Alan Harrison: Business Lawyer, Sandollar Law
At Sandollar Law, Alan is committed to delivering trustworthy legal advice and solutions grounded in experience and skill — so business owners can move forward with confidence.
About Sandollar Law
Serving CT’s Small Business Community
Sandollar Law is a Connecticut-based business and intellectual property law firm built to support owners who are growing, protecting, and defending what they’ve built. With deep experience in business law and IP protection, the firm helps entrepreneurs and small businesses make smart decisions early, reduce risk in day-to-day operations, and respond decisively when disputes arise.
- Small business owners across Connecticut
- Entrepreneurs and startups needing contracts, ongoing legal counsel, or IP protection
- Businesses facing lawsuits—or needing to pursue legal action
- Companies that want consistent legal guidance without hiring in-house counsel
Business disputes & litigation:
Representation for businesses that are being sued or need to pursue litigation in Connecticut state courts (including Milford, New Haven, and Bridgeport) and in federal court.
Contracts & commercial agreements:
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating the agreements that keep your business running—so expectations are clear and enforceable.
Outside general counsel:
Ongoing, practical legal guidance for business owners who want a trusted attorney in their corner as issues come up.
Intellectual property protection:
Helping small businesses secure patents and trademarks, and advising on enforcement when conflicts arise.
Business structure & liability protection:
Advising on LLC formation, corporate governance, and corporate veil issues to help owners protect the business (and themselves).
Attorney Alan Harrison is the founder of Sandollar Law (SANDOLLAR PLLC). Practicing since 2010, Alan advises small business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs on commercial transactions, business disputes, and intellectual property protection.
In disputed matters, Alan helps clients navigate high-stakes situations in Connecticut state and federal courts, as well as arbitration. His approach is clear and strategic—focused on protecting your position while keeping business realities front and center.
Business + IP experience that’s built for real-world companies
Alan works with closely held businesses on:
- Corporate governance
- Partnership, shareholder, and operating agreements
- Negotiated resolutions and litigated matters
In intellectual property, he helps businesses secure patents and trademarks across a wide range of industries, including:
- Aerospace
- AI
- Semiconductor technology
- Hydraulics
- Live entertainment
- Heavy industrial equipment
He also represents clients in IP disputes, working to resolve complex matters efficiently and effectively.
Pre-Law Adventures
Before practicing law, Alan served as a decorated Naval submarine officer and worked as a mechanical and nuclear engineer. That hands-on technical experience gives him a perspective that’s especially valuable for innovative businesses and product-driven companies.
Highlights from his pre-law career include:
- Operated a nuclear reactor underwater
- Developed a method for using ultrasound to diagnose fractures in aerospace composite structures
- Led teams of sailors in maintenance and warfighting
- Debugged software for estimating atmospheric dispersion of radioactive particles
- Designed heavy chemical mixer equipment
- Served as an assistant shop planner at a GE Aircraft Engines plant
Admissions & Education
- Admitted to practice in Connecticut State and Federal courts
- Admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
- J.D., University of Connecticut
- B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University
“Rare in today’s society.”
Useful Information
Questions About Working With Sandollar Law
Do you typically work with a certain business size or industry?
I primarily work with small to mid-sized businesses—often 50 or fewer employees and under $10M in annual revenue. My clients span a wide range of industries, including restaurants, manufacturing, collectibles, professional services (like accountants and doctors), bakeries, and other business owners and independent professionals.
Do you have any particular focus in your legal practice?
A significant portion of my practice is dispute resolution. Many clients reach out when a situation has stalled and informal problem-solving isn’t working anymore. At that point, we often move into a more structured process—such as litigation or arbitration—to protect your position and create leverage for resolution.
When it makes sense, I also help clients pursue negotiated outcomes, including settlements that meet real business needs.
Outside of disputes, I also handle small business transactions (formation, contracts, purchases and sales) and trademark registrations.
Do you have trial, mediation, or arbitration experience?
Yes. I’ve represented clients in Connecticut state and federal courts, in arbitration proceedings, and in settlement conferences and mediations with neutral third parties, including judges.
How long have you practiced law?
I became a registered patent agent in 2006 and began drafting and prosecuting patent applications then. I started practicing as an attorney in 2010.
What is your fee structure and standard billing arrangement?
Most matters are billed hourly at $330/hour. In some situations, I may offer a fixed fee, and I provide good-faith estimates before work begins.
Initial consultations are $300 (and I typically spend additional time preparing beyond what that fee would cover at my hourly rate). For matters likely to be expensive, I may request an upfront retainer—generally around 10% of the expected cost—which functions like a deposit that can be applied to invoices and replenished as needed. Any unused portion is refundable if invoices are paid.
What percentage of your practice is trademark law?
Roughly 30–35% of my practice involves trademarks, including federal litigation and proceedings before the Trademark Office.
What are some examples of trademarks you have registered?
My clients’ trademark registrations and applications include marks for ophthalmic (eyeglass) lenses, industrial machinery, clothing, baked goods, body waxing services, and a pen name. I’ve also successfully defended multiple trademarks.
How much of your practice is patent work?
I keep my patent practice selective. I work on patents for clients likely to benefit from one or more issued patents, based on their business goals, products, and competitive landscape.