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.