Mary Ellen O'Brien focuses her practice on appellate advocacy in New York and Federal appeals courts.  She has extensive experience and true understanding of appellate court procedure and the appellate process in a wide array of practice areas.  Ms. O'Brien has successfully represented clients, whether as an appellant or respondent, arguing appeals in the First, Second, Third and Fourth Judicial Departments as well as the Second Circuit, Court of Appeals.  

Ms. O'Brien is resource for her clients - an old fashioned "Lawman [person]."  She provides assistance to litigation counsel, analyzing complex liability issues and preparing dispositive motions.  She analyzes evidentiary trial issues during the trial process.  She prepares motions in limine and post trial motions.  She analyzes the merits of the issues that can be raised on appeal, presenting an objective perspective to the decision to take and perfect an appeal.  

A graduate of St. John's University School of Law and former Second Judicial Department court attorney, Ms. O'Brien has authored articles on appellate law for the New York State Bar Association.  See, Patrick Higgins, Editor, The Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Action in New York State, Chapter - Appellate Practice in New York Courts.  
    
In addition, Ms. O'Brien has also conducted Continuing Legal Education Seminars in Appellate Practice for New York County Lawyers’ Associations.

Ms. O'Brien also maintains membership in several Bar Associations, including the New York State Bar Association, Women's Bar Association, Nassau County Bar Association and the New York County Lawyers Association.  Ms. O'Brien presently serves as president of St. John's University School of Law Nassau County Alumni Chapter.

Before joining the legal profession, Ms. O'Brien, a former Peace Corps Volunteer, had a long career in the financial industry as an investment analyst and portfolio manager for premier Wall Street Investment Banks.