Tom O’Brien

Date of admission to the Bar
2014

Background

Tom is a leading commercial junior counsel, university medallist and former High Court associate.

He has a substantial commercial practice and regularly appears, both led and unled, in superior courts and domestic and international arbitrations.

Doyle’s Guide 2026 recognizes Tom as: (i) a “preeminent” Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Junior Counsel in New South Wales; (ii) a “leading” Insolvency and Restructuring Junior Counsel in New South Wales; and (ii) a “leading” Arbitration Barrister in Australia (junior counsel). The Legal 500 (2026) ranks Tom as a “Tier 1” leading junior counsel in Commercial Disputes at the Australian Bar.

A selected list of Tom’s reported appearances is contained in his CV which can be downloaded below.

Tom accepts briefs in all areas, including:

• Appellate practice
• Arbitration
• Class Actions
• Commercial & corporate law
• Equity
• Insolvency & bankruptcy
• Professional liability
• Public & private international law
• Real property

Qualifications
Masters of Laws (Sydney University)
Bachelor of Laws (University Medal) (Macq)
Bachelor of Arts (Macq)