Terence G. O’Brien, Jr.

Shareholder

Overview

Terence G. O’Brien, Jr. is a shareholder attorney with Dougherty, Molenda, Solfest, Hills & Bauer P.A. His practice focuses on family law, criminal prosecution, and civil litigation. Terry has more than 25 years of experience representing clients in complex and contested matters at both the trial and appellate levels.

Before joining Dougherty Molenda, Terry practiced in Saint Paul, focusing on general civil litigation, family law, and criminal defense. He has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation across a broad range of matters. His experience includes case strategy, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial work, and appeals.

Terry has argued and handled cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. He earned his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, where he was a Rosalie E. Wahl Moot Court Competition Winner, and his B.A. in English Literature from Washington & Lee University.

Practices

  • Family law cases, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, prenuptial agreements and adoption, can be extremely complex and emotionally charged. The decisions you make in your family law case can affect you for the rest of your life. An experienced family law attorney can make this difficult process much easier to bear, helping you make sound, informed decisions about these critical legal matters.

    Learn More About Our Family Law Practice

  • Navigating the complexities of divorce can profoundly impact your life, which is why having a skilled attorney is crucial. Our firm guides clients through both uncontested and high-conflict divorces. We focus on protecting your rights and ensuring a stable, financially secure future. Whether negotiating amicable resolutions or advocating in court, our team is committed to providing strategic legal guidance and aggressive representation.

    Learn More About Our Divorce Practice

  • Our experienced child custody lawyers are manage both physical and legal custody matters, guided by the "best interests of the child" standard. Whether establishing initial custody arrangements or navigating modifications due to changes like relocation or the evolving needs of your child, we are committed to providing strategic and compassionate legal support.

    Learn More About Our Child Custody and Child Support Practices

  • In the wake of a divorce, the financial transition from one household to two can be challenging, especially for a spouse who wasn't the primary wage earner. Our attorneys handle all aspects of spousal maintenance (alimony), including permanent, temporary, lump sum, and non-modifiable agreements. We provide knowledgeable legal guidance and strong advocacy to ensure your rights are protected and your financial future is secured, whether you're establishing, modifying, or contesting spousal maintenance.

    Learn More About Our Spousal Maintenance Practice

  • Several of our attorneys provide representation to municipalities throughout the South Metro area of the Twin Cities. For more information, please visit our municipal law page.

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  • The litigation attorneys at DMSHB handle large and small disputes for individuals and for commercial clients of varying sizes. Our litigation attorneys have been successful in obtaining favorable results for clients at both the trial and appellate levels.

    Learn More About Our Litigation Practice

Credentials

  • William Mitchell College of Law

    J.D.

    Washington & Lee University

    B.A.

  • Rosalie E. Wahl Moot Court Competition Winner at William Mitchell College of Law

  • Minnesota

  • Minnesota State Bar Association

  • Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce

    Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Representative Cases and Appeals

  • Butler v. City of St. Paul, (Minn. 2019)(election law matter regarding citizen-circulated initiative petition)

  • Red Wing Port Authority v. Osemi, Inc., 2012 WL 1914128 (Minn. App. 2012)(real estate acquisition matter)

  • Derohan v. Derohan, 2007 WL 4564095 (Minn. App. 2007)(spousal maintenance matter)

  • Eischen Cabinet Co. v. New Tradition Homes, (Minn. App. 2006)(mechanic’s lien matter)

  • Kimmel v. Township of Ravenna, 2005 WL 3372716(Minn. App. 2005)(conditional use permit matter)

  • Eischen Cabinet Co. v. Hildebrandt, 683 N.W.2d 813 (Minn. 2004)(mechanic’s lien matter)

  • Bohn d/b/a Old Mill Pawn v. City of Hastings, 2002 WL 173148 (Minn. App. 2002)(pawnbroker license revocation matter)

  • Mondry v. City of South St. Paul, 2002 WL 554360 (Minn. App. 2002)(personal injury and trespass matter)

  • Shephard of the Valley Lutheran Church of Hastings v. Hope Lutheran Church of Hastings, 2002 WL 1275674 (Minn. App. 2002)(breach of fiduciary duty regarding non-profit)

  • Wilkus v. Haiar, 2001 WL 1530651(Minn. App. 2001)(equitable mortgage on real estate matter.

  • Lovejoy v. County of Dakota, (Minn. App. 2000)(inverse condemnation matter)

  • Engelson v. Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, 362 F.3d 525 (8th Cir. 2004)(diversity action regarding personal injury matter)