Overview

Sean O'Brien focuses his practice on employment discrimination, harassment, and leave and accommodation matters. He represents employers in both federal and state courts for both trial and appellate issues and in administrative proceedings. While trials and hearing may be necessary, Sean assists in assessing whether alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, may be a viable path for an efficient resolution.

In his practice, Sean assisted in obtaining a dismissal of a plaintiff’s $2,500,000 claim against a large national staffing agency. He also obtained a dismissal of an action against a large national supply company brought by a creditor of a former employee seeking payment of the judgment taken against the former employee. Outside of court, he assisted in advice related to incentive bonuses and protected leave requirements and represented multiple employers in mediation and administrative proceedings.

Prior to joining Littler, Sean was a litigation attorney at a Memphis law firm where he focused on construction and consumer protection litigation. He was first chair in approximately 10 bench trials in state court, obtained favorable rulings on motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, and for injunctive relief, and obtained remands in two interlocutory appeals without full appellate briefing.

During law school, Sean was the symposium editor for The University of Memphis Law Review. He externed for a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and clerked for the Tennessee Attorney General and the Shelby County Attorney's office. His student note, The Highly Sensitive Person’s Redress for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Utilizing Experts in the Court Room, was published and awarded Best Student Note, Runner Up in 2019.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

Tennessee Bar Association

Member

Memphis Bar Association

Member

National LGBTQ+ Bar Association

Recognition

Recipient, Humphreys Fellowship

University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

2018-2019

Recipient, Excellence for the Future Award in Consumer Law

University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

2018

Recipient, Meek Leadership Award

University of Tennessee at Martin

2016

News, Analysis & Press

Artificial Intelligence and Real Risk Avoidance: The Interplay Between the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Use of Software, Algorithms, and Artificial Intelligence

ACC Tennessee Chapter Newsletter

Q3 2022

Note, The Highly Sensitive Person’s Redress for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Utilizing Experts in the Court Room

49 U. Mem. L. Rev. 533

2019

Education

  • J.D., University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, 2019cum laude
  • B.S., University of Tennessee at Martin, 2016cum laude

Bar Admission

Tennessee
Arkansas

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee