Gregory O'Brien

Gregory E. O’Brien is a shareholder in Cavitch’s litigation group and the chair of its Insurance Law Committee. He has extensive trial experience in the defense of complex business, tort, and insurance disputes in both state and federal court. He is an accomplished appellate practitioner who has briefed and argued over 100 cases to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court, and numerous intermediate Ohio appellate courts. Greg’s clients value his ability to provide prompt, early and insightful evaluation coupled with practical and efficient resolution strategies in complex litigation and business matters of all kinds.

Greg is one of only a handful of Ohio lawyers certified as a Specialist in Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Law. He has extensive experience in all aspects of insurance law, including: examinations under oath; coverage opinions; reservations of rights and denials; and, litigating tort, breach of contract, declaratory judgment, bad faith, and other coverage disputes. Greg has extensive experience litigating claims under property, general liability, auto and other policies. Greg has tried cases arising out of premises claims, fires, thefts, auto and UM/UIM claims under both business and personal lines in cases asserting property damage, bodily injury/wrongful death, business losses, and bad faith.

Greg is an active member in numerous professional organizations, including: The Cleveland Metro Bar Association (Appellate Courts Committee, Chair 2003 – 2005; Insurance Law Section, Chair 2014-2015); the Ohio Bar Association (Appellate Courts Committee, 2004 – present; Appellate Law Specialty Board, Chair 2006-2015; Insurance Law Specialty Board, 2014 – present); Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (“OACTA”), (President, 2008; Board of Trustees, 1998 -2009; Awards Committee, Chair 2013 – present; Amicus Curiae Committee, Chair 2003 to 2005; Program Committee, Chair 1999 – 2000; Quarterly Review, Editor-in-Chief 1997 to 2002); Cleveland Association of Civil Trial Attorneys (1986 – present); Defense Research Institute (“DRI”) (State Representative for Ohio, 2010-2013).

Greg is a frequent author and lecturer on topics related to his practice, and he has been awarded numerous honors throughout his career, including: Life Delegate to the Judicial Conference, Eighth District Court of Appeals (2007 – present); Martindale Hubbell, A/V Rating (2002 – present); Ohio Super Lawyer (Appellate Practice, 2004-2006; Civil Litigation Defense, 2009 – present); OACTA Distinguished Service Award (1999, 2001, 2005, and 2006); OACTA President’s Award (2008); OACTA Frank Seth Hurd Member of the Year Award (2016); DRI Exceptional Performance Citation (2007, 2008, and 2013); and, DRI State Leadership Award (2013).

Greg is very involved in the community through organizations such as the St. Ignatius High School Father’s Club (President, 2009-2010); St. Ignatius High School Crew Parents’ Steering Committee (Treasurer, 2010-2012); Cleveland Rowing Foundation: Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta (Parking Committee, Chair 2011-2012); Rocky River Buc’s Baseball (Coach, 2011-2015); Rocky River Youth Hockey Association (Board of Trustees, 2005-present; Advisory Council, 2002-2004); St. Christopher’s CYO Athletics (Baseball Coach, 2012-2015; Basketball Coach, 2011-2013); Rocky River Little League (Coach, 2001-2002, 2004-2008, 2010); Rocky River Rec. Dept. T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball (Coach, 1998- 2004, 2007-2009); Rocky River Rec. Dept. Pony League Baseball (Coach, 2008, 2009); Rocky River Rec. Dept. Boys Basketball (Coach, 2009).

In 1986, Greg received his law degree from The Ohio State University College of Law and in 1983 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration (cum laude) from Walsh College. Greg also successfully completed the course of study at the International Association of Defense Counsel’s Trial Academy in 1995.