Get to Know Our Sydney Law Firm: Your Guide to O’Briens

Welcome to O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors. Our lawyer’s dedication to justice and legal expertise can not be beaten.

Founded in 2007 by Peter O’Brien, our Sydney law firm has grown into a distinguished name in Australian law. We specialize in both criminal and civil litigation. With a team of 25 professionals, we are here to provide you with exceptional legal services tailored to your needs.

Get to know our lawyers and read their bios.

Our Legal Services in our Sydney law firm


Criminal Law:
At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we specialize in criminal defense. Whether you’re facing minor charges or serious offenses, we can help. Our team is dedicated to crafting robust defense strategies that ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Read our Criminal Case Studies here. 

Civil Litigation: In civil litigation, particularly in areas like unlawful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and assault and battery, our firm is known for its vigorous advocacy. We fight tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for victims of civil wrongs. Along this journey, we have set important legal precedents.

Read our Civil Case Studies here.

Defamation Law: Protecting your reputation is crucial. Basically, our expertise in defamation law allows us to defend it. For defamation claims, we can secure remedies for reputational harm caused by false statements. We’re also here to safeguard your rights and ensure fairness under defamation laws.

Read our Defamation Case Studies here. 

Human Rights and Public Interest Law: Championing human rights is at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s discrimination, police misconduct, or other human rights violations, we’ve got your back. We stand by our clients to ensure their rights are upheld and justice is served.

Do we offer Pro bono and legal aid?

Pro Bono and Legal Aid Services: Additionally, we believe everyone deserves access to justice. That’s why we provide pro bono legal assistance* in some matters to disadvantaged individuals and communities. Furthermore, we also support clients eligible for legal aid. Your financial circumstances shouldn’t limit your access to quality legal representation.

Appellate Advocacy: When legal decisions need to be challenged, our firm is prepared. We handle appellate cases with precision and dedication. As a result, we ensure legal principles are upheld and justice prevails through all stages of litigation.

Is your firm often in the media?

O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors are frequently featured in the Australian media.

This demonstrates their active engagement with the media, providing expert commentary and insights on significant legal matters and cases they are involved in.

Does your firm do in-house advocacy?

In-House advocacy: When it comes to legal representation, our Sydney law firm stands out in a crowded field. We embrace a distinctive and efficient approach to case management. One of our key differentiators is our commitment to conducting almost all of our work in-house. As a result, we ensure comprehensive preparation and advocacy for our clients. While many other firms routinely brief counsel for court proceedings, our firm leverages an internal system. This offers substantial benefits and savings to our clients.

Our unique system revolves around a “first and second chair” approach. In this model, our experienced senior lawyers assume the role of first chair. Therefore, they lead cases with unmatched expertise and strategic insight. Meanwhile, our talented associates fill the second chair. They also provide invaluable support and gaining practical experience under the mentorship of their senior counterparts. This structure mirrors the efficient style of top U.S. law firms. Oftentimes, it eliminates the need for external barristers.

However, we acknowledge the specialized expertise of barristers in specific matters. Therefore, we leverage their skills when necessary.

Our in-house advocacy saves our clients money. 

Community Engagement and Legal Education: Beyond legal practice, we engage actively with the community through initiatives like the UTS Community Law and Legal Research Centre. We’re committed to promoting legal awareness and supporting the next generation of legal professionals.

Our Achievements: Sydney Law Firm

Over the past year, O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors has achieved significant milestones. For example, Peter O’Brien’s prestigious win of the Law Society’s President’s Medal in 2023. This award recognized his fearless advocacy and notable contributions to the legal profession. In particular, in cases involving police accountability and justice reform.

We thank the Law Society NSW for recognising our achievements. 

A man in a suit stands at a podium with a sign that reads "2022 Annual Members Dinner & Award Night". He has one hand on his chest and the other is holding what appears to be a framed award. The background is dimly lit with purple hues and decorations.

What sets as apart from other firms

Commitment to Justice and Advocacy: Peter O’Brien’s career is defined by his unwavering commitment to justice for marginalized communities. This commitment is reflected in our proactive approach to legal representation and community outreach efforts.

Specialization and Expertise: Our Sydney law firm’s specialization is in criminal and civil litigation. However, we focus on intentional torts. This positions us as leaders in the legal field. We bring extensive expertise and a track record of success to every case we handle.

Proactive Community Engagement: We go beyond legal practice to engage meaningfully with the community. Through educational programs and initiatives, we strive to empower individuals with legal support.

Impactful Advocacy and Legal Precedents: Peter O’Brien’s advocacy has also led to significant legal precedents and reforms. This has also shaped the legal landscape in Australia. Furthermore, our firm’s involvement in landmark cases underscores our commitment to achieving justice and ethical standards.

What awards have your firm won?

Recognition and Awards: Our firm’s achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards within the legal community, highlighting our dedication to excellence and integrity in legal practice.

  • For example, Peter was nominated for the Children’s Lawyer of the Year by the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre.
  • In addition, he won the Children’s Lawyer of the Year for the Northern Territory in 2001.
  • Additionally, Peter’s past awards include the Human Rights Law Award in 2016.
  • He also won the prestigious Law Society’s President’s Medal in 2023.

O’Brien Solicitors: Your Sydney law firm

At O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, we are more than just an average Sydney law firm. We are your partners in navigating legal challenges and securing justice. In addition, we have a strong foundation in ethical practice, community engagement, and legal expertise. Meaning we are also committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our clients and the broader community.

Get to know us better and discover how we can assist you in achieving the legal outcomes you deserve.

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Nicole Byrne

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O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors
e: 
p: 02 9261 4281
a: Level 4, 219-223 Castlereagh St,
Sydney NSW 2000

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