Hon. Dennis R. O’Brien J.S.C. (Ret.)

Hon. John E. Keefe J.A.D. (Ret.) is Of Counsel to Keefe Law Firm, focusing on mediation in civil and family matters and acting as a Special Master in discovery disputes.

Appointed to the Superior Court in Monmouth County in 2007 by Governor Jon Corzine, Judge O’Brien has served in Civil, Family, and Criminal Divisions. He earned top rankings from the New Jersey Law Journal for his case management skills and effectiveness in resolving complex matters.

Before his judicial appointment, he earned designation by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. He practiced for 14 years at Campbell, Foley, Lee, Murphy, and Cernigliaro, where he specialized in personal injury and insurance matters. His practice included roles on several Supreme Court committees and leadership positions within the Monmouth Bar Association and District IX Ethics Committee.

Judge O’Brien began his legal career as a law clerk in Monmouth County, later working as an Assistant Prosecutor in Union County before transitioning to civil litigation.

He holds both his undergraduate and law degrees from Georgetown University. In addition to his legal work, Judge O’Brien has been active in community service, including leadership roles in local zoning and juvenile committees, alumni admissions programs, and civic organizations.

Since retiring from the bench, Judge O’Brien has devoted his career to alternative dispute resolution at Keefe Law Firm, handling primarily mediations, arbitrations, and Special Master discovery requests. 

To learn more about the firm’s ADR services or to schedule a consultation, contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution Department at Keefe Law Firm by calling (732) 224-9400 ext. 208, or emailing our ADR assistant Alicia at arodriguez@keefe-lawfirm.com.