Kevin O’Brien honored with the 2023 Defender of Distinction Award

DOD Award (1)

In conjunction with The Missouri Bar’s Annual Meeting, the Missouri Public Defender Commission selects a lawyer who exemplifies the ideals of public defense to receive a Defender of Distinction award.  

This year’s honoree is Kevin O’Brien, district defender in the Missouri State Public Defender’s Boone County Trial Office. 

O’Brien began his career as a public defender after graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1998.  

O’Brien works to ensure that his clients have access to quality legal representation, regardless of financial status.  

“I enjoy and am passionate about fighting for my clients’ rights in trial,” O’Brien said. “I think the right to trial by a jury of one’s peers is the foundation of American justice.” 

O’Brien added that receiving the Defender of Distinction Awards is the greatest honor of his career as he knows several past recipients and is humbled to be included in that group of professionals.