Timothy J. O'Dea, Jr.
Partner
- Social Security Disability
- Probate
- Family Law
- Divorce
- Personal Injury
The Short Version
I’ve been practicing law here in Louisville for over 30 years, focusing on Social Security Disability, probate and estate administration, family law and divorce, and personal injury. I’m a Saint Matthews native through and through – I grew up here, went to school here, and have watched this community evolve. Joining Batey Brophy & O’Dea at 161 St. Matthews Ave. truly felt like coming home.
My Story
I’ve spent my entire career helping neighbors navigate the legal system when life gets heavy.
For nearly three decades, I’ve guided clients through the Social Security Disability process – from initial applications through appeals before Administrative Law Judges and, when necessary, into federal court. Let’s be honest: most SSD claims are denied the first time around. It’s frustrating and unfair. I know exactly what the Social Security Administration is looking for, and I know how to fight for the benefits you’ve spent your whole working life earning.
“I had not felt so fulfilled as an attorney until I started doing this work,” I’ll tell you straight. “It is so rewarding to obtain benefits for people when they desperately need it.”
Alongside my disability work, I’ve spent over 20 years representing clients in personal injury cases – car accidents, truck accidents, and other injury claims throughout Louisville and Jefferson County.
I’ve handled probate and estate administration for just as long. Settling an estate means drowning in legal paperwork while you’re trying to grieve a loved one – a combination that is genuinely exhausting. I try to bring deep patience and real empathy to every family I guide through it. “It has been an honor to help people go through probate and make sure inheritances are handled properly.” For me, it isn’t just a job. It’s a privilege.
A Saint Matthews Native
I was born and raised right here in Saint Matthews. I went to Our Lady of Lourdes grade school and Saint Xavier High School. If you want to know how deep my roots go – I still remember riding my bike from Jamestown Apartments to Seneca Park, and I will still argue that nothing beats a chocolate glazed donut from Plehn’s Bakery.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and my law degree from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. I’ve been a member of the Kentucky Bar Association since 1992 and hold a Distinguished peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell – which is just a fancy way of saying my fellow attorneys vouch for my professional achievement and ethics.
When I’m off the clock, I’m a proud husband and dad. You can usually find me playing pickleball, shooting hoops, or just catching up with family and friends.
Practice Areas
- Social Security Disability (SSDI and SSI) – initial applications, reconsiderations, ALJ hearings, federal court appeals
- Probate and Estate Administration – guiding families through the Kentucky probate process, asset transfers, creditor claims, inheritance tax
- Family Law and Divorce – including contested and uncontested divorce and related family law matters
- Personal Injury – car accidents, truck accidents, and other injury claims (20+ years)
Education
| Degree | School | Year |
|---|---|---|
| J.D. | University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law | 1991 |
| B.A. | University of Kentucky | 1988 |
Admissions
- Kentucky Bar Association (1992)
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky
- United States Court of Appeals
Professional Memberships
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Louisville Bar Association
- Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rating
Get In Touch
Tim offers free consultations for Social Security Disability and personal injury matters. For family law and divorce matters, an initial consultation can be arranged by calling the office.
Batey Brophy & O’Dea, PLLC 161 St. Matthews Ave., Suite 16 Saint Matthews, KY 40207 (502) 509-9407
This is an advertisement. Timothy J. O’Dea, Jr. is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky and the United States Court of Appeals. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting this firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.