Practice areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Elder Law; view more
Licensed in California since: 2003
Education: University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2026 Call today:
916-562-1747
Free Consultation The Ward Firm
2121 Natomas Crossing DriveSte 200-389
Sacramento, CA 95834 Visit website
Providing high-quality legal representation to individuals and families facing serious legal challenges, Justin Ward leads The Ward Firm in Sacramento, California. Serving the entire Sacramento metro area and clients throughout the state, he delivers skilled advocacy across elder abuse, personal injury, employment law and criminal defense matters. His dedicated, comprehensive practice ensures that clients navigate complex legal hurdles with trusted guidance, protecting their rights and securing effective results when it matters most.
Mr. Ward brings a unique and invaluable perspective to his clients, having experience on both sides of the legal spectrum. His background as a former prosecutor and insurance defense attorney equips him with critical insider knowledge regarding the strategies and methodologies employed by opposing counsel in personal injury and criminal defense cases. He skillfully utilizes these insights to craft robust, proactive legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to meet and achieve his clients' specific goals and objectives.
Building on a strong academic foundation, Mr. Ward earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with a Spanish minor, followed by his Juris Doctor from USC Gould School of Law in 2000. Licensed to practice in California since 2003, he has secured exceptional results across complex practice areas. His record of high-stakes recoveries includes a $2.5 million motorcycle crash settlement against a shuttle bus company in 2018 and a $1.4 million employment harassment, discrimination and retaliation settlement in 2024.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Mr. Ward delivers personalized, accessible representation to a diverse client base across California. By breaking down language barriers and offering tailored legal counsel, he ensures every client fully understands their rights and options. This individualized, client-centered approach fosters deep trust, allowing him to craft custom strategies that address each person's unique concerns, navigate complex legal challenges smoothly and achieve suitable results tailored to their specific needs.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Elder Law, Employment & Labor: EmployeeFocus areas
Criminal Law, Employment Law - Employee, Personal Injury - Plaintiff
- 60% Criminal Defense
- 20% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Elder Law
- 10% Employment & Labor: Employee
First Admitted: 2003, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.jlwardfirm.com/justin-l-ward/
Bar / Professional Activity
- State of California, since 2003
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California
- United States District Court for the Central District of California
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
- Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, President, 2023
- Capitol City Trial Lawyers Association, 2nd Vice President, 2021
- Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association, President, 2021
- Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association, 1st Vice President, 2020
- Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association, 1st Vice President, 2019
- Wiley W. Manuel Bar Association, 1st Vice President, 2018
- National Bar Association
- Consumer Attorneys of California
- California DUI Lawyers Association
- Sacramento County Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Charles Houston Bar Association
- California Association of Black Lawyers
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Settled a motorcycle crash case against a shuttle bus company for $2.5 million., 2018
- Settled an employment harassment, discrimination and retaliation lawsuit for $1.4 million., 2024
Videos
- I provided my legal opinion regarding a road rage incident., Attorney weighs in following deadly road rage incident in Rocklin, Criminal Law, 2025
Pro bono / Community Service
- Sacramento NAACP, Legal Redress Committee Chair, 2023
- Sacramento NAACP, Legal Redress Chair, 2022
- Sacramento NAACP, Legal Redress Chair, 2021
- Center For Fathers and Families, Board Of Directors, 2021
- Center For Fathers and Families, Board Of Directors, 2020
- Center For Fathers and Families, Board Of Directors, 2019
- Center For Fathers and Families, Board Of Directors, 2018
Educational Background
- University of California - Irvine, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor: Spanish
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- I spoke to the UC Davis School of Law Public Service Law Program students who are interested in public service about my public service journey and the importance of the work. I also provided words of wisdom for those preparing to enter the field., UC Davis School of Law Public Service Law Program, Public Service Law Program Graduation Keynote Speaker, UC Davis School of Law, Public Interest Law, 2025
- Article regarding being diligent about filing requests for Entry of Default when defense attorneys/defendants are non-responsive to your attempts to get them to file an answer to your complaint., Author, Make Sure You File Your Request for Entry of Default and Entry of Default Judgment, CCTLA The Litigator Publication, Personal Injury, 2019
- Article regarding choosing the proper venue for a civil rights case., Author, Deciding the Right Venue for a Civil Rights Case: State Court vs. Federal Court, CCTLA The Litigator Publication, Personal Injury, 2020
- I authored an article about the significance of the names and people included in releases., Author, Be Careful Not to Preclude Other Potential Claims When Signing a Release, CCTLA The Litigator Publication, Personal Injury, 2021
- I authored an article regarding the benefits an attorney can receive from joining their local and practice area bar associations, as well as from joining the boards of directors of non-profits and governmental agencies., Author, The Benefits of Joining Bar Associations and Boards of Directors, CCTLA The Litigator Publication, Personal Injury, 2022
Honors
- Sacramento County Bar Association Distinguished Attorney of the Year, Sacramento County Bar Association, 2023
- A change maker is somebody who uplifts their community — somebody who thinks with innovation and acts with courage. They can be an environmental advocate seeking solutions, an educator who goes above and beyond for their students or a lawmaker who speaks up for underrepresented communities. To celebrate the culmination of another round of the Change Maker series, The Sacramento Bee’s Equity Lab and the Nehemiah Emerging Leadership Program (NELP) hosted the latest 60 leaders at a Friday night event held at Sacramento State. This group represents the Top 20 Black Change Makers, the Top 20 Asian American and Pacific Islander Change Makers, and the Top 20 Latino Change Makers., Top 20 Black Change Maker, Sacramento Bee, 2023
- In recognition of my commitment to justice and equality, the legal community, and my dedicated service to the California Association of Black Lawyers., Solo Practitioner of the Year, California Association of Black Lawyers, 2022
- Community Service Award, California Association of Black Lawyers, 2018
- For service to the community., Morton L. Friedman Humanitarian Award, Capital City Trial Lawyers Association, 2018
- Sacramento County Bar Association President's Award, Sacramento County Bar Association, 2017
Awards
Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com
Office location for Justin Ward
2121 Natomas Crossing Drive
Ste 200-389
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: 916-562-1747
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2026
