Atty. Brian O'Donnell

Atty. Brian O'Donnell

Brian is a trial lawyer. His cases run the litigation gamut, but they often involve people who were once close, and are now adversaries.

Hartford Hartford 32 yrs experience 32 year
Call (860) 471-8658 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Brian O'Donnell at a glance

Brian O'Donnell is a Shareholder based in Hartford, Connecticut, practicing at Reid and Riege, P.C.. They have 32+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1994. Their practice focuses on probate, criminal defense, employment, business, and real estate. Admitted to practice in Texas (1994), Connecticut United States District Court for the District of Connecticut United States District Cour (1995), and Massachusetts (1999). Educated at University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1995) and Wesleyan University (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Hartford County (Board of Director), Connecticut (Member, Committee on Professionalism) and American Bar Associations Oliver Ellsworth American Inn of Court. Serands clients in Hartford, CT and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

Brian O'Donnell's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Brian O'Donnell handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Probate

Brian O'Donnell is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Connecticut →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Brian O'Donnell is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Connecticut →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Brian O'Donnell is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Connecticut →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Brian O'Donnell is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Connecticut →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Brian O'Donnell is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Connecticut →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Connecticut

Practicing law in Connecticut. Legal matters in Connecticut are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Hartford are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Connecticut state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Connecticut brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Connecticut courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Connecticut attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Hartford or all attorneys in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Brian O'Donnell

Where is Brian O'Donnell's law office located?
Brian O'Donnell's law practice is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The firm is Reid and Riege, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Brian O'Donnell handle?
Brian O'Donnell focuses on probate, criminal defense, employment, business, real estate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Connecticut.
How long has Brian O'Donnell practiced law?
Brian O'Donnell has 32+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1994.
Where did Brian O'Donnell go to law school?
Brian O'Donnell earned their education at (J.D., 1995); (B.A., 1979).
How can I contact Brian O'Donnell for a consultation?
You can contact Brian O'Donnell directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Brian O'Donnell received?
Brian O'Donnell's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

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

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Texas
Admitted: 1994
Connecticut United States District Court for the District of Connecticut United States District Cour
Admitted: 1995
Massachusetts
Admitted: 1999

Reviews

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