowess was instrumental in this landmark defamation case in 2019. This case has since shaped the landscape of defamation law in Australia.
– Acted as the instructing solicitor in a false imprisonment case which created a new law in Australia.
– Co-authored a leading book in the area of intentional tort litigation: Intentional Tort Litigation in Australia.
– In 2016, Peter assisted the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse during the questioning of Cardinal George Pell.
– Represented Bill Spedding in a famous lawsuit against the State of NSW for malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, and abuses of process after he was arrested and charged during investigations into the disappearance of William Tryell.
Peter and Spedding’s counsel worked tirelessly on the case, and Spedding was awarded $1.8 million in damages.
– During the Spedding case, Peter appeared on various News channels to discuss the case; including Four Corners and Channel 9.
– In 2024, Peter and the firm provided pro bono legal assistance to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory by way of secondments with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Alice Springs.
Of course, his experience and successes extend far beyond this short list.
Peter O’Brien’s career is a testament to a life dedicated to enhancing the legal profession and ensuring justice is accessible to all. His tireless work, ethical standards, and professional achievements go above and beyond the industry standard.
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