Michael O'Brien

Practice Areas

Mike O'Brien is the go-to attorney for clients faced with urgent labor and employment issues. His reputation is built on being responsive to his clients' needs while helping them creatively navigate their thorniest problems.

Mike has extensive experience in matters related to collective bargaining (blue-collar and white-collar), union organizing, labor arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and general labor-management relations. He also leads internal workplace investigations, counsels on crisis management, and trains on discrimination avoidance and other HR matters. Mike's clients range from the largest Fortune 50 companies to utilities, Alaska Native Corporations, and regional and local businesses.

If litigation becomes inevitable, Mike is as comfortable in the courtroom as he is in the boardroom. He has been fiercely litigating on behalf of clients for over two decades, with more than 60 jury trials and frequent appearances before the NLRB, the EEOC, ASCHR, the U.S. Department of Education, and other federal and state administrative agencies.

Mike exemplifies DWT's commitment to pro bono legal assistance, with a long track record of representing domestic violence victims, especially those whose citizenship, sexual orientation, or income make them particularly prone to exploitation or abuse.

Professional Memberships

Alaska Bar Association, Employment Law Section, 2011-present

Federal Bar Association, Alaska Chapter: President, 2021-2023; Executive Committee, 2020-2023

Fairbanks Northstar Borough School Board: Vice President, 2016-2017; Elected Member, 2014 -2017

Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks: President, 2009-2011; Board Member, 2008-2012; Coach, 2010-present

Eagle Scout