Brian O'Rourke

Brian O'Rourke is an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate & Professional Studies program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds a JD from Boston College Law School, an MS in Civil Engineering from Cornell University, and a BS in Civil Engineering (High Distinction) from WPI. His professional background spans over 25 years in construction and engineering law, civil litigation, arbitration, and contract negotiation, with notable involvement in multi-million-dollar construction-related cases and trials. He has served as lead counsel in high-stakes arbitrations and litigation involving construction managers, subcontractors, and pharmaceutical facilities.

Dr. O'Rourke’s engineering experience includes roles as a geotechnical engineer on projects such as cut-and-cover tunnels, rock tunneling, and deep foundations. He maintains professional engineer licensure and actively participates in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Since 2013, he has served on the Editorial Board of the ASCE Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution. He also authored a construction contract drafting guide for LexisNexis.

He teaches a graduate-level construction law course to civil engineers and construction managers at WPI and has extensive experience in mediations and arbitrations. Professional affiliations include the American Bar Association, Boston Bar Association, and Boston Society of Civil Engineers.