Brendan J. O’Neill is a family law attorney who brings equal parts compassion and practicality to his work. A Monroe, Washington native, Brendan discovered his calling in family law while working as a paralegal at a small Everett firm, where he saw how thoughtful advocacy can profoundly impact families in crisis.
“I loved how directly you could change someone’s life for the better,” he recalls. “Family law always felt like home.”
Brendan represents clients in divorce, custody, parenting plan, and child support matters. He is particularly drawn to parenting plan and relocation cases, helping parents find stability and structure for their children during major transitions. Grounded in both empathy and analysis, Brendan takes pride in balancing compassion with clear, efficient communication. Clients appreciate his ability to make complex legal processes understandable and to keep them informed every step of the way.
“You have to be your client’s advocate, not their avatar,” Brendan says, a philosophy that guides his calm, solution-focused approach.
“I meet clients where they are, listen closely, and make sure they feel informed and empowered. It’s not just about winning a case; it’s about guiding them through a process that can feel overwhelming and helping them feel confident in every decision.”
Before joining McKinley Irvin, Brendan externed for Judge Flevaris, where he contributed to improving court accessibility and procedures for family law cases, a formative experience that deepened his appreciation for fairness and empathy in the legal system.
Outside the office, Brendan lives in North Seattle with his fiancée and their four pets. He enjoys collecting LEGO sets, playing tabletop and video games with friends, and hosting movie and game nights. A lifelong Washingtonian and former trumpet player in Western Washington University’s marching band, Brendan brings that same sense of teamwork and rhythm to his work as an advocate for families.
