Earl S. Ward, one of New York’s most successful trial lawyers, joined ECBAWM as partner in April 2011. Previously, Mr. Ward had his own firm, where he handled serious felony matters including numerous homicide, death penalty, and federal civil rights cases. His clients have spanned a broad spectrum, from indigent criminal defendants to high profile figures and corporate executives.

With twenty-six years of experience as a criminal defense and civil rights attorney, Mr. Ward is preeminent in the field. He has lectured extensively on trial practice, including as guest lecturer at New York University School of Law, Cardozo Law School, and the United States District Court for the Southern District, Pro Se Trial Advocacy Program. Mr. Ward is also a former Commissioner on the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) and a former member of the Board of Directors for the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL). Currently, he is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Bronx Defenders, Vice Chair of the Board of Housing Works, and Chair of the Board of Esperanza.

Mr. Ward began his career with the criminal defense division of the Legal Aid Society. Thereafter, he worked as a staff attorney with the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), where he handled police abuse and First Amendment litigation. Prior to entering private practice in 1996, he was a supervising attorney at the Neighborhood Defender Services of Harlem.