Michelle N. OBrien

Environmental Law

4.0 (1 reviews)

Boston, Massachusetts

35+ years experience

Pierce Atwood LLP

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

617-488-8100

https://www.pierceatwood.com/attorney-michelle-obrien

100 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110

Create an account to contact this attorney

Claim this profile

Are you this attorney? Claim or manage this listing by signing in or creating an attorney account.

Attorney Login Claim Profile

Bio

Michelle O'Brien handles environmental and land use permitting and related litigation for various types of developments including residential homes, commercial buildings, waterfront properties, wind turbines, and solid waste facilities. She defends companies in environmental enforcement matters at the federal, state, and local levels. She represents private parties in cost recovery and property damage claims involving releases of oil and hazardous materials, and assists clients with real estate transactions involving contaminated properties.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

Massachusetts

State Capital

Boston

Highest Court

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Bar Association

Massachusetts Bar Association

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Environmental Law

Awards & Recognition

Recognized: Environmental Law
Recognized: Litigation - Environmental
Practice Area: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Special Focus: Administrative/Regulatory
Special Focus: Enforcement Defense
Special Focus: Environmental Permitting
Special Focus: Land Use and Zoning
Special Focus: Litigation
Special Focus: RCRA/Hazardous Waste
Special Focus: Solid Waste
Special Focus: Superfunds/Environmental Remediation
Special Focus: Waste
Special Focus: Wetlands
Recognized as a "Massachusetts Super Lawyer" in environmental law (2006–present).
Recognized by Chambers USA for environmental law (2007-present).
Included in the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers (2011-present).
Named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2015 "Top Women of Law" List.
LSP Association Member Award for contributions to the practice (2007).

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006

Education

Suffolk University, J.D., cum laude, graduated 1990
Lesley University, B.S. Ed., magna cum laude, graduated 1982

Get Directions on Google Maps

Reviews

Gregory Cooper

3 months ago

Expert guidance on a complex waterfront development

Michelle O'Brien provided exceptional counsel on the environmental permitting for our waterfront property in Boston. Her 35 years of experience, particularly in land use and zoning, were immediately evident. She navigated complex regulations with authority, and her litigation background gave us great confidence. The process was smooth, though communication occasionally had brief delays during peak periods. Her recognition in environmental law is well-deserved. We achieved a favorable outcome and would recommend her expertise for any sophisticated development project.