Founded over 25 years ago by three prominent litigation attorneys from a major Philadelphia law firm, Conrad O'Brien Gellman & Rohn has established itself as one of the leading litigation practices in Pennsylvania and around the country. Attorneys at Conrad O'Brien understand what it takes to succeed because the entire firm is dedicated to one purpose: providing first-rate litigation services to the country's leading businesses. The firm achieves that mission by drawing on the extraordinary credentials and experience of its lawyers.
Widely recognized for their skills as trial lawyers, one-quarter of the firm's shareholders are Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers. The firm's roster includes the Chief Judge Emeritus of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; the former U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; faculty members of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy; two former presidents of the Philadelphia Association of Defense Lawyers; a former Chief Assistant Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia; four shareholders are selected in The Best Lawyers in America; and numerous lawyers with decades of combined experience in some of the largest law firms in the country.
The firm's clients range from Fortune 500 companies to new entrepreneurial businesses, who value Conrad O'Brien's cost-effective litigation and dedication to client interests.
Recent Honors Include
Chambers USA 2008 Recognizes Conrad O’Brien as One of the Top Ranked Litigation Firms in Pennsylvania; Individual Attorneys in Top Ranks
Conrad O’Brien is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again selected the firm as among the top ranked general commercial litigation firms in Pennsylvania. Below are excerpts about the firm and individual attorneys from the 2008 Chambers Ranking:
The Firm: "An excellent midsized firm with top-tier partners,” this 40-lawyer group continues to make its mark in sophisticated commercial litigation. Legal malpractice and white-collar crime are particular strengths of the department, which despite its size, does a “fabulous job producing top-quality work” and is “really creative in resolving significant cases.” Its clients among national and international corporations, particularly in the pharmaceutical and technology fields, agree that they “could not be happier with the service.”
Chambers cited as a recent highlight the firm’s representation of IBM in a dispute between IBM and a potential sub-contractor relating to a Department of Defense contract.
The Lawyers: “A highly respected litigator who is one of the state’s finest,” senior statesman Bill O’Brien brings considerable expertise to his work in a variety of commercial litigation including class actions, antitrust matters and products liability litigation. According to market feedback, “he is an impressive and talented attorney whose reputation precedes him.” Peers and clients were full of adoration for “top-flight attorney” Nancy Gellman, “who is as conscientious and effective as they come” and a “real asset to the firm.” Over and above her work in commercial litigation, she is carving out a name for herself in environmental cases where she brings “a common-sense approach to issues.” She continues to represent Rohm and Haas in environmental litigation. The “intelligent and thoughtful” Jim Rohn is praised for his white-collar crime and complex commercial litigation work. “He is meticulous in his presentation and preparation and truly an attorney you can trust,” declared one interviewee; “he is one of the finest lawyers I have ever dealt with.” Howard Klein debuts in the table for his “top-class, responsive work” in commercial litigation with a particular focus on medical malpractice cases. He continues to represent the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Chambers Rankings: Chambers rankings are based on interviews with more than 10,000 lawyers and clients: “The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client. The rankings and editorial comment about attorneys are independent and objective. Inclusion in this section of the guide is based solely on the research team’s findings. No-one can buy their way in.”
The Best Lawyers in America 2008
The Best Lawyers in America 2008 selected William J. O'Brien, Nancy J. Gellman, James J. Rohn, and Howard M. Klein. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. For a quarter century, it has helped lawyers and clients find legal counsel in unfamiliar jurisdictions or unfamiliar specialties. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. In the U.S., Best Lawyers publishes an annual referral guide, The Best Lawyers in America, which includes 29,575 attorneys in 78 specialties, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be included, a listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded within the legal profession as a signal honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. For 25 years, Best Lawyers lists have earned the respect of the profession, the media, and the public, as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals anywhere.
William J. O’Brien
Antitrust Law (Defendants)
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants)
Nancy J. Gellman
Antitrust Law (Defendants)
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Legal Malpractice Law
James J. Rohn
Commercial Litigation
White-Collar Criminal Defense
Howard M. Klein
Mass Tort Litigation
Medical Malpractice Law
Guide to the Leading US Litigation Lawyers 2005
Conrad O'Brien Gellman & Rohn, PC chairman and founding partner William J. O'Brien, and founding partner Nancy J. Gellman are among 26 lawyers in Pennsylvania, and 592 attorneys nationwide, who were recognized in the inaugural edition of Guide to the Leading U.S. Litigation Lawyers. The publication lists attorneys who were nominated by clients and peers in their respective fields. The nomination process included the distribution of 3,000 questionnaires to senior practitioners, clients, peers and the independent research of the Legal Media Group, which has published international guides to individual lawyers since 1994.