Ward Black Law. Bringing Integrity, Experience, Compassion, Knowledge to the Triad

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Julie Caldwell
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1 Ward Black Law Bringing Integrity, Experience, Compassion, Knowledge to the Triad As you enter the offices of Ward Black Law on West Wendover Avenue in Greensboro, you immediately feel a sense of both power and peace power that conveys that the attorneys and staff are knowledgeable, competent, and experienced to provide the best legal representation possible and peace that the firm is guided from top to bottom by principles of integrity and compassion. It s a winning combination. Founded in 2006, Ward Black Law is representative of its founder, Janet Ward Black. By combining integrity with capability, Janet Ward has sought to serve others her entire life through her foundation and commitment to a deep, living and active Christian faith. Her distinguished career is proof that legal justice is available for all segments of society. I d like to believe that we provide a judicial conscience, says Janet Ward. We fight for the little guy; we level the playing field for the average citizen. Throughout her career, this Kannapolis native has combined beauty, brains, and talent to make her mark in courtrooms across the state. A former Miss North Carolina who won the Grand Talent Award for her classical piano solo at the 1981 Miss America Pageant, Janet Ward is now at the helm of one of the largest female-owned law firms in the state, and the largest in the Piedmont Triad. For her professional achievements and stellar reputation, she has been named 2014 Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation in Greensboro by the editors of 18 GUILFORDWOMAN.COM

from top to bottom by principles of integrity and compassion. It s a winning combination. Founded in 2006, Ward Black Law is representative of its founder, Janet Ward Black.

2 Ward Black Law attorneys from left to right: Camille Payton, Gerard Davidson, Nancy Meyers, Afi Johnson-Parris, Paul Daniels and Janet Ward Black Article by Debbie Faircloth Photography by Aesthetic Images Photography GUILFORDWOMAN.COM 19

Paul Daniels and Janet Ward Black Article by Debbie

3 Ward Black Law s main conference room with attorneys left to right: Gerard Davidson, Janet Ward Black, Afi Johnson-Parris, Paul Daniels and Nancy Meyers US News & World Report. The publication has also named Ward Black Law to the Best Law Firms in America for the past three years. Ward Black Law Services Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Harmful Drugs/Products Social Security Disability Nursing Home Litigation Workers Compensation Mesothelioma & Asbestos Diseases Car Wrecks Environmental Accidents/ Hazardous Spills/Explosions Divorce and Family Law I am committed to helping common people navigate the judicial system, states Janet Ward. Whether it s personal injury, workers compensation, or a defective product action, we provide a voice for those who have no voice. A frequent motivational speaker and educator for aspiring lawyers, Janet Ward approaches each task with enthusiasm and determination. Well-respected by others in the legal profession, she has served as president of both the NC Bar Association and the NC Trial Lawyers, being only the second attorney in the history of the state to achieve that distinction. Her drive was initially nurtured by her family. Her father, who lived during the Great Depression, encouraged Janet Ward to pursue a career where she didn t have to ask for a job. Originally a scholarship chemistry major at Davidson College, her dreams of becoming a doctor were soon replaced by dreams 20 GUILFORDWOMAN.COM

Ward Black Law Services Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Harmful Drugs/Products Social Security Disability Nursing Home Litigation Workers Compensation Mesothelioma & Asbestos Diseases Car Wrecks

4 of attaining a law career; and though Janet Ward could have pursued lucrative positions in corporate law, she felt led to follow a more personal calling, to work with families and individuals regardless of education or socioeconomic status. I wasn t a born litigator, recalls the first female prosecutor in both Rowan and Cabarrus counties. I was afraid to speak in public, but the Lord gave me the power to speak for others, and my life was forever transformed. I believe that I have been radically blessed, and have tried to be radically generous in return using my time, talents, and finances to connect people to others. I believe at the core of my soul that every individual deserves dignity. Throughout her career, Janet Ward has been guided by her Christian faith to bring compassion and value to those who are often forgotten. She strongly believes that corporations should be more conscious of the risk of new or inadequately tested products. In one case, she represented the family of a young woman who died a week after giving birth to her first child from taking a medication to suppress breast milk production. A trust fund was then established for the child. In another high profile case, Williams vs. Moroso, Janet Ward represented the family of Mrs. Williams, a 23-year-old Hospice nurse who was killed in a drunken driving accident by 21 year-old Rob Moroso, a NASCAR Rookie of the Year. The accident was caused by the negligence of Moroso, who was speeding and intoxicated at the time of impact, which resulted in the death of both drivers. In this case, both of the Williams children were provided with trust funds. The different types of cases handled by Ward Black Law Janet Ward Black and Ward Black Law s Corporate Chaplain Dan McKinley In keeping with its mission, the talented and diverse attorneys of Ward Black Law represent clients with asbestos diseases and injuries from women s health product cases, including diet drugs, breast implants, and other drugs and medical devices. Five US Armed Forces veterans in the office bring expertise to the areas of family law and Veterans disability. It s a great privilege to represent average citizens who alone are not on an even playing field when they face a large insurance company or corporation on the other side. Ward Black Law fights to protect people s rights, and hopefully does justice along the way. Janet Ward s faith is apparent in all aspects of her life. She cares about the emotional and spiritual well-being of her employees and attributes the firm s success to its operating foundation faith in God and seeking to serve His people. In the firm s new lobby, scripture verses were written by the staff on the concrete before the carpet was installed. Weekly Bible studies and devotional material keep attorneys and staff grounded and focused. The firm has also employed a corporate chaplain for the past two years. In his role, Dan McKenney serves the staff as a member of Corporate Chaplains of America, visiting everyone in the building once a week to provide support in whatever they or their family may be going through. GUILFORDWOMAN.COM 21

I was afraid to speak in public, but the Lord gave me the power to speak for others, and my life was forever transformed.

5 Additionally, Janet Ward has served on mission trips in Latin America, providing food and medicine, for people devastated by the effects of damaging hurricanes. She is an elder for Christian City Church. Her program, 4ALL, has become a model throughout the country and Canada for providing free legal services to the poor. Space in the Ward Black Law offices is designated for other female entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders with Janet Ward providing a role as mentor. Building Exterior at 208 West Wendover Ave Greensboro One day a month, Janet Ward spends a day participating in C12, a Christian CEO and Business Owners organization which helps its members make their businesses better businesses and ministries. And finally, Janet Ward contributes time and talent to International Cooperating Ministries. ICM builds churches in third world countries much like Habitat for Humanity builds houses providing the funds for the building materials for congregations who can t afford to build their own church building. Janet Ward serves on the board of ICM as chair of the ministry advancement committee. Photos of some of those churches hang in the firm s lobby. ICM is one of the most rewarding programs I have ever supported, reflects Janet Ward. It has the greater impact than anything I have ever done. Ward Black Law notepad Janet Ward s business is a family business. She works with her husband, stepson, and sister-in-law in the firm. Away from the office, she loves spending time with her dogs. At her core, however, is still a bright, energetic young woman from central North Carolina, who listened to her inner voice that told her to be an advocate for others. In a business context, I want my legacy to be that I worked hard to protect people s rights that I believed in them and worked hard to make their lives better. In a non-business context, I want to be remembered that I sought to fulfill the scripture in Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much is required. Copies of The God Who Hung on the Cross, the story of the founding of International Cooperating Ministries, a focus of Ward Black Law philanthropy, and a God Pod, a solar powered audio player containing Bible studies available in 26 languages Ward Black Law is located at 208 West Wendover Ave. in Greensboro. You can call the offices at or You can also visit the website at 22 GUILFORDWOMAN.COM

Space in the Ward Black Law offices is designated for other female entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders with Janet Ward providing a role as mentor.

We re there when you need us.

SIEBENCAREY We re there when you need us. You have the right... to get your life back. to a fair settlement. to seek justice. 1-800-4-RIGHTS A history of success More than 65,000 injured people have put