Michelle N. O'Brien
Recognized since 2006
Boston, Massachusetts
Practice Areas
Environmental Law
Litigation - Environmental
Michelle O'Brien handles environmental and land use permitting and related litigation for various types of developments including residential homes, commercial buildings, waterfront properties, wind turbines, and solid waste facilities. She defends companies in environmental enforcement matters at the federal, state, and local levels. She represents private parties in cost recovery and property damage claims involving releases of oil and hazardous materials, and assists clients with real estate transactions involving contaminated properties.
Contact & Links
- E-mail: mobrien@pierceatwood.com
- Direct Phone Number: 617-488-8100
- Phone Number: 617-488-8100
- Lawyer Page: https://www.pierceatwood.com/attorney-michelle-obrien
Location
- 100 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
Education
- Suffolk University, J.D., cum laude, graduated 1990
- Lesley University, B.S. Ed., magna cum laude, graduated 1982
Bar Admissions
- United States, Massachusetts
- United States, Maine
Affiliations
- Boston Bar Association - Former Council Member
- Boston Bar Association - Former Co-chair, Environmental Sustainability Task Force
- CREW Boston (formerly known as New England Women in Real Estate) - Member
- Environmental Business Council - Site Remediation and Redevelopment Committee
- Environmental Business Council of New England - Member, Board of Directors (2016)
- Lesley University Alumni Association - Two-term President
- Lesley University Board of Trustees and Alumni Council - Member
- Licensed Site Professional Association - Associate Member
- Massachusetts Chapter, Society for Women Environmental Professionals - Founding member
- MassDEP Waste Site Cleanup Advisory Committee - Member
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
State Clerkships
- Massachusetts - Trial Courts
Pierce Atwood LLP
Headquarters:
Portland, Maine
64 The Best Lawyers in America® awards
14 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards
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Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
- Environmental Law
- Litigation - Environmental
Special Focus:
- Administrative/Regulatory
- Enforcement Defense
- Environmental Permitting
- Land Use and Zoning
- Litigation
- RCRA/Hazardous Waste
- Solid Waste
- Superfunds/Environmental Remediation
- Waste
- Wetlands
Awards:
- Recognized as a "Massachusetts Super Lawyer" in environmental law (2006–present).
- Recognized by Chambers USA for environmental law (2007-present).
- Included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers (2011-present).
- Named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2015 "Top Women of Law" List.
- LSP Association Member Award for contributions to the practice (2007).
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
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