
Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr., Business Attorney in Richmond, Virginia
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Commercial RE, and M&A · 4.2/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
Member
Richmond, VA
Practicing business in Richmond since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 4.2 ★
- 13 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr.?
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Quick answer
Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and M&A. Joseph has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
- Based in
- Richmond, VA
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Business · Commercial RE · M&A
- Handles Business, Commercial RE, and M&A matters from Richmond, VA.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr.: Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and M&A. Joseph has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joseph takes on
Joseph concentrates on business, commercial re, m&a, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Commercial RE
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Business cases in Richmond, Virginia
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Commercial RE cases in Richmond, Virginia
Joseph takes commercial re 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Richmond, Virginia
Joseph takes m&a 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Richmond, Virginia
Joseph takes real estate 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Richmond, Virginia
Joseph takes zoning 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. — business lawyer in Richmond
Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. is a member based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Business, Commercial RE, and M&A. Joseph has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. is a lawyer practicing commercial real estate development, land use litigation, zoning law and 3 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.S. degree from University of Virginia in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Joseph practices at Spotts Fain PC in Richmond, VA.
Working with Joseph on a business matter
Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. is a lawyer practicing commercial real estate development, land use litigation, zoning law and 3 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.S. degree from University of Virginia in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Joseph practices at Spotts Fain PC in Richmond, VA.
Clients Joseph works with
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, commercial re, and m&a matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond
J.D. · 1986
University of Virginia
B.S. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1992 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1986 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond and B.S. in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond and B.S. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
Richmond (Chairman, Section on Real Estate, 1994-1995) and Virginia Bar Associations Virginia State Bar
membership
Locations
Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr.'s office in Richmond
Joseph's primary office is at 411 East Franklin Street, Suite 600, Richmond, VA, 23219. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. — 4.2/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Richmond.
4.2
13 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Thomas 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 Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph 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 Joseph
Joseph 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph'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 Joseph Thomas O'Brien, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph'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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Richmond?
Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new business clients right now?
Joseph'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
Joseph handles business matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





