Donald W. Ward
Partner
Indiana injury lawyer 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, 1928
- Deputy Trial Prosecutor, Marion County, 1962–1965
- Deputy Corporation Counsel, City of Indianapolis, 1975–1980
- Fellow, Indiana College of Trial Lawyers
Education
- University of Notre Dame, J.D., 1954
- Hanover College, A.B., 1951
Awards & Honors
- Indiana Bar Foundation Legendary Lawyer Award 2015
- AV® Preeminent™
- Peer Review Rated
- SM by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Sagamore of the Wabash Award, 2005
- Hoosier Freedom Award, 2005
- Lifetime Director and Lifetime Achievement Award, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 1996
- President Indiana Trial Lawyers Association 1978 – 1979
- Indiana Judicial Nominating and Qualifications Commission, 1978-1984, 1993-1995, 2001-2003
- Character and Fitness Committee for the Indiana Board of Law,
- Service Award, Board of Governors, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1979–1982
- American Trial Lawyers Association Stalwart Award – 25 years
- 2016-2017 Best Lawyers in America®
- US News & Word Report 2017 ranking in Best Law Firms
Admitted to Practice
- Indiana, 1954
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Membership
- Indiana Bar Foundation Keystone Society
- Vice-President, Indianapolis Bar Association
- Indiana State Bar Association
- 1975 President, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
- Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Governors
- 1978–1979, Governor, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Fellow, Indiana Bar Foundation
- 1978–1984, 1993–1995, 2001-2003, Indiana Judicial Nominating and Qualifications Commission
- 1958 to present, The American Association for Justice