Brian J Woolf

Brian J Woolf

also known as Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 48 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at East Hartford, CT
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Federal Crime ... +2 more

50 Founders Plaza, 2nd Floor, East Hartford, CT

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 45%

See Website : www.connecticutcriminallawyer.com for complete details

32 years | 1,000 cases

45%
DUI and DWI 15%

See Website : www.connecticutcriminallawyer.com for complete details

32 years | 500 cases

15%
Federal Crime 15%

See Website : www.connecticutcriminallawyer.com for complete details

32 years | 200 cases

15%
Personal Injury 15%

Including Motor Vehicle accidents ;wrongful death etc .See Website : www.connecticutcriminallawyer.com for compleate details

32 years | 200 cases

15%
White Collar Crime 10%

See Website : www.connecticutcriminallawyer.com for complete details

32 years | 200 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 350-600 per hour

Contingency

15%-33%

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 25 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2000

Active

Licensed in Florida for 47 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1979

Member in Good Standing

Licensed in Connecticut for 48 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 1977

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2007

Location

Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC

50 Founders Plaza, 2nd Floor, East Hartford, CT, 06108

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Brian J Woolf's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

85 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 22 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | November 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

A modern day Knight in a tailored suit, (that drives an audi A4) but I digress lol

I retained Mr Woolf pre-arrest, pending an investigation of alleged possession of child pornography. This was my 1st and hopefully last encounter with law enforcement, so you can imagine the magnitude of devastation and xenophobia that I endured, especially given the heinous nature of the alleged cri...me. After a thorough and diligent research for legal counsel, all arrows pointed to Mr Woolf, from his prestigious accolades, internationally acquired degrees to his dazzling distinction in his area of expertise, the choice was pretty obvious. I came in for a consultation where all cards were decked out on the table and in no uncertain terms, nothing was sugar coated at all. Mr Woolf was very genuine with me in terms of what to expect as well as what my chances were. He was very realistic with me from start to finish, never sold me a dream but facts all the way. Upon retaining him, my case was resolved in a very timely manner, I was never arrested and the case was closed before it even went before a judge. Cases involving sexual abuse of a minor in any way is the worst thing that could ever happen to you in this country. It can ruin your whole life career prospects, I mean everything! therefore its imperative to consult simply the best in the field because your whole life depends on it. I can never thank Mr Woolf enough Im in nursing school one day I wish to become a PA. I hope that maybe one day our paths will cross again and he'll be proud to see that the life he once saved, is saving countless others and its all because he believed in me and advocated for me aggressively and valiantly. Good Sir, I can never thank you enough. PS: MERCEDES-BENZ!

Posted by Chris | June 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent Criminal Defense attorney

I chose Attorney Woolf to represent me in a very serious legal matter. Facing felony criminal charges, I was able to retain Atty. Woolf's services early on, which proved fruitful for his wealth of knowledge. Atty. Woolf guided me through the entire process, which was something I was fairly unfamiliar... with. He is very knowledgeable in his field, and has over 30 years of experience to back up that knowledge. He prepared me the best he could for the situation, and gave me the proper advice on how to be proactive in an attempt to better the outcome of my case. He was very informative every step of the way, and was always responsive in answering my emails and calls, almost always within the hour, and I had alot of questions to ask. One thing I appreciated was his candidness, and his realistic expectations of the situation. I think this was important to mentally prepare me for the realistic outcomes that I was facing, and sugarcoating the situation would not have done any good, even if it is what one desperately wants to hear at that point in time. By listening to everything he said and taking his advice, I was able to receive a very, very favorable outcome on my case. Atty. Woolf also is very well networked and has good standing relationships with many of those people who work for the court, such as state judges, prosecutors, and probation officers. I believe having this network is a major advantage when dealing with the system, and that with the combination of his relationships, advice, and preparation I was able to avoid a jail sentence. Ultimately, it was Atty. Woolf that kept me from being incarcerated, for even if I took the proactive measures on my own, it would not have been enough. You definitely get what you pay for here in terms of experience, knowledge, and professionalism. He knew how to play the case well, and it worked, an outcome that was truly a blessing. Atty. Woolf wont steer you in the wrong direction and will definitely help you obtain the best outcome possible in concerns to your legal matter!

Posted by Elizabeth | June 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Review and recommendation

After interviewing several attorneys, we decided to hire attorney Brian Woolf and his firm for representing my son. From my initial phone call during which time I spoke directly with Attorney Woolf, I found him to be knowledgeable and empathetic to the situation we were in. Throughout our meetings,... my initial impression of him was confirmed. We had many, many questions for him, yet he never once rushed us through any meeting or phone call, as he answered all questions until we understood completely. Both he and his colleague Attorney Cerame were very professional and knowledgeable. Additionally, they both provided my family with realistic possible consequences, yet eased our mind with their empathy and the fruit of their legal experiences. They were never difficult to get a hold of, and were diligent in responding to any and all messages or emails. From the moment we hired them, we knew we were getting great representation. I highly recommend and extend my gratitude to Attorney Brian Woolf. Thank you Sir.

Posted by Neel | May 21, 2018 | Criminal Defense

Very straight forward

The adive given to me was straight forward and honest. It helped me deciding what to plead.

Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Client Review

My entire family has the deepest admiration for, and gratitude to, Attorney Woolf, and his colleagues, Attorney Cerame and paralegal Michelle. The Woolf Law Firm defended my brother in connection with very serious charges, and we were very pleased with the disposition of my brother’s case. The enti...re firm handled my brother’s matter with impeccable professionalism, including setting realistic expectations and providing comprehensive explanations at every step of the process. Our family had never faced the courts or criminal justice system before, and we found great comfort with the understanding, calming empathy and consistently prompt responses that Attorneys Woolf and Cerame brought to our case. Most importantly, Attorneys Woolf and Cerame knew exactly how to “humanize” my brother with the prosecutor, the court and the Parole Board. We very quickly realized the benefit and importance of presenting my brother as the truly good person he is – someone who made a single mistake rather than a lifetime of mistakes. The justice system is incredibly busy, and it is easy for the courts and DOC to see each person as simply “the next case”. Attorneys Woolf and Cerame possess the strategy, experience and skill to distinguish their clients in a positive way from the many cases that come before the court daily. Our family highly recommends the Woolf Law Firm. Not only do they possess a deep understanding of the law, but they maintain vital professional relationships as well-respected counsel among leaders within the justice system. The firm’s excellent reputation among colleagues, courts and the Department of Corrections is an advantage built over many years of practice and experience. We are very happy with our choice to retain the Woolf Law Firm. DG – 1/22/18

See All Client Reviews

Brian J Woolf's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Kevin M Black headshot
Kevin Black

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Ioannis A Kaloidis headshot
Ioannis Kaloidis

Criminal defense lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Daniel L. Kron headshot
Daniel Kron

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply said, Brian is a great DUI lawyer."

John I. Haymond headshot
John Haymond

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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. ."

Nancy D. Pelosi headshot
Nancy Pelosi

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Woolf is one of the finest attorneys in his state. I highly recommend his legal services."

John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Kathleen Erin Rallo headshot
Kathleen Rallo

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Monique Mattei Ferraro headshot
Monique Ferraro

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Kyle D Macci headshot
Kyle Macci

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jerome Paun headshot
Jerome Paun

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Andrew John Cates headshot
Andrew Cates

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

Howard Stern headshot
Howard Stern

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His attention to detail and follow up are excellent as, obviously are his skills as a criiminal defense attorney."

Timothy J. Vanderweert headshot
Timothy Vanderweert

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've referred clients to Brian in the past. He is an excellent DUI attorney and I recommend him highly."

Heath D. Harte headshot
Heath Harte

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Matthew James Costello headshot
Matthew Costello

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Friend

"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."

View All Endorsements
Ausaf Farooqi headshot
Ausaf Farooqi

Immigration lawyer

Joseph G. Haffner headshot
Joseph Haffner

Real estate lawyer

Sean Robertson headshot
Sean Robertson

Business lawyer

Chance Michael McGhee headshot
Chance McGhee

Credit card fraud lawyer

Douglas J Wells headshot
Douglas Wells

Criminal defense lawyer

Nancy D. Pelosi headshot
Nancy Pelosi

Litigation lawyer

Kathleen Erin Rallo headshot
Kathleen Rallo

Criminal defense lawyer

Jerome Paun headshot
Jerome Paun

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew John Cates headshot
Andrew Cates

Criminal defense lawyer

Ioannis A Kaloidis headshot
Ioannis Kaloidis

Unknown lawyer

Matthew James Costello headshot
Matthew Costello

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2007.

Conditions issued in CT, 2007

updated on 10/28/2014

A 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 Attorneys

Member

2013 - Present

Connecticticut Federal Criminal Justice Act

Panel Member

2010 - Present

U S Second Circuit Court of Appeals

Admitted to Practice

2009 - Present

Connecticut Bar Association:Criminal Justice Section

Member ,Committee to Reform the Grand Jury System

2006 - Present

US District Court Massachusetts

Admitted to Practice

2005 - Present

Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2005 - Present

Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Liaison Committee with the Connecticut Department of Correction

Chairman

2004 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Admitted to Practice

2000 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

Connecticut Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section

Executive Committee

1999 - Present

The Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

1995 - Present

U S District Court, Eastern District of New Yourk

Admitted to Practice

1995 - Present

U S District Court , Southern District of New York

Admitted to Practice

1978 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

1978 - Present

U S District of Connecticut

Admitted to Practice

1977 - Present

Connecticut Bar Association

Member

Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

2014 Special Recognition Award

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2002 - 2006

Denise Napier, State Treasurer's Election Committee

Member

1994 - 1994

Connecticut Secretary of the State ,Julia Tasjian, Election Committee

Chairman

1990 - 1990

United State's Senator Joseph I Lieberman Election Campaign

Co-Chairman National Fund Raising Committee

1981 - 1985

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

Ex Officio Member of the Board of Directors

1981 - 1981

West Hartford Democratic Town Council Election Committee

Chairman

1981 - 1985

West Hartford,Connecticut , Democratic Town Committee

Member

1980 - 1985

Conference of State Banking Supervisors (CSBS)

Regional Chairman

1980 - 1990

The American Red Cross of Connecticut

Member of the Board of Directors

1978 - 1980

Greater Hartford Jewish Federation

Chairman, Israel Task Force

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Connecticut v Eric Chyung

Reversed on Appeal by CT Supreme Court

See More Legal Cases

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

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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2007
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
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