Atty. Michael Ward
Michael has a broad practice with a particular focus on complex financial and commercial litigation matters, in federal and state courts, arbitrations, and out-of-court negotiations. He handles all phases of litigation, from strategic analysis of claims and defenses through trial preparation or settlement, including motion practice, fact and expert discovery, depositions and appeals.
Commercial Litigation Attorney · Serving New York, NY
Profile Summary
About Michael Ward at a Glance
Michael Ward is a business and litigation attorney based in New York, New York, practicing at Barton LLP. Educated at Duke University (B.A.; M.A. Studies) and St. John's University (J.D., 2011). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Securities Regulation (2026). Serves clients in New York, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Ward
- Michael has a broad practice with a particular focus on complex financial and commercial litigation matters, in federal and state courts, arbitrations, and out-of-court negotiations
- He handles all phases of litigation, from strategic analysis of claims and defenses through trial preparation or settlement, including motion practice, fact and expert discovery, depositions and appeals
- Michael has also assisted in the representation of a number of sophisticated financial services firms, broker-dealers, registered representatives and investment advisory firms on a variety of issues, including employee recruiting and raiding, unfair competition, protection of trade secrets and other confidential information, the enforcement of non-solicitation agreements and breach of contract claims
- Michael’s practice also includes representing plaintiffs and defendants of varying size and sophistication in securities matters
- He has represented institutional investors asserting securities fraud claims under federal and state law in connection with banks’ conduct as underwriter, seller and/or issuer of certain residential mortgage-backed securities
- Conversely, he has represented class action defendants against allegations of false or misleading statements made in connection with securities offerings
- Prior to joining Barton LLP, Michael was a litigation associate with Wollmuth Maher & Deutsch LLP, where he successfully represented a range of clients from Fortune 100 financial institutions to closely-held companies and individuals in corporate and commercial matters, as well as reinsurance and insurance disputes
- As published by Thomson Reuters, Michael has been recognized as a New York Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017 to present in the area of business litigation
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Ward's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Ward handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in New York.
Business & Corporate Law in New York
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael Ward is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in New York →
Civil Litigation in New York
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael Ward is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in New York →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in New York
Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in New York are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
New York Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a New York-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in New York Choose Michael Ward
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Ward's practice in the field of business and litigation.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business and litigation, Michael Ward can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in New York
A New York-based practice means Michael Ward attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael Ward Handles in New York
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Ward has experience with under New York law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Ward directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael Ward Online
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Michael Ward's Practice Areas & Specializations
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