Michael earned his Juris Doctorate from University of La Verne School of Law in May 1989.  He began his practice in December 1989 after passing the California Bar Exam. Since that date, Michael has been a solo practitioner specializing in the handling of Plaintiff's Personal Injury cases.

He is an active member of the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), involved in protecting the rights of consumers.  Michael was recently honored by the County of Los Angeles Superior Court for his service to the county as a volunteer Arbitrator and
Mediator.

Michael and his dad, Eldon O'Brien, a well know private investigator, and Michael's mentor for the practice of personal injury law, along with other family members are the founders and former publishers of O'Brien's Evaluator and Verdictum Juris which track jury verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases in California.