Michael O’Brien

Michael O’Brien has been a dedicated solicitor since his admission in 1987, offering a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet his clients’ diverse needs. With nearly 35 years of experience, Michael has established himself as a formidable advocate, handling matters that span from complex criminal cases to straightforward property transactions. Throughout his career, Michael has been involved in high-profile criminal cases, including the defence of Kathleen Folbigg in relation to the tragic deaths of her children. He also successfully represented Tracy Jones in securing the first home detention sentence in the Upper Hunter for defrauding Merriwa Shire Council of $1.8 million. On the civil side, Michael achieved a significant outcome for his clients in Rosemount Estates Pty Ltd and Iain Gavin Nairn Gidley-Baird v the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and Bengalla Mining Company Pty Ltd, where he proved the initial approval for the Bengalla Mine to be invalid. Having moved to the Hunter Valley from Sydney as a newly admitted solicitor, Michael has made a lasting contribution to the local legal community and beyond. Outside of law, he is passionate about sport, particularly rugby union, where he has served in leadership roles such as secretary and president of the Hunter Valley Zone. He also supports other sports including hockey, netball and soccer. Michael’s legal expertise encompasses conveyancing, with a focus on rural property, estate planning including wills, powers of attorney, enduring guardianship, and estate administration. He is experienced in family provision claims, probate, and family law matters such as divorce and property settlement. This broad skill set enables Michael to provide practical and empathetic legal guidance across a wide range of client needs.