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Attorney

Brian Ward

Brian Ward is an accomplished trial attorney whose practice focuses on complex business and commercial litigation, employment disputes, and high-stakes civil matters in both state and federal court. Known for his strategic approach, meticulous preparation, and command of the courtroom, Brian represents businesses and individuals in cases involving intracorporate disputes, fiduciary duty claims, contract and tort actions, unfair trade practices, restrictive covenant enforcement, and employment litigation.

Attorney

Brian Ward

Brian Ward is an accomplished trial attorney whose practice focuses on complex business and commercial litigation, employment disputes, and high-stakes civil matters in both state and federal court. Known for his strategic approach, meticulous preparation, and command of the courtroom, Brian represents businesses and individuals in cases involving intracorporate disputes, fiduciary duty claims, contract and tort actions, unfair trade practices, restrictive covenant enforcement, and employment litigation.

Experience

A recognized leader in Connecticut’s evolving business litigation landscape, Brian has been at the forefront of shaping how courts interpret the state’s Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. He has played a key role in several of the limited number of reported decisions construing the Act, giving him unique insight into the duties, rights, and remedies of LLC members and managers. This experience makes him a trusted resource for clients navigating governance disputes, minority oppression, and judicial dissolution actions under Connecticut’s modern LLC framework.

Clients rely on Brian for his ability to bring clarity, precision, and strategy to complex disputes. He is known for blending rigorous legal analysis with practical judgment—advancing his clients’ interests through decisive advocacy, smart motion practice, and cost-effective resolution. Brian has served as lead counsel in numerous trials and arbitrations, obtaining favorable results on behalf of both businesses and individuals. While he is an accomplished trial lawyer, he is equally adept at resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation, always focused on efficient and durable outcomes aligned with his clients’ broader goals.

Brian’s practice extends beyond litigation. He regularly advises business owners on governance and transactional matters, using his litigation perspective to anticipate and prevent disputes before they arise. He drafts operating agreements, shareholder and partnership agreements, employment contracts, and restrictive covenants that are clear, enforceable, and strategically tailored to protect client interests. He also assists in business sales, acquisitions, and separations, ensuring seamless transitions and effective risk management throughout the business life cycle.

 

Education and Personal Life

Before joining Aeton Law Partners, Brian graduated magna cum laude from Quinnipiac University School of Law, where he received awards for Outstanding Legal Achievement, Best Brief in the Terence H. Benbow Moot Court Competition, and Distinguished Academic Achievement in Professional Responsibility. He earned his B.A. from the University of Connecticut, where he was a four-year starting pitcher on the baseball team and recipient of the Mrs. Mary Dropo Unsung Hero Award. Brian remains among UConn Baseball’s all-time leaders in several pitching categories, including wins, games started, innings pitched, shutouts and strikeouts.

Beyond his professional commitments, Brian is engaged with the local Connecticut community, drawing from his upbringing by educators who instilled the values of service and community involvement. Brian also dedicates a portion of his time to pro bono cases, to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has access to quality legal representation. This often involves assisting small businesses navigate legal issues and dilemmas before they have the resources to retain reliable legal counsel. Outside the office, Brian loves traveling with his wife, Sarah, going on walks with his dog, and playing golf.

Testimonials

“Attorney Brian Ward has been in my corner through a really long, really stressful case, and he never once treated it like “just another file.” He actually dug into the facts, believed us, and presented it in a way that the judge could see what was really going on – including that the other side wasn’t being straight. He secured judgment against both the individual and the LLC, walked me through what that meant for collecting, and explained the next steps in plain English. What stood out most was that it felt like he took it personally – like he was willing to stick his chest out for us – and you don’t get that often from an attorney. I’d absolutely recommend Brian Ward to anyone who needs an attorney or litigator who actually fights for you and sees it through.”

“Brian Ward was extremely professional from the moment we phoned him. It was like working with your best friend that had the same interests and beliefs. I would recommend him everyone that needs an attorney.”

“Aeton Law Partners, and in particular Attorneys Kane Bennett and Brian Ward, have been a tremendous resource to my business & business growth over the last 10 years.  They’ve assisted in a wide range of areas – employee manuals, employee issues, lease negotiation and even business acquisition.  With each engagement, and no matter what the level of complexity, they give me their best.  They are responsive, thorough, and efficient – and are great at breaking down issues, providing clarity, and driving to results.  I’d recommend to anyone!”

“Fantastic firm for your business litigation or any other business-related needs. Top notch counsel. I specifically retained Brian Ward…. but the entire firm has been super helpful. Specific issues are discussed with the other partners to come up with the best plan for each client. They are very detail oriented, responsive, and look out for your best interests. Could not be happier to have found them.”

“Great law firm! I worked with Brian Ward on a business issue and he handled it with skill and professionalism. Don’t hesitate to give these guys a call. Very reasonably priced as well!”

“Where do I start, I was initially very nervous and confused about this process but the team at Aeton Law was so helpful and communicative. Especially my point of contact Brian Ward. He always checked in and gave me status updates answered any of my questions and help set my expectations during every new phase. I’m so thankful that I found them to represent me in my case! Definitely give these guys the opportunity to help you with you and get the results you’re looking for.”

Attorney Ward's Recent Case Results

Experience and Case Results

  • Prevailed after a seven-day trial proving breach of fiduciary duty and diversion of corporate assets, resulting in judicial dissolution and a damages award exceeding $290,000, plus $108,000 in attorneys’ fees and post-judgment interest. All counterclaims were dismissed for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. The decision can be found at Pernas v. Triani, No. DBD-CV-20-6037532-S, 2024 WL 3665450 (Conn. Super. Ct. July 31, 2024), reconsideration and reargument denied, (Conn. Super. Ct. 2024)
  • Successfully struct counts of tortious interference and CUTPA in a restrictive-covenant dispute, persuading the Court that the allegations failed to establish improper motive or conduct. Alan Del Monte Salon, LLC v. Taylor, No. CV 23-6051885-S (Conn. Super. Ct. May 28, 2024).
  • Helped shape Connecticut LLC law in litigation recognizing that minority members owe duties of loyalty and good faith to one another under the pre-2017 LLC Act—a significant clarification for closely held entities. Dieken v. hyperDaptive, LLC, No. NNI-CV16-5006850-S (Conn. Super. Ct. Apr. 18, 2024).
  • Secured judgment after trial in a commercial real-estate dispute, recovering a $75,000 deposit, interest, and attorneys’ fees, while defeating all counterclaims. Trilacon Development Corp. v. Hickory Street Partners LLC, No. HHD-CV22-6162074-S (Conn. Super. Ct. 2024).
  • Obtained a prejudgment remedy of attachment to secure unpaid wages owed to a former employee of a defunct for-profit education company. Kaczynski v. Trigram Educ. Partners, LLC, No. CV-21-5049753-S (Conn. Super. Ct. Aug. 29, 2023).
  • Successfully argued against the dismissal of claims brought by his clients directly against another shareholder of a closely held corporation. The defendant-shareholder argued that the clients’ claims were derivative in nature, but Attorney Ward argued, and the Court agreed, that the claims were properly direct claims under the circumstances as the clients alleged they suffered individual harm in Pernas v. Triani, No. DBDCV206037532S, 2021 WL 5911657 (Conn. Super. Ct. Nov. 30, 2021)
  • Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of a client who brought a civil action against fellow shareholder for breach of Shareholder Agreement, breach of fiduciary duties, civil theft, and other business torts. The defendant-shareholder did not offer any money prior to trial. However, after one day of jury selection, the defendant agreed to stipulate to a six-figure judgment which was paid in full.
  • Successfully argued against summary judgment in probate appeal in superior court where the client brought a claim against a decedent’s estate for its wrongful denial of her probate claim. The claim stemmed from the decedent’s promise to give her a certain investment account prior to his death. The Court employed a rare probate law doctrine, gift causa mortis, in denying the estate’s motion for summary judgment. After surviving the summary judgment stage, the estate agreed to settle with the client for a substantial sum.
  • Obtained a personal injury settlement that was twenty-seven times greater than the client’s medical bills in a motor vehicle accident which contained an allegation of recklessness. The national insurance company noted the settlement was the highest multiple of medicals it ever settled for. 
  • Obtained a $250,000 settlement on behalf of an employee who alleged he was racially discriminated against by his direct supervisor.
  • Obtained a $325,000 unpaid overtime wage settlement on behalf of a live-in companion who was paid approximately minimum wage her entire adult life.
  • Regularly represents both landlords and tenants in commercial and residential summary process (eviction) matters.
  • Regularly represents both buyers and sellers in various business transactions, including Asset Purchase Agreements, Membership Interest Purchase Agreements, Stock Purchase Agreements.
  • Regularly drafts business organization and governing instruments, including operating agreements, by-laws, and shareholder agreements.
  • Regularly drafts and advises on restrictive covenant provisions contained employment or other agreements. 

Media, Honors, and Affiliations

News Articles and Media

Honors and Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • Connecticut Bar Association
  • New Haven County Bar Association
  • Lawyers for Children America, Inc.
  • Rising Star, Connecticut Super Lawyers® – Business Litigation, 2022-2025
  • Quinnipiac School of Law – Outstanding Legal Achievement
  • Quinnipiac School of Law – Best Brief in the Terence H. Benbow Moot Court Competition
  • Quinnipiac School of Law – Distinguished Academic Achievement in Lawyer’s Professional Responsibility
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