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Tatum O' Brien

O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson
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Tatum O' Brien
O'Keeffe O'Brien Lyson
Fargo,
 ND

Tatum was born and raised in Western North Dakota. Her extensive experience, both in and out of the courtroom, coupled with a work ethic that never stops, has earned her a solid reputation as an attorney who represents her clients with tenacity and skill.

Tatum’s areas of concentration include criminal law, personal injury, and general litigation. In the practice area of criminal defense, Tatum represents clients charged with: misdemeanors, felonies, drug and property crimes, DUI/DWI, juvenile matters.

In her personal injury practice area, she handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, trucking crashes, medical malpractice cases, other motor vehicle crashes and premises liability cases.

Tatum earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology with an emphasis on criminal justice from North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota. She graduated with distinction from the University of North Dakota School of Law. While in law school, Tatum served as a law clerk at the Morley Law Firm in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Tatum also spent a summer as an extern with the US Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota. Before joining the firm, she was a law clerk for all eight judges in the East Central Judicial District, Cass County, North Dakota.

Throughout her many years in practice, Tatum has established a reputation as a highly skilled and experienced attorney, representing clients in both criminal and personal injury cases.

Professional Involvement

Tatum believes being involved in local, regional and national organizations helps her become a more well-rounded advocate for her clients. Her involvement in professional organizations helps her learn from others, which in turn assures she brings the best representation possible for her clients. She works hard to advocate for change on the state and national level.

  • Served as President of the North Dakota Association for Justice 2015-2016. She continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors.
  • In 2012 Tatum was appointed to the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice
  • Member of the Injury Board – a national organization of trial attorneys focused on improving their practices through education and local community involvement

Community Involvement

  • First Lego League Coach – Kennedy Elementary (Fargo)
  • Past Board Member – FirstLink
  • Board of Directors – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley

Awards

  • Dalwhinnie Award for Exemplary Trial Work by North Dakota Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2010
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
  • SuperLawyer (annually 2013 – present)
  • Global Directory of Who’s Who – Attorney Section

Admitted to Practice in

  • North Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • South Dakota
  • Federal Courts in North Dakota
  • Federal Courts in South Dakota
  • Federal Courts in Minnesota
  • 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

Professional Memberships

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • State Bar Association of North Dakota
  • Cass County Bar Association
  • North Dakota Association for Justice, Executive Board, past President
  • Clay County Bar Association
  • UND Law Mentor Program
  • South Dakota Bar Association
  • Criminal Justice Act Panel for Federal Appointments
  • Past President – North Dakota Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • American Association for Justice – Revitalization Governor, Board of Governors Injury Board
  • Minnesota Association for Justice

Practice Areas

  • Criminal Law
    • Felonies
    • Misdemeanors
    • Drug and Property Crimes
    • DUIs
    • Administrative Hearings
    • Protection Orders
    • Assaults
    • Juvenile Matters
  • Personal Injury
    • Auto Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Products Liability
    • Slip and Fall
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Wrongful Death
    • Serious Injury
    • Boating Accidents
    • General Litigation

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