Kellen O’Brien

Kellen O’Brien is a Milwaukee family law attorney with Peckerman, Klein & Van Kirk who has practiced family law since 2018. He works closely with clients to understand their goals and tailor legal strategy to their needs. His practice is grounded in direct communication, careful case preparation, and practical advice. His prior judicial clerkships provide useful perspective on how family law matters move through Wisconsin trial and appellate courts.

Kellen earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2014 after receiving a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. He was selected twice for the Dean’s List and received the Most Outstanding Note award from his law school journal. His academic experience supports legal research, writing, and analysis in family law matters, where financial issues, parenting concerns, court procedure, and long-term personal consequences frequently intersect.

Kellen clerked for a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge and a Wisconsin Court of Appeals judge before entering private practice. Those clerkships gave him experience observing judicial decision-making and court procedure at both trial and appellate levels. He draws on that perspective when evaluating family law disputes, preparing legal arguments, and helping clients understand how contested issues can move through the court system. His work focuses on aligning legal strategy with each client’s stated objectives.

Kellen O’Brien is a member of the Milwaukee Bar Association and the Society of Family Lawyers. His background combines family law practice with judicial clerkship experience and strong legal writing training. He helps clients address significant family disputes through organized case preparation, realistic advice, and strategies tailored to their priorities. His experience with trial and appellate courts supports clear explanations of court procedure, legal options, and the considerations that shape informed decisions during family law matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Peckerman, Klein & Van Kirk, LLP
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Member, Milwaukee Bar Association
• Member, Society of Family Lawyers

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• University of Colorado Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges