Attorney Profiles
Andrew O'Brien
For the past 20 years, Andrew has concentrated his practice in the area of asbestos law. As a trial lawyer, he has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict.
In September 2001, he was cited by the Missouri Bar Foundation for “outstanding trial work” and received the prestigious Lon O. Hocker Award. Read about Andrew O’Brien’s award from the Missouri Bar Foundation. Andrew has also been named to the Judicial Commission for the 22nd Judicial Circuit for the City of St. Louis, Missouri. The commission selects a panel of applicants from which the governor selects a circuit judge.
He is a licensed attorney in Missouri, Illinois, and the Republic of Ireland. A native of Dublin, Andrew graduated from University College Dublin Law School in 1986. He worked with the firm of Gaffney & Halligan from 1986 until 1990, when he moved to the United States. Andrew graduated from the Saint Louis University School of Law and began practicing asbestos law. He founded the O’Brien Law Firm so that he could commit all his energy and resources in the fight to gain compensation for victims of asbestos diseases.
Andrew and his wife, Lori, have two daughters and a son. Andrew is an accomplished fiddle player and has performed professionally.
Chris Thoron
Christopher was born and raised in Central Illinois. He attended nearby Blackburn College, in Carlinville, where he participated in varsity baseball and soccer and graduated as the salutatorian of his class. From Blackburn, he enrolled at Saint Louis University School of Law.
After graduating from SLU Law with a certificate in Labor/Employment Law, Christopher joined a firm in Illinois where he was first introduced to asbestos litigation. Christopher brought his experience and knowledge to the O'Brien Law Firm, where he continues to represent victims of asbestos exposure.
Christopher is licensed in both Missouri and Illinois.
Christina Nielsen
Christina joined the O’Brien Law Firm in 2002 in order to focus solely on helping people who have been harmed by asbestos.
“Many of our clients served in the military and were exposed to asbestos while on navy ships. My father was a Korean war veteran, a purple heart recipient, and served more than 20 years in the military. I understand and appreciate the sacrifices of our military families. I am honored to represent those who have given so much and now are suffering as a result of asbestos exposure.”
Christina brings to the O’Brien Law Firm a varied and distinguished career as a trial attorney representing people in personal injury and product liability cases. She has tried numerous personal injury and product liability cases in state and federal court and has argued cases before the Missouri Courts of Appeal. Christina’s vast litigation experience includes cases involving automobile and motorcycle collisions, defective medical implants, and exposures to toxic substances such as toluene diisocyanate.
As a former adjunct professor of trial advocacy at St. Louis University School of Law, Christina has taught litigation and courtroom skills to numerous law school students. Christina has authored several articles in the UMKC Law Review and the quarterly publication of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
Christina attended college at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri graduating with honors in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She attended law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law where she served as Administrative Editor of the Law Review, was a member of the ATLA trial team, was a member of Urban Lawyer, and was president of the law school section of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. She is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Illinois, the United States District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Missouri, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Bart Baumstark
Before joining the firm to represent the victims of asbestos exposure, Bart enjoyed tenures as a St. Louis City Prosecutor and a personal injury attorney representing injured railroad workers. Bart’s accomplishments include having successfully prosecuted and tried to juries cases involving repetitive stress injuries ($900,000 verdict), catastrophic damage to the inner ear ($2.5 million verdict), contractual disputes, drug distribution and possession offenses, guns and weapon offenses, criminal assaults, robberies, and home invasions.
“I view my work on behalf of asbestos victims as a natural progression from my work as a criminal prosecutor. Both disciplines essentially focus on seeking justice for victims harmed by the criminal acts of others. I enjoy coming to work every day knowing that I am representing the grievously injured who are in need of our expertise and help.”
A 1996 honors graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law, Bart received American Jurisprudence Awards in Evidence and Trial Advocacy and was a member of the Moot Court Board and Law Review.
Bart lives in University City, Missouri with his wife Meghan and children Daniel and Elizabeth. He is licensed to practice in Missouri and Illinois state and federal courts.
Jerry FitzGerald
Jerry was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. As the son of an Insulator, Jerry knows first-hand the damage asbestos exposure can cause. Jerry joined the O’Brien Law Firm in 2005, where he is dedicated to the pursuit of justice for asbestos victims and their families.
“I grew up in a working-class family with my father and many uncles involved in the construction trades. I enjoy working closely with families who, like my own, have been affected with asbestos-related illnesses caused by factors beyond their control. Based on my background, work experience, and Midwest values, I am motivated to pursue the best possible outcome for my clients.”
Jerry works closely with many union locals and construction trade organizations located in the Midwest.
He is a 1997 graduate of St. Louis University High School (SLUH). Jerry graduated with honors from St. Louis University receiving degrees in Political Science and Business. In 2004, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri and is a current member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys. Jerry lives in south St. Louis City with his wife Jill.