Brian O'Dwyer

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Brian O'Dwyer (born October 10, 1945) is an American lobbyist and lawyer. He is the son of prominent New York lawyer, Paul O'Dwyer, and nephew of Mayor William O'Dwyer. He is married to Marianna MacWilliam, the former Associate Vice Chancellor of the State University of New York, with whom he has two children. O'Dwyer was appointed the Commissioner of the United States National Commission of UNESCO by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Early years and education

O'Dwyer was born on October 10, 1945 in the Upper West side of New York City. He attended the High School of Music and Art. Before becoming a lawyer, he studied Spanish at the National University of Mexico and graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1966. Shortly after, he obtained a Master's degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, Madrid, and graduated with his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Later, he returned to GWU, to obtain a master's in law from the George Washington University Law School.

O'Dwyer is a member of the Sigma Delta Pi National Spanish Honorary Society, as well as a member and past International President of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. For his constant philanthropic contributions and endless work with numerous chapters of Kappa Sigma, he was honored in 2011 by its members when he was voted the "Man of the Year" - essentially the number one brother in the country. Among his other achievements are an honorary doctorate of philosophy from Dublin City University, which is the highest award given by the University.

Work

O'Dwyer is the senior partner at O'Dwyer & Bernstien, a century-old litigation firm, focusing on personal injury and accident law, labor relations, employee benefits and general litigation. He oversees 18 attorneys in the firm, of which his father, Paul O'Dwyer, was a founder. The firm is located on Duane Street in the heart of Downtown, Manhattan, but deals with cases across the country.

Lobbyist/causes

O'Dwyer is known as a Democratic Party "stalwart."[1] He considers the Democratic Party the party for the "poor and dispossessed."[2]

Immigration is high on his list for lobbying.[2] He has received special citations from Governor Mario Cuomo at the New York City Council for his work with immigrant groups. As a son of Irish immigrants, O'Dwyer has been especially influential and active in America's Irish Community. He has been a guest of honor and an award recipient by the Irish Immigration Reform Movement; an award recipient of the Brehon Law Society, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was selected Chief Brehon of the Coney Island Irish Fair. In 1998, he was the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, in Rockaway, N.Y. He has been very active in the growth of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center and is serving as the Chair of the Executive Board.

O'Dwyer has been cited for his efforts on behalf of the people of Puerto Rico by the Governor of Puerto Rico and was made Honorary Grand Marshall of the Puerto Rican Parade in 1993.[3] He has been chosen by "Irish America" magazine on numerous occasion as a member of the "Top 100" Irish in the United States. O'Dwyer is a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award and the Outreach Project Annual Service Award 1994.[4] In June 2012, O'Dwyer was honored as one of the top 25 Irish who have made a difference by Irish Voice Magazine. The award recognized him as one of the top leaders of the Irish Community in the New York area, and as someone who has had a significant positive impact in changing the community. The Irish Echo, the oldest Irish American Newspaper, has bestowed upon him 2013's Man of The Year Award.

References

  1. ↑ 'Dwyer&st=cse "NYC; How Al Gore Helped to Start Irish Tradition - New York Times". Nytimes.com. 2004-03-16. Retrieved 2011-01-07. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Finn, Robin (2006-05-26). 'Dwyer&st=cse "PUBLIC LIVES - Battling for Lobbyists as an Endangered Species - Biography - NYTimes.com". New York City; New York City; New York City: New York Times. Retrieved 2011-01-07. 
  3. ↑ "The Graduate School of Political Management | Brian J. O'Dwyer | Council on American Politics". Gspm.org. Retrieved 2011-01-07. 
  4. ↑ http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2004-06-02/pdf/CREC-2004-06-02-extensions.pdf
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