J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr., Business Attorney in Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, VA
Trusted business attorney serving Richmond.
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Quick answer
J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr. is an attorney based in Richmond, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Business.
- Based in
- Richmond, VIRGINIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business
- Handles Business matters from Richmond, VIRGINIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026).
About J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.: J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr. is an attorney based in Richmond, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Business.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.
J. concentrates on business. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Richmond, Virginia
J. takes business matters in Richmond, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Biography
About J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr. — Attorney of Virginia business experience
J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr. is an attorney based in Richmond, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Business.
For more than 30 years, Tom, who serves as head of Spotts Fain's Corporate and Business Transactions Practice, has represented clients in corporate and LLC governance matters. He serves as outside general counsel to many of the firm's clients in addition to representing them in commercial and business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions of closely held businesses. Tom frequently counsels businesses in entity formation and exit strategy planning.
J.'s approach to business cases
For more than 30 years, Tom, who serves as head of Spotts Fain's Corporate and Business Transactions Practice, has represented clients in corporate and LLC governance matters. He serves as outside general counsel to many of the firm's clients in addition to representing them in commercial and business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions of closely held businesses. Tom frequently…
Clients J. works with
J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.'s legal education and bar admissions
University of Richmond
J.D. · 1986
Jurisdictions
J.'s state bar admissions
Virginia, Virginia S
ACTIVE
J. studied at J.D. in University of Richmond.
Law school and academic background
J. completed J.D. in University of Richmond. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.
J. has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Virginia Lawyers Weekly
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Go To Lawyer for Business Transactions, 2024
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Virginia Lawyers Weekly (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Go To Lawyer for Business Transactions, 2024 (2026).
Locations
J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.'s office in Richmond
J.'s primary office is at 411 East Franklin Street, Suite 600, Richmond, Virginia, 23219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.
J. 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'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; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Richmond, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 J.
J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J. Thomas "Tom" O'Brien, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire J. for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple business 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. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Richmond?
J. is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. 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 J.?
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. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new business clients right now?
J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia
J. handles business matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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