In Memoriam
John C. O’Brien
John C. O'Brien ’64 died on July 1, 2024.
As remembrances, here are posted two essays that John wrote on the occasions of two Yale reunions. If an obituary should be published we will add it here.
Essay, 60th Reunion Book
by John O'Brien
May 2024
John O'Brien
1964 Yale graduation
After graduating from Yale in 1964 with a major in psychology, I earned a JD in 1967 from Harvard Law School. My career has included experiences in various aspects of the law. I began as an attorney for the FCC in Washington, D.C., and then went on to one of my most satisfying jobs as a volunteer lawyer for VISTA in West Virginia addressing the needs of people who lacked access to legal representation. I continued this kind of work several more years as a managing attorney with Legal Services of Washington, D.C.
The next phase in my life took me to the Midwest where I served as a directing attorney of the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation in East St. Louis, Illinois. I became a confirmed Midwesterner when I was drawn to academia at Saint Louis University School of Law where I worked with the Clinical Law Program in conjunction with Legal Services. Gradually, I transitioned into being a full professor, primarily teaching evidence, legal profession, trial advocacy, and torts, along with various clinical law courses over the years. I discovered an interest in writing and published legal articles and books mostly dealing with evidence and trial advocacy. My focus was always tailoring academic research and information to practicing lawyers for practical application. I felt fortunate to be able to combine my passion for using the law to serve people, for sharing knowledge with my students, for promoting ethical standards for practitioners, and for researching and writing. That good fortune spanned 37 years, until my retirement from the law school in 2012. I was named professor emeritus in 2013.
My personal life has always been enriched by family and friends who give me happiness and laughter as well as support and encouragement. Through the years, traveling has been my great pleasure and often my great teacher. Abiding faith has always been the unfailing guidepost directing me along the way and helping me navigate current health challenges.
This brief biographical reflection has served to bring into focus the trajectory from happy childhood in Upstate New York to contented retirement in St. Louis, and an important catalyst in the trajectory was Yale and the professors and classmates who inspired me.
I currently live in Chesterfield, Missouri, with my wife Barbara.
Essay, 50th Reunion Book
by John O'Brien
May 2014
John O'Brien
50th Reunion
My life after Yale can be summarized very briefly:
- Law school
- Legal services for the poor for several years
- Law school teaching for 38 years
- Retirement
A quiet life, leaving few footprints, worthy of Prufrock.
Perhaps I should go into a bit more detail. One vivid memory is the road trip I took with classmates Steve Norman and Tom Burke the summer of ’64. We explored America, putting about 11,000 miles on Tom’s parents’ station wagon. New Orleans, Dallas, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Chicago, and much more. What a great way to top off the Yale experience.
I’ve enjoyed the practice of law and the teaching of law. They have been most rewarding. In retrospect, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. Through it all, my memories of Yale have been a source of strength. I really appreciate the fellowship of the people I got to know in New Haven.