Bernard F. O’Brien
Bernie’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Guelph and thereafter he received a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Windsor Law School. While at Windsor, Bernie was the recipient of a number of awards, including the Harold G. Fox Foundation Award for placing second in the first-year class. As a second-year law student, he received the McTague Law Prize and the Harold G. Fox Award for a second time for placing first in the second-year class.
Upon graduation, Bernie was awarded the Robert H. Wilson Award for placing first in his graduating class and, at Convocation, received the Board of Governors Gold Medal from the Chancellor of the University of Windsor.
In his first year of practice, he undertook four criminal jury trials, including the successful defence of his first of many murder cases.
After four years of private practice, Bernie decided to return to the academic environment and was accepted at Harvard Law School at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts where he was awarded a Masters of Law (LL.M.), with distinction.
Bernie then continued the private practice of law in Vancouver, Canada with a large international law firm and at the same time taught as an adjunct Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law, University of British Columbia.
Eventually returning to Ontario, Bernie was the original founder of his current law firm with a distinct commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction, which has sustained the firm for more than 40 years.
During that time, Bernie has conducted dozens of homicide trials as senior counsel, as well as hundreds of serious criminal cases both with juries and otherwise, including appeals to the Ontario Court of Appeal.
He has also undertaken major civil litigation trials including serious personal injury, corporate malfeasance, etc.
Bernie has acted as appointed counsel for police and other interests on a number of Commissions of Inquiry, both Provincial and Federal, including the Kaufman Commission (re: Guy Paul Morin), O’Connor Inquiry (re: Maher Arar) and the Iacobucci Inquiry (re: E-Maati et al).
Bernie is a past Director of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario, and a past President of the Durham Region Law Association. He has been an active member of the faculty for a variety of continuing legal education series sponsored by the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, the Law Society of Ontario, and the Canadian Bar Association.
As one of the leading trial lawyers in Ontario, Bernie has received the highest rating possible (AV) from Martindale Hubbell, the world’s most trusted legal resource, as recognized by his peers for excellence in both legal ability and ethical practice. (https://www.martindale.com/attorney/bernard-f-o-brien-1319142/)
Away from the Courthouse, Bernie is committed to his family, children, and grandchildren and can occasionally be found on his farm tractor or checking in on the golf course that he helped design and build several years ago.
Spontaneously, you might also find Bernie at a Formula 1 car race, anywhere in the world, as an avid spectator.
To schedule a consultation with Bernie, please email Megan at mgraichen@oshawalaw.com.