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Emily R. O'Brien

Associate

Overview

Emily O’Brien advises clients across a range of industries throughout all phases of both state and federal litigation. She offers guidance through written and oral advocacy, discovery, motions and trial preparation.

Prior Experience

Before joining the firm, Emily served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Matthew McDermott of the Iowa Supreme Court (2023-24). In that role, she drafted bench memoranda, proofread judicial opinions, and performed extensive research on civil, criminal and attorney disciplinary matters.

In law school, Emily was incredibly active in university organizations and held a number of leadership roles, including senior online editor for the Iowa Law Review, two-term president of the Organization of Women Law Students & Staff (OWLSS), and law student liaison for the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession.

She also worked as a research assistant in the legal analysis, writing, and research department, and competed on the University of Iowa College of Law’s National Mock Trial team.

Personal Interests

Outside of the office, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband, Christian, and their cats, exploring new coffee shops, thrifting, and traveling. She is also an avid reader and collects special edition books.

Related Legal Services

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Iowa

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa

Certifications
Webster University — Certified Paralegal (CP), 2018
Clerkships

Iowa Supreme Court, Hon. Matthew McDermott, 2023-2024

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
J.D. with high honors, Iowa Law Review (senior online editor) (2023)

Webster University
B.A. in Political Science, summa cum laude

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Iowa State Bar Association — Young Lawyers Division; Litigation Section; Litigation Section Council, 2024-present; Public Relations Committee, 2024-present
  • National Association of Women Lawyers — Young Lawyers Affinity Group; Membership Growth & Engagement Committee, 2023-present
  • Polk County Bar Association
  • Polk County Women Attorneys
  • American Bar Association
  • Delta Phi Epsilon International Sorority — Gamma Zeta Chapter, Lead Advisor, 2023-present

Civic Activities

  • Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) — Fundraising Volunteer and Walk-to-Cure Participant, 2012-present
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — Fundraising Volunteer, 2015-present

Honors

  • National Association of Women Lawyers — Outstanding Law Student Award, 2023
  • The University of Iowa College of Law — Boyd Service Award for completing 100+ volunteer hours
  • American College of Trial Lawyers — Medal for Excellence in Advocacy, 2022
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.