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William O'Brien

William O'Brien

Law Office of William O'Brien
619 S. 20th St.
Suite 207
Omaha, NE 68102

Phone: (402) 201-8581  |  Fax: (402) 346-5893
http://billobrienlaw.com

Contact William O'Brien

Hardworking, Creative and Loyal

Legal Topic

Personal Injury

Preferred New Clients

Anyone who has suffered tangible injury or harm due to the provable negligence of another.

Sub-Categories

Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
Accidents & Personal Injury
  • Construction Site Injuries
  • Slip & Fall
  • Sports Injuries
Car/Auto Accidents
  • Whiplash
  • Felony Auto Accident
Character Injury
  • Defamation
  • Invasion of Privacy
  • Libel
  • Slander
Dangerous Products/Product Liability
  • Design Defects
  • Manufacturing Defects
Intentional Injuries
  • Assault & Battery
  • Child abuse
  • Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
  • Domestic Violence
  • Police Misconduct
  • Sexual Assault
Medical Malpractice
  • Anesthesia Malpractice
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Dental Malpractice
  • Elder and Nursing Home Abuse
  • Emergency Room Errors
  • Lasik Eye Surgery
  • Medication Malpractice
  • Optometry Malpractice
  • Prescription/Drug Malpractice
  • Psychiatric Malpractice
  • Surgical Errors
  • Wrong Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Injury
Toxic Torts & Class Actions
  • Chemicals & Cosmetics
  • Dangerous Drugs & Products
  • Hazardous Waste
  • Medical Products & Devices
  • Pesticides
  • Tobacco
  • Toxic Mold
Serious/Catastrophic Injuries
  • Amputation
  • Birth Injury
  • Burn Injury
  • Head/Brain Injury
  • Paralysis

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

Anyone who has been charged with a crime.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Search & Seizure
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Parking Tickets & Towing
  • Traffic - Moving Violations
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

IA, Sep 2007
Bar Number: 9201

NE, Nov 2007
Bar Number: 23740

Other Court Admissions

U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Nebraska.

Association Memberships

Nebraska State Bar Association and Iowa State Bar Association.

Continuing Education

I attend seminars in areas such as criminal law, search and seizure, DUI, Federal Criminal Defense, and Guardian ad Litem training.

Example Cases

Several pounds of marijuana were seized from client's vehicle on I-80. Charges were eventually dismissed by prosecutor.

Client apprehended with several pounds of illegal drugs and charged with intent to distribute. Sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation out of state.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

University of Nebraska, College of Law

City:

Lincoln

State:

NE

Year:

2007

Focus and Accomplishments:

Criminal law

 

Degree:

Ph.D.

School:

University of Iowa

City:

Iowa City

State:

IA

Year:

1988

Focus and Accomplishments:

Philosophy

 

Degree:

B.A.

School:

SUNY Geneseo

City:

Geneseo

State:

NY

Year:

1982

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Nebraska and Iowa

Firm Focus and History

My main focus and expertise is in criminal law, especially in the area of search and seizure law, such as drug seizures at traffic stops and evidence seized from homes based on search warrants. I also have gained expertise in the related areas of civil and criminal forfeitures.

In the area of Juvenile law I have represented parents in Juvenile Court abuse/neglect cases, as well as juveniles in delinquency cases.

I also have experience with medical malpractice and would like to take on more personal injury cases.

Previous Employment Summary

I started my own practice in September 2007. My goal has been to keep my overhead low, especially when it comes to those things which are of no particular value to my clients, such as a large and beautiful office. This allows me to offer my services at a more reasonable rate.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

When facing a medical problem, it is to your advantage to understand the basics as they pertain to your case. The same is true with legal problems.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I will review a document drafted by a client. But, as the attorney of record in a case, I am responsible for the documents I file.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I would not coach clients who represent themselves, except under special arrangements ordered by the court.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I chose a career in the law because I wanted to do something that would be meaningful and I felt that my background in philosophy would enable me to be a strong advocate for my clients.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Before becoming a lawyer, I studied and taught analytic philosophy. Most of my career has been spent analyzing arguments (for weaknesses, etc.) and crafting novel arguments.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Criminal law: There are so many criminal defendants who get a raw deal. I wanted to fight that.

Personal Injury: A trial is a contest to determine which side has it right. I want to fight on the side of the people who have been harmed by the wrongful or negligent actions of others.

What do you like best about your career?

Working to get the best outcome I can for my clients.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a sole practitioner, so all of my clients deal directly with me. Shari Prior is my legal assistant.

What are your strengths and style?

I am creative and conscientious. I am also competitive without being belligerent.

Personal Interests:

Family, organic gardening, and sports.

Fax

(402) 346-5893

Office Hours

By appointment.

For emergency after hours call (402) 201-8581.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No.

Hourly Rates

$85 to $160, depending on the case.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, the first 30 minutes of initial consultation is free.

Typical Retainer

$3000 is a typical retainer, but it really depends on the type of case.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.