Eric J. Ward

Practice Areas

Business Litigation

Product Liability & Complex Tort

Professional Memberships

• American Intellectual Property Law Association

• New York State Bar Association – Commercial and Federal Litigation Section

• Monroe County Bar Association – Litigation Section

Expert in these Jurisdictions

• New York

• U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit

• U.S. District Court, Western District of New York

• U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

• U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

• U.S District Court, Eastern District of Texas

• Various pro hac vice admissions throughout the country

Career

Eric (Rick) Ward is a veteran trial lawyer and partner at Hodgson Russ with a distinguished record of success in commercial litigation. Over the course of his career, he has tried nearly 100 civil jury cases, winning the overwhelming majority. His commercial litigation practice focuses on high-stakes disputes involving breach of contract, intellectual property, and business torts.

Rick regularly represents high-tech companies, universities, and multinational corporations in complex litigation across the country. His cases often involve advanced technologies such as medical devices, industrial equipment, and consumer products, and he is adept at working with expert witnesses in highly specialized fields.

Among his notable victories is a jury verdict exceeding $15 million in a contract dispute over the development of cutting-edge technology, a result that was summarily affirmed on appeal. He has also successfully resolved numerous commercial disputes through arbitration and mediation, and serves as a mediator on a panel selected by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

Rick’s ability to understand his clients’ business goals and deliver efficient, effective legal solutions is a hallmark of his practice. He is regularly recognized by Chambers USA (Litigation: General Commercial) as well as Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Intellectual Property). He was also named “Lawyer of the Year” in Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions (Defendants) for 2025.

Education