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Robert P. O'Brien has over four decades of experience focused upon the defense of claims in commercial litigation, including defending maritime claims, inland marine claims, non-maritime trucking industry claims, as well as claims involving commercial contract disputes.

As Chairman of the firm's Litigation Department, Robert's practice is focused upon the defense of claims in commercial litigation. He has had extensive experience in defending maritime claims (including cargo damage, collision, personal injury, and death), inland marine claims, non-maritime trucking industry claims (including cargo damage, personal injury, death and coverage issues), claims involving warehousemen, freight forwarders, transportation brokers and terminal operators, as well as claims involving commercial contract disputes.

Robert has served on the firm's Management Committee. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, the Baltimore City Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute and the DRI Trucking Law Committee. Robert has been a proctor member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States since 1981 and he is currently a member of the MLA's Maritime Torts and Casualties Committee. Robert has also served as an Assistant Editor of American Maritime Cases since 1981

Robert was recognized by Maryland Super Lawyers as a top attorney in Transportation, Maritime and Admiralty Law from 2008-2010, and 2012-present. He has also been peer-selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® in areas of Admiralty & Maritime Law since 2010.

Bar Admissions

  • Maryland

Education

  • J.D., with Honors, University of Maryland School of Law, 1977
    • Law Review: Notes and Comments Editor, Maryland Law Review, 1975-1977
  • B.A. in Philosophy, The John Hopkins University, 1973

Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • Baltimore City Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute DRI Trucking Law Committee
  • proctor member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States
  • MLA's Maritime Torts and Casualties Committee
  • Assistant Editor of American Maritime Cases
  • Maryland Super Lawyers, Transportation, Maritime and Admiralty Law from 2008-2010, and 2012-present
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Admiralty & Maritime Law since 2010
  • Admiralty Jurisdiction Over Pleasure Craft Torts, 36 Maryland Review
  • Admiralty-Division of Property Damage, 35 Maryland Review