John M. O'Brien
Founding & Managing Partner
Catastrophic Injuries / Truck Accidents / All Types of Accidents / Product Liability / Nursing Home Abuse / Wrongful Death
No risk, no out-of-pocket expenses, and you will never write us a personal check.
John O'Brien founded the Elk Grove-based firm, the O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm, in 1996, practicing personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, defective products, nursing home abuse. He is recognized throughout the California legal community as a zealous and effective advocate for individuals who have been catastrophically injured. Mr. O'Brien has an excellent reputation for aggressive advocacy and integrity, which has helped him obtain numerous multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements across a wide array of personal injury cases.
Mr. O'Brien graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Pacific in 1987, receiving his Bachelor's degree with Honors in Political Science and Economics. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor with Honors from the University of Southern California in 1990. In addition to being admitted to practice in all California courts and in the United States Court for the Northern and Eastern districts of California, Mr. O'Brien has also been admitted to practice in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Additionally, Mr. O'Brien is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Board of Trial Advocates, the American Association for Justice, the Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, and the Consumer Attorneys of California.
Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison - Associate, 1990 - 1996
"My time at Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison provided me with a unique perspective on how a big company defends itself against personal injury lawsuits. My training there has proven to be an invaluable asset in my work as a plaintiffs' personal injury attorney."
- John M. O'Brien
The O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm - Owner, Founding Partner Attorney, 1996 - present
"We pride ourselves in seeking justice for every client who has been injured as a result of another's negligent act. We don't rest until each and every client has been fully compensated for their injuries."
- John M. O'Brien
Education
- University of Southern California Center
(J.D., Honors, 1990) - University of the Pacific
(B.A., Honors, Magna Cum Laude, Political Science/Economics, 1987)
Miguel F.
"My insurance wasn't really giving me any advice or anything. It was turning into a nightmare; I didn't know what to do. I called John and what caught my attention is that he was worried about me, not about his fees; that's when I said: 'This is the guy I am going with.'"
Susan O.
"John held 2 cases for us where he could have settled or given up easily. He didn't. He kept working on them and achieved a maximum settlement for us. We were extremely pleased."
Andrea A.
"In 2011 I was injured in a car accident...As I received medical treatment I had to pay for everything out of pocket and it was a hardship. A friend referred me to John. The consultation went really great and I felt confident with him handling my case... Mr. O'Brien was always available."
Elizabeth W.
"I was riding my bike in 2013 and a car hit me. I had a compound fracture and I shattered my tibia in 10 spots. I was referred to John by a friend and he came to our house to meet with me... It really helped me to hire John to take care of all the legal [aspect of things] and to be my advocate."
Allan M.
"After the car accident, I had three bulging discs in my neck that were pressing on my spinal cord causing many problems. The insurance company was very defensive so I went online and found John M. O'Brien's website. I felt comfortable with the first call. They're very good and professional people."
Larry Buckley
"I recently had the pleasure of watching John O'Brien masterfully try a difficult personal injury case to a jury in Butte County. John represented a man who sustained a lumbar disc injury in a car accident."
Naomi M.
"As I reflect back on the events of the past three years, I see what a huge part you have played in our lives and I am so grateful."
Shaina H.
"You and your staff made this process go very smoothly. Also, you went above and beyond and exceeded all expectations. I will definitely contact you for any future mishaps."
Joan & Bob
"Just a note to say "thank you," you made us (finally) feel like we were important! Thanks again for all of your time and efforts. Please tell Kathy and Brenda the same!"
R. HUNTER
"If you suffer an injury resulting from any accident that may be the fault of someone else, I highly recommend you contact John O'Brien to represent you."
DANNY
"All we wanted after our car accident was to go back to normal. Mr. O'Brien understood and offered attentive and compassionate support. They presented our options but never pressured us."
JOYCE K.
"We are grateful to Mr. Zehnder for solving our personal injury case. We were impressed by his personal care, patience, and dedication. We regret not having contacted Mr. Zehnder from the beginning."
BRIAN
"No other lawyer returned my calls before. Mr. O'Brien was always available, that is why I felt he cares about me and my case. Also, it was obvious that he has plenty of experience."
CARRIE
"Mr. O'Brien treated my case better than I imagined it was possible. Owing to his diligence and professionalism we settled rapidly. Also, the compensation received was more than I expected. Thank you!"
PAUL S.
"The O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm was recommended to me by a friend after I was involved in a car accident. Their patience, consideration, and readiness to explain the process impressed me. "
JERRY
"Mr. O'Brien's reliable and trustworthy services were more than I could have hoped for. The settlement he obtained for my accident was beyond expectations. My family and I greatly appreciate your help!"
RICHARD
"Exercising my legal rights to sue, I didn't know what to expect. I am grateful to Mr. O'Brien for always being available and making it an easy process. I will definitely choose him again."
JEREMY
"I needed hospitalization after being injured on a work site. I made the right decision by contacting the law firm of John M. O’Brien, as he was helpful and considerate. "
CRISTOPHER
"My daughter was seriously injured by a car while walking across the crosswalk. We are grateful for the aggressive fight John O'Brien put up, helping us obtain higher compensation."
ROBERT
"Owing to Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Zehnder's professional representation, I'm riding my motorcycle again after almost a year of recovery. I am very thankful I chose Mr. O'Brien."
KHAILA R.
"The O'Brien & Zehnder Law Firm expertly negotiated my car accident while I concentrated completely on health recovery. I wholeheartedly appreciate everything they have done for me."
CAROLYN S.
"After being inefficiently represented, we were relieved to find a professional, versed, and friendly attorney. John M. O'Brien made sure that in our settlement we obtained the money deserved. "
JERRY R.
"I lost my father because of a drunk driving accident. It was a difficult period, but John O'Brien and his colleague Grant Zehnder helped me obtain justice, closure, and compensation. Thank you!"
CRISTINA O.
"I was stunned after a distracted driver rear-ended me. Thankfully, John O'Brien and his team worked efficiently and tirelessly, helping me cover the piling medical bills."
ROBERT H.
"My wife suffered injuries in a car crash. Mr. O'Brien and Mr. Zehnder's skilled courtroom presentation and remarkable negotiation skills overturned adverse circumstances. We recommend Mr. O'Brien."