Thomas J. O'Brien

Of Counsel

Thomas J. O'Brien is of counsel in Morgan Lewis's Litigation Practice. Mr. O'Brien has significant trial experience in complex business disputes. In addition to numerous appearances in federal and state courts, his practice also includes litigation before international and domestic arbitration tribunals.

Mr. O'Brien's practice in international dispute resolution involves the representation of foreign governments, as well as the representation of private parties with claims against foreign states. The international disputes he has litigated include claims alleging governmental expropriation of commercial rights and private property, claims arising from the privatization of state-owned enterprises by Eastern European countries in the process of transforming their economies, and proceedings to enforce arbitral awards under the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention). He has handled disputes under the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act and disputes under international arbitration rules, such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). His international work outside the United States includes several appearances before the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal in The Hague.

Mr. O'Brien also has an active litigation practice in domestic commercial disputes. He has teamed with other firm lawyers to provide successful representation for clients in the hospitality industry, with particular emphasis on disputes arising under hotel management contracts. Environmental matters also make up a substantial part of Mr. O'Brien's practice, including private cost-recovery actions under federal and state environmental statutes. In addition, he has defended product claims for a variety of products, including surgical devices, asbestos-containing building materials, and consumer products. He has also assisted corporate clients by conducting internal investigations into alleged violations of securities laws and environmental regulations.

Mr. O'Brien is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Virginia and before the federal courts in those jurisdictions. He also is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a regular faculty member in litigation skills training programs sponsored by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.