Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Brian J Woolf
also known as Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC
About Brian
Biography
Mr. Woolf has been the Managing Attorney of the Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC since 1992 (formerly known as Woolf Law Firm, LLC). In this position, he leads the firm in providing legal representation to criminal defendants in the following areas: assault, sexual assault and murder, criminal defense (State and Federal), white collar crimes (State and Federal), motor vehicle accidents and personal injury, civil litigation (plaintiff and defendant), law enforcement defense, probation and parole matters, DUI and motor vehicle offenses, drug offenses, burglary/robbery, risk of injury to a minor, domestic violence, post conviction relief, weapons charges, child neglect, Internet/computer crimes, rape, and kidnapping. The Firm also practices in the area of Personal Injury law representing individuals as plaintiffs injured in motor vehicle/motorcycle accidents and other tortious conduct such as Wrongful Death actions.
Before establishing Woolf Law Firm, LLC, he was Executive Vice President and Principal of The Richard Roberts Group, Inc. in Avon, CT from 1985 to 1989. In 1980, he was appointed by then Governor William A. O’Neill to the position of Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Banking and Securities, a prestigious position he held for half a decade.
His hard work and tenacity have paid dividends. He was named as a SuperLawyer for the years 2018 and 2019. He was also named to Top Attorneys of North America (2017-18) and was Lead Counsel Verified in 2017. In 2016, he received the Elite Lawyers Award, and in 2015 Mr. Woolf was named to the Nation's Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association recognized him for Outstanding Service to the Criminal Defense Bar and they presented him with Merit Awards from 2006 to 2017. Even as far back as 1979, Mr. Woolf’s efforts were recognized by the Jewish Federation of Greater
Hartford with the Young Leadership Award.
Mr. Woolf has been an active member of the Democratic Party since 1978 when he served as campaign chairman for Clifton A. Leonhardt for State Senate. Other roles he held include chairman of the election campaign committee for Julia Tasjian for Secretary of the State of Connecticut in 1994, national finance co-chairman for U.S. Senator Joseph I. Lieberman’s U S Senate campaign in 1990, regional chairman of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors from 1982 to 1985, ex-officio Board member of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority from 1981 to 1985 and campaign chairman of the Town of West Hartford Democratic Town Council election in 1981.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr. Woolf graduated with a B.A. from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, in 1972. He then earned a M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974, a J.D. with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1977, and a Diploma from the National Institute for Trial Advocacy in 2001.
He has been admitted to practice in the state of Connecticut since 1977, the state of Florida since 1978, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since 2000, and before the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut since 1978, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York since 1995, U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts since 2006, the United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals since 2010 and the United States Supreme Court since 2004.
Mr. Woolf is the author of “Witness Preparation and Examination for DUI Proceedings, The New Technology on Expert Testimony, An Evolving Science and It's Utilization by Creative Counsel, published by Thomson Reuters/Aspatore in 2010, “The Connecticut Business Opportunity Investment Act: An Overview of its Regulatory Requirements” which appeared in the Connecticut Bar Journal in 1980, and “State Judges and Prosecutors Need Help,” “Lieberman Entitled to Hedge His Bets” and “Keep Divorce Cases Sealed,” all of which were published in The Hartford Courant’s Other Opinion column.
Mr. Woolf is an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Connecticut Bar Association’s Executive Committee on Criminal Justice, Subcommittee to Study Grand Jury Reform, and Federal Criminal Justice Act Panel, appointed by the Board of Federal Judges for the District of Connecticut. Mr. Woolf has also served as a member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association since 2000 and chairman of the association’s Liaison Committee with the Connecticut Department of Correction since 2003. Mr. Woolf also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross for a decade.
He enjoys playing the guitar, singing, golfing, jogging and fine dining in his spare time. Looking ahead, he plans to continue doing what he loves most, practicing law.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
31 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
15%
31 years | 500 cases
Federal Crime
15%
31 years | 200 cases
Personal Injury
15%
31 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-600 per hour
Contingency
15%-33%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 25 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 2000
Licensed in Florida for 46 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1979
Licensed in Connecticut for 48 years
State: Connecticut
Acquired: 1977
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2007
Location
Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC
50 Founders Plaza, 2nd Floor, East Hartford, CT, 06108
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Brian J Woolf's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 81 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by ER | December 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Attorney
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Attorney Woolf for the incredible work he did on my case. His expertise, dedication, and steady guidance brought me real peace of mind during a very difficult time. He was always prepared, always honest, and made sure I fully understood every step of the proc...
Posted by Jason | September 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best!
Brian was absolutely the best ! Such a genuine person and charismatic. When it came to lawyering my case, he did it with ease, he really understands not only the law, but the way the system works, and how to get your case thrown out or minimized - hire this team, no questions asked. They're the best ...
Posted by Paul | July 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He's in your corner for 12 rounds
Brian is not just my attorney I consider him my friend we have known each other for 35 plus years
Posted by M.C | June 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Attorney Woolf is truly exceptional!
Mr. Brian Woolf is hands down the best criminal defense lawyer in Connecticut. He handled my case with incredible professionalism, dedication, and care. Thanks to Attorney Woolf, I got through one of the most stressful times in my life, and my case was successfully dismissed. I’m beyond grateful for ...
Posted by Mary | May 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
From Panic to Peace of Mind…
I was absolutely terrified when I found myself accused of a financial crime I knew nothing about. Having never been in any legal trouble before, I didn’t know what to expect. Attorneys Woolf & Ross was a steady and reassuring presence throughout the entire ordeal. They guided me through high-stakes d...
Brian J Woolf's Lawyer Endorsements
"Brian is one of the pillars of the Connecticut defense bar. I have trusted him with referrals and strongly endorse him in all criminal matters."
"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. Brian is an excellent attorney who fights hard for his client and leaves no stone unturned. He is meticulous and extremely thorough. Anyone who has Attorney Woolf by their side is in good hands."
"Simply said, Brian is a great DUI lawyer."
"I have been practicing law for nearly 40 years. My clients often have sophisticated and complex criminal issues. My Law Firm does not deal in criminal matters. We refer all our clients to Attorney Woolf because I know for certain that they will receive the best possible criminal representation. Brian has proven his expertise over the course of his career and has a reputation as a reknown criminal defense lawyer. ."
"I highly recommend this lawyer. I had the pleasure of co-counseling with Brian on matter over the past year and a half and found him to be bright and extremely knowledgeable. Brian has a unique ability to analyze a case and cut to the heart of the matter. I welcome the opportunity to work with Brian on future matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Woolf is one of the finest attorneys in his state. I highly recommend his legal services."
"Brian is an experienced, highly respected attorney who always represents his clients with the utmost of skill,knowledge and understanding.i can readily endorse him without hesitation or reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Brian Woolf is an excellent criminal law attorney. I've seen him in action in the courtroom. He has a commanding presence and impressive mastery of the substantive and procedural law. I've seen him obtain very good results for his clients consistently. He is one of two attorneys I would hire if I were ever in trouble."
"Excellent lawyer and mentor. Attorney Woolf knows the devil is in the details of any case and has a thorough understanding of the law and how to apply it. Attorney Woolf knows that a law firm's reputation is based on satisfying his clients. All of my referrals to Attorney Woolf have all been extremely pleased with his work."
"I endorse Brian Woolf as a criminal defense lawyer. I have come to know Brian and his work from our mutual commitment to the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (CCDLA). Brian is not only an able advocate for his clients is but also a dedicated CCDLA member who is always willing to help other members achieve the best results for our clients."
"I endorse this lawyer because I have known him for nine years in the community and he has been practicing far longer. Mr. Woolf is aggressive and persuasive with judges and prosecutors, but at the same time has earned their respect and admiration. This puts him in a unique position when representing clients in criminal defense--an area that requires vigorous and knife like precision accompanied by instincts that allow him to know just how far he can go on any issue. Mr. Woolf is always prepared in court and ready to try a case to acquittal before judge or jury. I should also mention that as an officer of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association that he has been instrumental in giving clients access to their attorney's while incarcerated to such a degree that I feel like I can visit a client in any facility at any time of any day including holidays. He has personally intervened on behalf of my clients several times during the past 12 months. Thanks you Attorney Woolf!"
"I endorse this lawyer. His attention to detail and follow up are excellent as, obviously are his skills as a criiminal defense attorney."
"I've referred clients to Brian in the past. He is an excellent DUI attorney and I recommend him highly."
"AttorneyWoolf spends a lot of time responding to questions posted on this website with informative and considerate answers which reflect a high degree of knowledge and expertise. He shows compassion and a willingness to help clients during difficult times. I endorse this lawyer"
"Attorney Woolf has been a mentor to young lawyers like myself for most of his distinguished career. Attorney Woolf has provided his time and counsel to many young lawyers in the Hartford legal community. With his years of experience, Attorney Woolf is an outstanding lawyer. I am proud to call him a friend."
Ausaf Farooqi
Immigration lawyer
Joseph Haffner
Real estate lawyer
Sean Robertson
Business lawyer
Chance McGhee
Credit card fraud lawyer
Douglas Wells
Criminal defense lawyer
Nancy Pelosi
Litigation lawyer
Kathleen Rallo
Criminal defense lawyer
Jerome Paun
Criminal defense lawyer
Andrew Cates
Criminal defense lawyer
Ioannis Kaloidis
Unknown lawyer
Matthew Costello
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2007.
Conditions issued in CT, 2007
updated on 10/28/2014A condition is a disciplinary order from the Statewide Grievance Committee that an attorney fulfill a condition within a certain time frame. If the attorney does not fulfill a condition in a timely manner, the Superior Court may also impose any condition necessary to protect the public.
Brian’s comment:
“This was the only time in 37 years that I have been the subject of any Order in CT or any other state. I agreed to a "Conditional Admission" for "inadvertent failure" to adequately explain a fee agreement.. I agreed to take a 3 hour course in legal ethics.The original Client complaint was only against my co-counsel. He retained an attorney and went to a hearing. I testified at his hearing to virtually the identical set of facts as against me .The complaint against him was "Dismissed"”
Honors
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Recognition Award Granted, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Top Attorneys of North America 2017-18, Who's Who Directories
2017
Lead Counsel Verified, Lead Counsel
2016
Elite Lawyers Award, Elite Lawyers
2015
Nation's Top One Percent, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
Outstanding Service to the Criminal Defense Bar, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2013
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2012
Merit AWard, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2011
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2010
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2009
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2008
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2007
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2006
Merit Award, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2005
Certificate of Appreciation, The Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2003
Certificate of Appreciation, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
1979
Young Leadership Award, The Greater Hartford Jewish Federation
Work Experience
1996 - Present
Managing Attorney, Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC
1993 - 1995
Managing Partner, Woolf, Scibilia & Cugno, Attorneys at Law
1990 - 1992
Partner, Cohen,Channin & Woolf, Attorneys at Law
1985 - 1990
Executive Vice President, The Richard Roberts Group,Inc
1980 - 1985
Commissioner, The Connecticut Dept of Banking & Securities
Associations
2015 - Present
Association of Federal Defense AttorneysMember
2013 - Present
Connecticticut Federal Criminal Justice ActPanel Member
2010 - Present
U S Second Circuit Court of AppealsAdmitted to Practice
2009 - Present
Connecticut Bar Association:Criminal Justice SectionMember ,Committee to Reform the Grand Jury System
2006 - Present
US District Court MassachusettsAdmitted to Practice
2005 - Present
Connecticut Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Liaison Committee with the Connecticut Department of CorrectionChairman
2004 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarAdmitted to Practice
2000 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Connecticut Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionExecutive Committee
1999 - Present
The Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
1995 - Present
U S District Court, Eastern District of New YourkAdmitted to Practice
1995 - Present
U S District Court , Southern District of New YorkAdmitted to Practice
1978 - Present
Florida BarMember
1978 - Present
U S District of ConnecticutAdmitted to Practice
1977 - Present
Connecticut Bar AssociationMember
Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
2014 Special Recognition Award
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2002 - 2006
Denise Napier, State Treasurer's Election CommitteeMember
1994 - 1994
Connecticut Secretary of the State ,Julia Tasjian, Election CommitteeChairman
1990 - 1990
United State's Senator Joseph I Lieberman Election CampaignCo-Chairman National Fund Raising Committee
1981 - 1985
The Connecticut Housing Finance AuthorityEx Officio Member of the Board of Directors
1981 - 1981
West Hartford Democratic Town Council Election CommitteeChairman
1981 - 1985
West Hartford,Connecticut , Democratic Town CommitteeMember
1980 - 1985
Conference of State Banking Supervisors (CSBS)Regional Chairman
1980 - 1990
The American Red Cross of ConnecticutMember of the Board of Directors
1978 - 1980
Greater Hartford Jewish FederationChairman, Israel Task Force
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Connecticut v Eric Chyung
Reversed on Appeal by CT Supreme Court
Education
2001
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Diploma
1977
University of Connecticut School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor (with Honors)
1974
University of Pennsylvania
MA - Masters
1972
Hebrew University of Jerusalem,Israel
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
The Business Leaders Spotlight Show , Legal Issues
Personal Injury Radio Interview:
1984
The Connecticut Bankers Association Annual Convention
Banking Commissioner's Annual Address
1983
The Connecticut Bankers Association Annual Convention
Banking Commissioner's Annual Address
1982
The Connecticut Bankers Association
Banking Commissioner's Annual Address
1981
The Connecticut Bankers Association-Annual Convention
Banking Commissioner's Annual Address
Publications
2013
Connecticut Law Tribune
Connecticut Lawyer Recalls Apartheid and Nelson Mandela
2010
Thomson West publication
Witness Preparationj and Examination for DUI Proceedings .The New Technology on Expert Testimony
2003
TheHartford Courant-" Other Opinion "
" Keep Divorce Cases Sealed "
2000
The Hartford Courant-" Other Opinion "
" Lieberman Entitled to Hedge His Bets "
1999
The Hartford Courant-" Other Opinion ".
" Where Is Our Criminal Justice Headed "
1996
The Hartford Courant-" Other Opinion "
"State Judges and Prosecutors Need Help"
1980
Connecticut Bar Journal
The Connecticut Business Opportunity Investment Act : An Overview of its Regulatory Requirements
Languages
Hebrew
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can someone travel overseas while waiting for an approval for a diversionary program ?
24 Oct 2025
Q&A
What is the statute of limitations for uncharged infractions? Does an arrest or summons stop the clock for infractions?
06 Oct 2025
Q&A
What outcomes would be expected in a violation of probation in CT on felony DUI (2nd offense)?
09 Sep 2025