Partner

Michael C. Ward

212.885.8826 mward@bartonesq.com
Partner

Michael C. Ward

212.885.8826 mward@bartonesq.com
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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.

Michael has been selected to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and, as published by Thomson Reuters, he has been recognized as a New York Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017 to present in the area of business litigation.

Michael C Ward - RisingStar

Practices
Industry Experience
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Matters

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Litigation & Dispute Resolution
  • Litigated Suit Brought Under Franchise Practices Act
    • Represented a theme park owner in a dispute with a nationwide operator brought under the New Jersey
      Franchise Practices Act and in connection with counterclaims for breach of commercial lease agreement.
  • Represented Manufacturer in Products Liability Action
    • Represented a manufacturer of component parts in connection with a products liability action arising from a crane collapse in New York City.
  • Represented Multinational Funds in Bankruptcy Proceedings
    • Represented multinational funds in bankruptcy proceedings arising from the allegations of fraud perpetrated by Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.
  • Counsel to Fortune 100 Investor Asserting Securities Fraud Claims
    • Represented a Fortune 100 institutional investor asserting securities fraud claims under federal and state law in connection with a bank’s conduct as underwriter, seller, and/or issuer of certain residential mortgage-backed securities.
  • Obtained Dismissal on Summary Judgment of Securities Fraud Claims
    • Successfully defended a private equity fund in an action by an investor alleging securities fraud. Claims were dismissed on summary judgment.
  • Counsel to Investment Management Firm in Misappropriation of Information Action
    • Represented an investment management firm and several of its employees in an action alleging misappropriation of information relating to derivative contracts with a competitor’s trading partners.
  • Represented Contractor in Its Dispute with Luxury Cosmetics Retailer Over Amounts Owed
    • Represented contractor in its dispute with luxury cosmetics retailer over amounts owed in connection with multiple change orders incurred in build out of retailer’s flagship storefront in New York City.
  • Represented Bankruptcy Estate in ADR Proceedings
    • Represented the bankruptcy estate of a large financial institution in ADR proceedings seeking
      indemnification for loan originators’ breaches of representations and warranties on collateral underlying certain mortgage-backed securities.
  • Counsel to Fortune 50 Insurer Seeking Reinsurance Payments
    • Represented a Fortune 50 insurer in state court actions and arbitrations seeking reinsurance payments from
      the reinsurer.