Donald Ward

Donald W. Ward has championed equal access to justice throughout his remarkable 71-year legal career. Since his admission to the Indiana Bar in 1954, Don has built a practice founded on personalized representation that makes clients feel valued and understood. As both a former Deputy Trial Prosecutor for Marion County and Deputy Corporation Counsel for Indianapolis, he brings a balanced perspective to his advocacy work. Don has consistently fought with unwavering dedication for his clients’ rights while earning the respect of both clients and legal peers through his integrity and determination. Throughout his distinguished career, including service as President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Don has remained grounded by his family values, with his family providing essential support that has guided his personal and professional journey.Born in Peoria, Illinois, October 5, 1928Deputy Trial Prosecutor, Marion County, 1962–1965Deputy Corporation Counsel, City of Indianapolis, 1975–1980Fellow, Indiana College of Trial LawyersEducationUniversity of Notre Dame, J.D., 1954Hanover College, A.B., 1951Awards & HonorsIndiana Bar Foundation Legendary Lawyer Award 2015AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review RatedSM by Martindale-Hubbell®Sagamore of the Wabash Award, 2005Hoosier Freedom Award, 2005Lifetime Director and Lifetime Achievement Award, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 1996President Indiana Trial Lawyers Association 1978 – 1979Indiana Judicial Nominating and Qualifications Commission, 1978-1984, 1993-1995, 2001-2003Character and Fitness Committee for the Indiana Board of Law,Service Award, Board of Governors, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1979–1982American Trial Lawyers Association Stalwart Award – 25 years2016-2017 Best Lawyers in America®US News & Word Report 2017 ranking in Best Law FirmsAdmitted to Practice Indiana, 1954U.S. District Court, Southern District of IndianaU.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh CircuitMembershipIndiana Bar Foundation Keystone SocietyVice-President, Indianapolis Bar AssociationIndiana State Bar Association1975 President, Indiana Trial Lawyers AssociationIndiana Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Governors1978–1979, Governor, The Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaThe Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaFellow, Indiana Bar Foundation1978–1984, 1993–1995, 2001-2003, Indiana Judicial Nominating and Qualifications Commission1958 to present, The American Association for Justice