Daniel E. O’Brien

Daniel E. O’Brien is a Chicago-based trial lawyer known for representing people harmed by serious negligence and unsafe products. His work centers on complex injury claims involving medical errors, vehicle crashes, construction incidents, and premises failures. He focuses on careful case preparation and courtroom advocacy for injured clients across the state.

Daniel earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, receiving a B.A. Economics/Pre-Law, 1987. He later completed his legal education at The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois, where he obtained a J.D. in 1992, building a foundation for litigation practice and client advocacy with strong analytical training.

Daniel began his legal career in private practice, gaining early trial experience by handling demanding injury matters. He tried and resolved cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability, developing skill in evidence review, witness preparation, and persuasive courtroom presentation across varied fact patterns in high-stakes civil disputes.

Daniel has received peer recognition for his work, including Illinois Super Lawyers honors in 2006, 2008 – Present, as well as Daniel Super Lawyers 15 Years and Daniel Super Lawyers 2025. He also holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rating, reflecting high professional standards and ethical practice consistently from peers nationwide.

Daniel is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois in 1992 and the Northern District of Illinois in 1992. He has successfully argued before the Illinois Appellate Court, demonstrating command of appellate briefing and oral argument in matters affecting injured individuals and disputed liability issues on client appeals.

Daniel E. O’Brien remains active in professional organizations, including the Illinois State Bar Association, 1992 – Present, with service on the Civil Practice Committee, 2010 – 2012, and the Bench and Bar Committee, 2012 – Present. He has also served the Northwest Suburban Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association, supporting legal standards and education.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Winters Salzetta O’Brien & Richardson, LLC
• Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, Northwest Suburban Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois
• New York

Education

• The John Marshall Law School, Chicago
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Illinois
  BA in Economics

Awards & Badges