Brian O'Dwyer

Continuing the Legacy

By John Mooney

Few people are better known for supporting Irish issues as attorney/activist Brian O'Dwyer, a member of New York's most famous Irish political family.

A senior partner in the law firm of O'Dwyer & Bernstien, he also serves as chairman of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. Like many in New York's Irish community, he is disappointed that "a good bill failed because of prejudices" against immigrants.

"The last time we got something done, the Irish were a key part of a broad based coalition with the Hispanics. We put an Irish face, a white face, on it," said O'Dwyer.

"It wasn't that way this time around. There's no question that the real issue this time is the Mexicans. We're not putting a fence up near Canada."

The life-long Democrat believes the way forward is to concentrate on electing candidates in Congress, the Senate and the White House who will support immigration reform.

Other proponents of immigration reform agree with his assessment.

"The Latin American style was aggressive, and the rallies in Los Angeles allowed opponents to sound 'Mexicans are coming!' alarm. We as a nation went with our fears, rather than our hopes," said John C. Dearie, also a prominent attorney and longtime activist on Irish issues. "Nothing of a serious nature will happen until two years from now."

Friend of Hillary

One of Hillary Clinton's most ardent supporters, Brian O'Dwyer meets frequently at the former First Lady's campaign headquarters in Virginia to discuss immigration policy and other topics. He is helping to devise a strategy so that Catholic voters, in particular, will understand her positions.

"I think Hillary is extremely bright, has great leadership abilities, makes up her mind and sticks to it," said O'Dwyer, who accompanied Bill Clinton on his historic trip to Ireland in 1995. "I think she would be an outstanding President." Consensus is far from unanimous, and the political veteran is well aware of his favorite candidate's perceived negatives.

"There are still people who don't want to vote for a woman. Although she is warm and personable, and has a terrific sense of humor, the challenge is finding a way of showing that side of her." O'Dwyer added. "Her negatives are going down. I believe the more people see her, the more they like her."

Legal Career

While he is involved in numerous political activities, Brian O'Dwyer's full-time focus is O'Dwyer & Bernstien, founded by his legendary father, Paul, who championed the underdogs throughout his long career. The firm concentrates in labor law, employee benefit funds, personal injury, civil and immigration rights. Brian once won the highest personal injury suit ($61 million) ever awarded in the U.S. He and his cousin, Frank Durkan, were a dynamic duo for Irish causes and civil rights for decades.

"There's no question that I miss working with Frank on a day-to-day basis," he said of Durkan, who passed away last year. "We were partners for 32 years."

O'Dwyer has led the New York City Commission on Human Rights and was national co-chair of Irish-Americans for Clinton-Gore in 1992 and 1996. No stranger to the media spotlight, he has represented controversial clients, such as the so-called "Preppy Killer" Robert Chambers. Over the years, he has commented on legal issues for Fox, Court TV and other national outlets.

O'Dwyer has been named by Irish America magazine as one of its "Top 100," is a past recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Outreach Project Annual Service Award, and the New York City Council "Spirit of New York" Award for bringing ethnic communities together. In July 2000, he received papal honors when he was named a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. He earned his law degree from Georgetown and his Masters in Law from George Washington University, where he previously had earned his BA degree. O'Dwyer holds a Masters in Spanish from Middlebury College in Madrid and was named Honorary Grand Marshal of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in 1993 in recognition of his support of that community's issues.

Heeding Dad's advice

The most cherished thing Brian O'Dwyer learned from his famous father is his personal philosophy.

"My dad said, 'If I look back on December 31 and all I did was make money, my year is a failure.' I've adopted that to my own life," said O'Dwyer, who plans to organize some type of event, perhaps a symposium this fall, to commemorate the centennial of his father's birth in Bohola, Co. Mayo.

Of his own accomplishments, the attorney said he is most proud of convincing then-Mayor Ed Koch to open up the City University system to the undocumented.

"It was a move that helped the undocumented and enriched the city. I was happy to be one of the people who helped convince him. I give Ed Koch great credit for that."

As chair of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC), O'Dwyer has received much credit for helping the undocumented.

"The staff does the work, I just get the glory," he said, explaining that the nature of immigration has changed and that many of the people who turn to EIIC for help have a lower level of education than others had in the past.

"Brian provides a vision for the organization. He has a great sense for the community, does a lot politically, and has an incredible ability to fundraise," said EIIC Executive Director Siobhan Dennehy. "At the end of this month, the fees for application for citizenship (N400 form) and for green card renewal are going up. I told Brian we were short-staffed, and he sent immediately someone down from his office to help us."

"The biggest challenge is following how his brain works," Dennehy explained. "He's always two steps ahead, figuring out the complex personal, political, grass roots implications of things."

"Brian's understanding of modern Ireland and of the Irish in America is second to none. He cares deeply about their well being and their success. His work with EIIC is just one concrete example of his positive action in the community," said Niall Burgess, Consul General of New York.

When not practicing law, devising political strategies or attending numerous charitable events in the Irish American community, Brian O'Dwyer enjoys the simple life.

"Behind every Mayo man is a farmer," said O'Dwyer, who grows vegetables in upstate New York. "That's my retreat."