Carrie L. O'Brien

Carrie L. O'Brien, Education Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Education, Employment, and Government

MemberatGust Rosenfeld P.L.C.

Phoenix, AZ

Practicing education in Phoenix since 2004.

22+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Carrie L. O'Brien is a member based in Phoenix, AZ. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Government. Carrie has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C..

Based in
Phoenix, AZ
Experience
over 22 years
Known for
Education · Employment · Government
  • Handles Education, Employment, and Government matters from Phoenix, AZ.
  • Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Carrie L. O'Brien: Carrie L. O'Brien is a member based in Phoenix, AZ. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Government. Carrie has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C..

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Carrie L. O'Brien

Carrie concentrates on education, employment, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Carrie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Education cases in Phoenix, Arizona

Carrie takes education matters in Phoenix, Arizona. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carrie agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Phoenix, Arizona

Carrie takes employment matters in Phoenix, Arizona. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carrie agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Phoenix, Arizona

Carrie takes government matters in Phoenix, Arizona. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Carrie agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Carrie L. O'Brien — Over 22 years of Arizona education experience

Carrie L. O'Brien is a member based in Phoenix, AZ. The practice focuses on Education, Employment, and Government. Carrie has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C..

Carrie concentrates her practice on education law and employment law. She represents schools, school districts, and other educational organizations in all types of legal matters, including data privacy, finance issues, compliance reviews, intergovernmental agreements, Public Records Requests, Open Meeting Law compliance, and civil rights matters. She advises both public entities and private sector clients on various employment issues and challenges, including personnel issues and employment agreements.

Carrie has substantial experience in the education law area. Prior to joining Gust Rosenfeld, she was the Chief Privacy Officer and Director of Legal Services for the Arizona Department of Education from 2012 to 2016. Carrie was an Assistant Attorney General at the Arizona Office of the Attorney General for six years where she represented the Arizona Department of Education.

While at the Arizona Department of Education, Carrie overhauled the handling of confidential student and teacher data and developed data protection agreements with partner agencies. She is a frequent speaker on topics related to data privacy and public records in schools.

Legal Updates & Firm News

Apr 28, 2026 - General

Arizona Public Entities Not Bound by Time Restriction of A.R.S. 12-821 When Acting as Plaintiffs

Jan 10, 2025 - Legal Alerts

2024 Title IX Rules Blocked

Presentations & Publications

“FERPA vs HIPAA Rules in the School Setting,” Arizona Nurses Association Annual Convention (October 2022)

Community Involvement

•Biltmore Preparatory Academy Parent Teacher Organization (former Co-President, 2016-17 school year)

Professional Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America - Education Law(2026)

How Carrie handles education matters

Carrie concentrates her practice on education law and employment law. She represents schools, school districts, and other educational organizations in all types of legal matters, including data privacy, finance issues, compliance reviews, intergovernmental agreements, Public Records Requests, Open Meeting Law compliance, and civil rights matters. She advises both public entities and private…

Who Carrie represents

Carrie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for education, employment, and government matters in Phoenix and the surrounding Arizona area.

Credentials

Carrie L. O'Brien's legal education and bar admissions

  • Arizona State University College of Law

    J.D. · 2004

  • University of Notre Dame

    B.A. University · 1997

Jurisdictions

Carrie's state bar admissions

  • Arizona

    2004 · ACTIVE

Carrie studied at J.D. in Arizona State University College of Law and B.A. University in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

Carrie completed J.D. in Arizona State University College of Law and B.A. University in University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Carrie runs in Arizona is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Carrie's professional memberships and bar associations

  • PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS State Bar of Arizona Notre Dame Club of Phoenix

    former Board Member · membership

Locations

Carrie L. O'Brien's office in Phoenix

Carrie's primary office is at One E. Washington Street, Suite 1600, Phoenix, AZ, 85004-2553. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gust Rosenfeld P.L.C.

One E. Washington Street, Suite 1600

Phoenix, AZ 85004-2553

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Carrie L. O'Brien

Carrie has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Carrie L. O'Brien — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new education attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Carrie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Carrie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carrie's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Carrie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a education attorney in Phoenix, Arizona

A short list to run through before you commit: How many education matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Carrie

Carrie discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in education practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every education matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Carrie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Carrie's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many education practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Carrie L. O'Brien

  • How much does it cost to hire Carrie for a education case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Carrie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Carrie offer a free consultation?

    Carrie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Carrie's office. Some education attorneys offer free consults — check Carrie's current terms during booking.

  • How long do education cases in Arizona typically take?

    Simple education matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Carrie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Carrie take my case if I'm outside Phoenix?

    Carrie is licensed in Arizona. Matters governed by Arizona law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Carrie will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Carrie?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Carrie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Carrie accepting new education clients right now?

    Carrie's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Education attorneys serving Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale in Arizona

Carrie handles education matters throughout Arizona. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified education attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Carrie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these education attorneys in Phoenix handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.