How much does it cost to hire Brian for a adr case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Brian offer a free consultation?

Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.

How long do adr cases in Connecticut typically take?

Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Hartford?

Brian is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Brian accepting new adr clients right now?

Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Brian O'Donnell, ADR Attorney in Hartford

Quick answer

Brian O'Donnell is a shareholder based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on ADR, Estate Litigation, and Government. Brian has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reid and Riege, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 21 client reviews.

Based in: Hartford, CT
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: ADR · Estate Litigation · Government

Handles ADR, Estate Litigation, and Government matters from Hartford, CT.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Brian takes on

Brian concentrates on adr, estate litigation, government, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Hartford, Connecticut

Brian takes adr matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Hartford, Connecticut

Brian takes estate litigation matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Hartford, Connecticut

Brian takes government matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Hartford, Connecticut

Brian takes litigation matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Hartford, Connecticut

Brian takes probate matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Brian O'Donnell — adr lawyer in Hartford

Brian O'Donnell is a shareholder based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on ADR, Estate Litigation, and Government. Brian has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reid and Riege, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 21 client reviews.

Brian is a trial lawyer. His cases run the litigation gamut, but they often involve people who were once close, and are now adversaries. Brian has represented business partners who no longer get along and shareholders of closely held corporations who are clashing with fellow shareholders. He has also represented clients who feel badly used by their relatives in the probate process, including people who feel they have been wrongfully shut out of their parents’ wills. Money is almost always at issue, but Brian knows that such cases require sensitivity to the emotional side of the ledger as well.

Brian handles most types of commercial and probate disputes, including litigation involving claims of breach of contract and of fiduciary duties, the interpretation of wills and trust agreements, employment disputes, alleged environmental contamination, defamation, real estate sales gone bad, securities fraud, and insurance and reinsurance disputes. He has defended complex class actions, and has brought and defended appeals.Brian has tried cases to verdict concerning claimed breaches of contract, shareholder disagreements, will contests, environmental contamination, alleged copyright infringement, easement rights, estate management, reinsurance, and tax assessments, among others. His many cases have led him to a variety of state and federal courts. Brian is also experienced in administrative proceedings, mediation and arbitration.

Before becoming a lawyer, Brian was a newspaper reporter for more than a decade. He learned that compelling stories can be told in plain English, and complex issues can be explained concisely. He works to bring this experience to his trial practice.

How Brian handles adr matters

Brian is a trial lawyer. His cases run the litigation gamut, but they often involve people who were once close, and are now adversaries. Brian has represented business partners who no longer get along and shareholders of closely held corporations who are clashing with fellow shareholders. He has also represented clients who feel badly used by their relatives in the probate process, including…

The kind of cases Brian takes

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, estate litigation, and government matters in Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1995
Wesleyan University
B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

Massachusetts
1999 · ACTIVE
Connecticut United S
1995 · ACTIVE
Texas
1994 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and B.A. in Wesleyan University.

Law school and academic background

Brian completed J.D. in University of Michigan Law School and B.A. in Wesleyan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Brian O'Donnell's office in Hartford

Brian's primary office is at One Financial Plaza, 21st Floor, Hartford, CT, 06103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Reid and Riege, P.C.

One Financial Plaza, 21st Floor

Hartford, CT 06103

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian O'Donnell — 4.9/5 rating from 21 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Hartford.

4.9

21 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian O'Donnell claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Brian O'Donnell — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Hartford, Connecticut

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian

Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Brian O'Donnell

How much does it cost to hire Brian for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Hartford?
Brian is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new adr clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Connecticut residents in the last few months, answered by adr attorneys like Brian O'Donnell. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona
What Should I Do If Mediation Fails In Minnesota?
I've been trying to mediate a separation agreement in Minneapolis, MN, but it feels like we’re not making any progress. If mediation fails, I’m worried about what my next steps sho
1 verified answer · ADR · Minnesota

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Hartford, Stamford and New Haven in Connecticut

Brian handles adr matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

Brian O'Donnell, ADR Attorney in Hartford, Connecticut

Quick answer