Keith G. O’Brien is a Partner at Baker and Miller PLLC specializing in transportation law and related environmental and safety issues, including representation of state agencies, rail oriented public authorities, short line railroads, shippers, and other transportation related interests before the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and US Appellate Courts. Mr. O’Brien also provides counsel and advice regarding transactions involving acquisitions of transportation property and development or interpretation of operating agreements.

Mr. O’Brien obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Southern California (BS 1959 and LLB 1962). He began his career with the US Navy as a Judge Advocate serving with the Marine Corps in Okinawa and Vietnam and with the Judge Advocate General in Washington, DC. After completing his active service with the Navy he joined the staff of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1968 concentrating on motor carrier issues and in handling all manner of petitions filed with the agency. In 1970 Mr. O’Brien was selected to serve as an attorney advisor to Chairman George Stafford where he interacted with all the offices of the Commission and advised the Chairman on the broad range of transportation issues and problems that required his attention.

In 1973 Mr. O’Brien became the General Counsel of the Regular Common Carrier Conference of the American Trucking Associations. He was subsequently appointed Executive Director of the Conference. Thereafter, in 1978 Mr. O’Brien joined the Wheeler & Wheeler law firm and subsequently became a partner representing the interests of rail and motor carriers, shippers, unions and public agency clients in matters before the ICC, DOT, and EPA.

In 1989 Mr. O’Brien joined the Washington law firm of Rea, Cross, and Auchincloss as a Partner. His practice included serving as a lead counsel in representing the interest of the State of Ohio, a regional rail carrier, and two other clients in the Conrail Acquisition Proceeding before the STB and the Court of Appeals. He also effectively limited the exposure of a prominent construction company that was designated a potentially responsible party in a super fund proceeding before the EPA.

Mr. O’Brien has been involved in developing complex environmental issues before the STB and has represented motor carrier clients on issues involving certification, training, and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Safety and Hours of Service Regulations and with DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations. His practice also involved providing advice and counsel on legislative matters and participation on behalf of client interests in rulemaking proceedings before the STB.

Mr. O’Brien is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the California Bar (inactive). He served as Chairman of the DC Chapter of the Association for Transportation Law Logistics and Policy for the 1997/1998 term.
 
kobrien@bakerandmiller.com …………………Direct Dial (202) 663-7752